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

St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral , the oldest English church in Dunedin, occupies one of the finest sites in the city but the building itself is small and presents no very striking features. The church, which was erected about the year 1854, originally consisted of have and aisle, with a tower and a small spire; but the latter had to be removed some years ago as it was insecure, and another aisle has been added. Inside, the church is commodious and well arranged, although far too small for its purpose; and it is beautified with some handsome stone pillars and several richly-hued memorial windows. There is accommodation for 550 worshippers. The first vicar of St. Paul's was the late Archdeacon Fenton, who arrived in Dunedin in 1852. He was succeeded, in 1859, by the Venerable E. G. Edwards, who resigned in 1894. The bishop of the diocese then took charge of the church, with its large liabilities, and it was constituted a Cathedral by Synodical action. The affairs of the Cathedral are managed by a chapter consisting of the Bishop, the Dean (Very Rev. A. R. Fitchett, D. D.) and several canons, lay and clerical. The Venerable Christopher Gerard Robinson, M.A., Archdeacon of Dunedin, was appointed Bishop's Vicar in the Cathedral in 1896, and has the cure of souls in the district attached to it. The services are well attended, and the music is very efficiently rendered by a well-trained choir under the organist, Mr. W. E. Taylor, F.R.C.O. During the last six years the congregation worshipping in St. Paul's have provided for the liquidation of debentures representing about £3000, besides paying a pension of £250 per annum to the late incumbent. It is expected, as a result of special subscriptions extending over three years, that the old liabilities will be entirely discharged during the current year (1904). A large Sunday school is attached to the Cathedral, and the guilds and other societies are in good working order.

St. Paul's Cathedral, Dunedin. Armstrong, photo.

St. Paul's Cathedral, Dunedin. Armstrong, photo.