Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

The last stage in the 100 year-plus construction of St John’s Anglican Cathedral has been completed with the lowering of a 13 metre tall copper-clad spire onto its final resting place, the Central Tower.

The placement of the 22 tonne spire by a 350 tonne crane completes the project, designed in 1889 and begun 17 years later. The Cathedral is the last medieval construction project of its kind in the world.

The Cathedral was built in three phases starting in 1906. The final stage, costing $39.5 million, began in 1989.

Constructed with timber from the old Albion Flourmill, then clad in ply and copper, the spire has been many months in the making by specialist staff from Copper Form Australia.

The spire sits on top of the tower that houses the Cathedral bells. Earlier this year the western spires were placed onto their towers at the Ann Street frontage making a dramatic change to the Cathedral appearance.

Archbishop of Brisbane, Dr Phillip Aspinall, who blessed the spire, said today’s event was an historic day that would forever change the Brisbane city skyline.

“This represents practical completion of the project more than 102 years after it began and 119 years after it was first designed by English Victorian gothic architect John Pearson.

“Up to 100,000 stones have been used for the complete Cathedral construction project which has involved hundreds of people across generations.

“Bishop John Parkes, the former Dean of Brisbane brought great energy and drive to the Cathedral Completion Project. So too did Project manager Terry McCallum.

“We would not have been able to complete the Cathedral however without those many generous people who have donated so that this dream could become a reality. The fundraising effort has been extraordinary and everyone involved has our thanks.”

“This Cathedral is a beautiful and sacred building but it is nothing without people. I thank all supporters of the project and invite all Queenslanders to visit and share in the experience that is St John’s,” said Dr Aspinall.

There is expected to be an official ceremony to mark the completion of St John’s Cathedral next year during the Anglican Diocese’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Article from: Anglican Diocese of Brisbane