NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 526, 24 February 1876, Page 4

NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, AUCKLAND.

An Auckland contemporary gives the following description of a new Congregational Church just opened in Auckland “ The building presents a very compact, solid, and complete specimen of pure Grecian Doric—if we except windows, which were not any part of ancient architecture. The effect of this style of architecture is—the purer the example, the more massive, so that being employed in a sacred edifice in this instance, it is in perfect harmony with the uses to which this most venerab'e of the architectural orders was devoted. The composition being so weighty and solid enhances this massive effect. It is also so bard and tenacious that, we believe, if it were possible to suppose the building out of proportion, it would sooner pull up the ground by its foundations than fall to pieces like masonry or brickwork. The front faces Beresford street. From the frequented thoroughfare of Pitt street the building is somewhat shut out from view, but the site is a most favorable one, nevertheless, and its position most convenient for the purpose to which the building will be applied. The of the building as arranged for the convenience of worshippers is beyond praise. The light is abundant. Air shafts, ten in number, are ran up all round the walls, so that there will be no danger of drafts or consequent chills. These shafts are capable of considerable ornamentation, which is here very sparingly but very tastefully used. They are of the shape of pilasters coloured blue with a white vase-shaped medallion in the centre. The windows reach from the cornice of the ceiling down to the level of these shafts. Although the windows are not thoroughly in harmony with the general effect, yet the matter of abundant light in such a place is imperative, and any architect may rely on the validity of the excuse that he has sacrificed a little style to secure a great deal of usefulness. The interior of the building is 70 feet long by 42ft wide. It is capable of seating fiOO people comfortably. The tone of colour is a very pale mauve and white. The ceiling is formed of coffered panelling, with a thread of gold edging running along the mouldings. These coffers are very shallow, so that they will not affect the acoustic properties of the interior. We can speak from, our own experience. The acoustics of the internal space are excellent. The manner in which the sittings are arranged is something of a novelty. A radius line is drawn from the position of the clergyman to the extreme end, and the seats are laid off according to diminishing arc and radius, the effect of this being that every person in any one row of seats will be equally distant from the minister. There are three large gas stars placed under ventilators, of which the action will be increased by being surmounted with zinc coffers. The sittings are very commodious. The cost of the church may be stated in round numbers at £SOOO. Of this sum there is a sum of £4OOO available,”