Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1905, Christchurch

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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The Basilica , at Oamaru, is the name given to the large building used for the purpose of worship by the Roman Catholics. It occupies a fine section of land fronting Reed Street; the original church, used in the early days, and now occupied as a school, is situated in Usk Street. Built of Oamaru stone, the basilica is a large building, with a handsomely finished interior. The ceiling is composed of deep panels of embossed zinc, and beautifully decorated, and the superstructure is supported on thirty-three magnificent pillars in the Corinthian style of architecture, and of stone from the Weston quarries. The nave and aisles measure 90 feet by 50 feet, and have seating accommodation for from eight to nine hundred persons. It was in May, 1893, that the foundation stone of this fine edifice was laid, and the building was opened in the following year by the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, Bishop of Christchurch. The usual parish schools are largely attended; church services are held at Georgetown, Duntroon, Kurow, Ngapara, Livingstone, Windsor, Enfield, Alma, and Maheno, and the adherents in the district, including children, number from sixteen to seventeen hundred.