Ōtautahi / Christchurch Daily Photo

A daily photo from Ōtautahi, Christchurch, New Zealand

The Wizard Rings a Bell for our fallen Christ Church Cathedral

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Michelle

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I was walking down Durham Street at lunchtime today when I heard a bell ringing out, so of course I had to investigate. I discovered the source of the bell-tolling was none other than our Wizard. He’s on a mission to save the Christ Church Cathedral from demolition, believing that it can be rebuilt.

Whether you agree with him or not (or hold no opinion at all), you have to admire his level of commitment to his cause. And after speaking to him briefly I now understand just how strongly he feels about this. And it’s no wonder really, when he has spent a good part of his life standing in front of the Cathedral – it’s a huge part of his personal history.

Unfortunately the future looks pretty grim for the Cathedral, you only have to take one look at it to know it’s in pretty bad shape (OK that might be an understatement…).  Demolition of the Cathedral’s tower has started and you can view a video of this on the Press website. Watching it made me feel a little sick actually.

Gerry Brownlee has also called on the Church leaders to release information about the damage to the Cathedral due to the level of public interested – see more at this Press article.

If you want to know more, visit the Facebook Page ‘The Heart of Christchurch‘.

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4 responses to “The Wizard Rings a Bell for our fallen Christ Church Cathedral”

  1. gerald avatar
    gerald

    Great to see the Wizard still active – I don’t think I dare watch that video – it could be too distressful _ I have good memories of meeting the wizard 11 years ago now. The people of Christchurch have some heart-rendering decisions to make so I don’t envy them.

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  2. Chrissy Brand avatar
    Chrissy Brand

    We heard about the cardboard replacement cathedral- it must be a tough time for all and I can see why people want the original rebuilt.

    mancunianwave.blogspot.com

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  3. gerald avatar
    gerald

    Well I watched the video and followed a few links and have now made my own post at http://ackworthborn.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/future-or-not-of-christchurch-cathedral.html

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  4. Robert avatar
    Robert

    Is this the first time the Wizard has used an aluminium step ladder instead of his usual wooden one? Could this be a subtle clue that he is embarking on a new mission perhaps? I too can see why the Wizard is so adamant in his cause as its been his ‘stage’ for so many years – quite a tourist attraction he is too!

    As for the cathedral, I agree, and can also see the reasoning behind all sides involved as well. Sadly the reasoning of all sides of the issue are stretched so far to the extremes that any compromise seems near impossible, so I can definitely see the huge dilemma facing the people of Christchurch and the decisions to be made concerning the future – not something to be taken lightly and definitely by far a most complex if not the most complex of issues ever facing any people since perhaps recorded history began. These decisions are much more than heart-rendering as they go way beyond things of a worldly nature – these decisions even go way into the spiritual realm as well.

    By the way, when I first saw the aerial footage on the news of the gaping hole left where the bell tower once stood after its destruction, the sight was so devastating it ripped my heart right out of my chest! Never had I felt such a deeply hollow feeling as this before.

    All I can suggest is that people (not just in NZ but everywhere) repent and fill the churches again, but as human nature is naturally on the opposite side of the fence, I suspect only an act of God could ever bring this about – but I pray hopefully a kind, loving, and forgiving act of God.

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Hello,

I’m Michelle

Welcome to Christchurch Daily Photo, my (mostly) daily photo blog about Christchurch New Zealand. If you are new here, start with Michelle’s Favourites as these are some of my best photos.

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    Here’s a public link with more information about the bird feeders – https://cdn.neighbourly.co.nz/public/rangiora/rangiora/message/48485358

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    Hi there, this design is great! Do you have any knowledge as to who makes them? I’d love to purchase…