Old St Paul's ... #117

Old St Paul's is a fine example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture adapted to colonial conditions and materials. Designed by the Reverend Frederick Thatcher, then vicar of St Paul's parish Thorndon, the first Anglican cathedral of Wellington is considered his finest work.

Constructed entirely from native timbers, the glowing interior is enhanced by stunning stained glass windows. Memorial items and displays tell the early history of Wellington.

No longer a parish church but still consecrated, Old St Paul's remains a place of spiritual significance to many and is living testimony to one of New Zealand's greatest heritage battles. It is a well-loved venue for weddings and other services, concerts, recitals and many other cultural events..

For a narrative of the the life of this Wellington icon go to the history of St Paul's Cathedral and for a perspective on the "new" Cathedral of St Paul, one block to the west just noth of Parliament Buildings and opposite the National Library of New Zealand look at this link

The night photos were taken at the Son Et Lumière ... a unique event celebrating one of Wellington’s favourite buildings.

Tracing the vivid history of Old St Paul’s, Son Et Lumière synchronised dynamic lighting with recorded voices from the past, theatrical tableaux, the cathedral choir and an organist, to dramatise the life of this beautiful building.

From deciding on the site and laying the foundation stone, through its years as the hardworking Cathedral Church of St Paul’s, to the extraordinary fight to save it from demolition - each part of the story is told through the building itself, bringing history to life. The story was narrated by Ray Henwood, a well known actor in Wellington and NZ. An informative and different experience.