St Patrick's Basilica, Oamaru: Difference between revisions
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===Organ=== |
===Organ=== |
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In 1915, a further highlight in the Basilica’s history was the installation of a “Postive” pipe organ which added greatly to the meaning of the services as well as enhancing the skills of the choir. A full report on the first organ recital on October 14th 1915, included much technical information on this latest asset. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 20:37, 1 March 2015
| St Patrick's Basilica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | Oamaru, North Otago |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| History | |
| Founded | 18 November 1894 |
| Dedication | St Patrick |
| Consecrated | 1918 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | parish church |
| Heritage designation | Category I |
| Architect(s) | Francis Petre |
| Architectural type | Palladian Revival |
| Style | Roman Renaissance |
| Groundbreaking | 1893 |
| Completed | 1918 |
| Construction cost | £13,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Oamaru stone |
| Administration | |
| Province | Wellington |
| Diocese | Dunedin |
| Parish | St Patrick's |
The St Patrick's Basilica or Oamaru Basilica, as it is popularly known because of its style of architecture,[1] is a Catholic church in Oamaru, New Zealand. It was designed by the prominent New Zealand architect, Francis Petre and is one of his most celebrated works. It is one of the most important historic buildings of Oamaru and of the South Canterbury region. The Basilica's has three domes.
Basilica
St Patricks Basilica is a significant monument to the work of Francis Petre, one of the most talented of New Zealand's early architects, and one of the most important architects associated with the Catholic Church in New Zealand. The Basilica is an aesthetically imposing building that makes a vital contribution to the streetscape. Its bulk, form and architectural styling are impressive. The interior is richly decorated, with carved limestone columns, pressed tin ceilings, wooden pews and religious sculptures. The Basilica is culturally significant emphasising the importance of the Roman Catholic Church to Oamaru, and is a landmark for the town. The design is technically accomplished and forms a vital element in Petre's Basilican architectural ouvre which is among his most well known and iconic works. The Basilica is an important component in Oamaru's white-stone architecture, characteristic of the township, and is as well the key component of the group of buildings associated with the Catholic Church in Oamaru.[2]
Foundation
The inspiration and effort behind the building of St Patricks came from Father (later Monsignor) John Mackay, who became Parish Priest in Oamaru ion 3 March 1890. He wished to build a Church that would suit the needs of his congregation and began fundraising. By April of 1893 he was had enough money to start on the building. On an earlier trip to Europe, he had seen buildings he considered would suit the needs of the Oamaru Parish and he had commissioned Francis Petre to put his observations and ideas into a practical design.[3] The laying of the foundation stone coincided with the silver jubilee of ordination of Mackay, who was parish priest of Oamaru for 36 years (1890-1926) and who supervised the construction of the Basilica from its commencement in 1893 until its final completion 25 years later in 1918.[2] The foundation stone was laid on Trinity Sunday 1893, by Bishop Moran of Dunedin. The successful tender for the construction of the church had been made by D.W. Woods: £3,460 exclusive of the sanctuary and dome.[2]
Nave
the first contract was for the nave, organ loft and temporary sanctuary only. Petre used concrete on the outer lower portion of the main walls of the nave to a height of seven feet. He also specified that the floor of the organ loft be of poured concrete. By November of 1894 this was finished and the church was dedicated on 18 November with the front portico, a flight of steps, the two front domes, the main dome, the permanent sanctuary, sacristies, tribunes and side chapels yet to be bulilt.
ceiling
In 1898, the coffer type ceiling that was originally designed in wood panels and mouldings, was completed in zinc supplied by Wunderlich & Co. of Sydney. The richly embossed zinc, while giving an impression of massiveness, was actually light and had the advantage of being an excellent resonator, greatly improving the acoustic of the Basilica. Five shades of colouring were utilised on the 78 squares of zinc and this work was undertaken by McKay assisted by some of the "best" pupils of the Convent school. This colouring work was done before the ceiling was erected.
Portico and front domes
McKay, who was unremitting in his efforts to complete the building, pressed on with fundraising by means of bazaars and raffles to finance the next stage of the construction. This involved the front portico, the flight of steps, the two front domes and the carving of the columns. The completion of this stage was celebrated on April 26th 1903. The stone work for this stage was done by Messrs. Fergusson, Given & Co. and Mr David Given an “old boy of Oamaru” was highly praised for his carving work on the columns and pilasters. It was noted at this time that the Oamaru Basilica was the first building in New Zealand in which domes had been adopted. Early descriptions of the building stated that it was as near as possible for modern purposes, severely Greek, not only in general design but also in its constructional features, but the introduction of domes and arches, meant that it deviated somewhat from the transom and colonnade of the old Greek models.
==Completion It was hoped to finish the building in 1912, but many years were to pass before the final stage of construction was reached in 1918.
By 1917 the stage was set to begin construction of the final, and perhaps most impressive part of the Basilica, consisting of the permanent sanctuary, sacristies, tribunes, side chapels and the main dome. Considerable excavation was necessary to take the massive foundations needed to support the 150 foot dome. On June 3rd, 1917, the “corner stone” (the second foundation stone for the building) was lowered into position. Bishop Viard “plied the trowel” and pronounced the usual ritual prayers for such a ceremony. The following year, 1918, saw the completion of this last stage, 25 years after the first foundations were laid. The opening ceremonies were observed on December 8th, 1918, with the prescribed rituals for such an important occasion. Monsignor McKay, the driving force behind the whole concept from start to finish, was by now celebrating the golden jubilee of his ordination and on the day, was highly praised for his untiring work over so many years on the basilica project. He was presented with appropriate gifts to mark this most important milestone in St Patrick’s Oamaru history. While there is some doubt as to Petre’s involvement in the last phase of the Basilica construction, there is no doubt that the final design or redesign was in full sympathy with his earlier work. Two days after the official opening, Francis William Petre died on December, 10th, 1918. There have been minor Alterations and additions in the ensuing years, such as removal of the main altar, the stone communion rails, the stone pulpit, the addition of confessionals, under floor heating and removal of the slater roof- renewing with long run iron, but these cosmetic changes have detracted little for the original concept. In this, the centennial year of its construction, St Patrick’s basilica stands today as a magnificent and functional monument to the foresight and hard work of the early pioneers and its use of local stone relates well to the many other imposing buildings in the “White Stone City” of Oamaru.
Completion
The Basilica was finally completed in 1918. Two days after the official opening Architect Petre died.[2]
Features
Domes
Campanile
Sanctuary
Baptistry
Art
Reordering
Glass
Organ
In 1915, a further highlight in the Basilica’s history was the installation of a “Postive” pipe organ which added greatly to the meaning of the services as well as enhancing the skills of the choir. A full report on the first organ recital on October 14th 1915, included much technical information on this latest asset.
See also
References
- ^ In Roman Catholic ecclesiastical terms, St Patrick's Basilica is not a Minor basilica. See: List of minor basilicas in the world.
- ^ a b c d New Zealand Historic Places Trust. "St Patrick's Basilica, Oamaru". NZHPT List No 58. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
- ^ Tom Gallagher; et al. (1994). St Patrick's Basilica Oamaru: Centennial 1894-1994. Oamaru: St Patrick's Parish. p. 3-7.
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External links
Main sources
/Category:1893 establishments in New Zealand
/Category:1918 establishments in New Zealand
/Category:Francis Petre buildings
/Category:NZHPT Category I listings in Otago, New Zealand
/Category:Places of worship in Otago, New Zealand
/Category:Religious buildings completed in 1918
/Category:Roman Catholic churches completed in 1918
/Category:1893 in New Zealand
/Category:1918 in New Zealand
/Category:Basilica churches in Oceania
/Category:Palladian Revival architecture
/Category:Oamaru