Saturday, September 14, 2013

The Good Word

Confirmation: Christchurch's historic Knox Presbyterian Church will be rebuilt – at a cost of $5.5million.
The 1902 church building, on the Victoria St/Bealey Ave.corner, was severely damaged in the Feb.2011 earthquake, which caused its century-old bricks to tumble and limestone to crack. The building's timber skeleton has remained exposed to the elements for more than two years.
Knox Fundraising Committee chairwoman Liz Baxendine says new lightweight cladding will be added to the old timber. The ''modern interpretation'' of the 111-year-old building is expected to be completed by the end of next year, leaving the distinctive peaked roof and striking interior timbers in place, but without including any bricks. The rebuild is designed to meet 100% of the building code.
Baxendine says the church's 1910 pipe organ survived the earthquakes with only minor damage and would be repaired, upgraded and reinstated in the new structure.
Funding for the multimillion-dollar project was yet to be confirmed, but would include insurance, grants and support from the Knox Trust. Another $2m was being sought through trust applications and donations.

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