The building First Church of Otago

the rear of building shows true architecture , extravagant european basilica-like quality of church, shocked congregation.



the mausoleum of william larnach , family, in dunedin northern cemetery, new zealand, miniature replica of first church.

externally, first church replicates effect, if on smaller scale, of late norman cathedrals of england. cathedral-like design , size can best appreciated rear. there apse flanked turrets, dwarfed massive gable containing great rose window. large circular window after spire becomes focal point of rear elevations. whole architectural essay appears here european. inside, instead of stone vaulted ceiling of norman cathedral, there hammer beams supporting ceiling of pitched wood , stone pointed arch acts simple proscenium central pulpit. above diffused light enters through rose window of stained glass. flanked further lights on lower level, while twin organ pipes emphasise symmetry of pulpit.

at 56.4 metres (185 ft), spire makes building 1 of tallest in south island, , island s tallest building until construction of christchurch cathedral, christchurch completed in 1881. again held rank briefly 1888, after latter building damaged earthquake. church city s tallest building, , fourth tallest building in south island (after pacific tower, forsyth barr building, , rydge s hotel, in christchurch).

the building constructed of oamaru stone, set on foundations of basalt breccia port chalmers, details carved louis godfrey, did of woodcarving in interior. use of cathedral glass , coloured unfigured glass pending donation of pictorial window rose window characteristic of otago s 19th-century churches, donors relatively few reflecting low church sentiments of place. similar examples can found in several of lawson s other churches throughout otago.

other notable features of building include stained glass windows dedicated fallen in war , otago mounted rifles. many years, church housed 1908 norman & baird organ, though replaced in 1983 digital organ allen. full set of 8 change-ringing bells, cast whitechapel bell foundry, installed in 1975 , rung members of australian , new zealand association of bellringers. @ time such set in presbyterian church outside united kingdom , claimed southernmost ring of bells in world. large bell on pedestal stands outside church, sent scotland in 1851. located in grounds in front of church memorial plaque dr. burns. entrance gates church feature 2 lamps started life edinburgh street lamps, connection homeland of many of city s first settlers.

a miniature of church created lawson in city s northern cemetery family tomb noted dunedinite william larnach.

the church in regular use, regular services, including sunday services city s pacific island community in both samoan , cook island maori. church used variety of both religious , secular civic , cultural events within city.