Chapter XIV.
Christchurch Cathedral.
Founded 1864. Completed 1904.
The foundation stone of the Cathedral was laid by Bishop Harper, on December 16 (Anniversary Day), 1864, and with it was deposited a Latin inscription dedicating the Cathedral to the Holy Trinity. The clergy and choir assembled at St. Michael’s Church, and in a steady down-pour of rain they marched in procession to the open Square. Then, in the heavy rain, the Bishop laid the stone, and the choir sang the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
The building of a Cathedral was the central idea of the plan of the Canterbury Association, but it is at least remarkable that is should have been undertaken within fourteen years of the foundation of the settlement, and while the population of Christchurch only numbered 6,423 souls (census December, 1864). The building as it now stands is a striking testimony to the loyalty of the early settlers ta the ideals of the founders of Canterbury.
The original plan of establishing a Cathedral and a College together in the centre of the city had been changed. It was, indeed, at one time suggested that the Government should use the Cathedral Square site for its own offices, but a majority of the Council declined to sanction so ruthless a departure from the plans of the founders, and in April, 1857, the proposal was defeated. Then followed the first Cathedral Square Ordinance, passed in December, 1858. Its main purpose was to validate the surrender by Christ's College of certain lands, comprising rather more than three acres in Cathedral
