The demolition of two residential buildings in Parnell, Auckland, owned by the Anglican church has been described as "sinful".

And in Dunedin, an eleventh-hour effort is being made to prevent the demolition of Highgate Presbyterian Church in Maori Hill.

In both cases, the financial constraints are behind the decision to demolish.

The churches have followed all the proper procedures. None of these building has a Heritage New Zealand listing.

Cathedral Dean Anne Mills said they needed the land next to Holy Trinity Cathedral on which the demolished building stood, to lease for townhouses so it can afford annual upkeep on its other properties.

Annual cathedral, grounds and associated building maintenance was $300,000-plus annually. That figure was predicted to rise.

The church in Maori Hill is set to be demolished because the Presbyterian Church is no longer able to maintain the building which it says requires expensive work to earthquake-proof.

The church has agreed to put the demolition on hold until the end of this month so the Dunedin City Council has time to find alternative solutions.

Church minister Rev. Geoffrey Skilton said a meeting was scheduled for May 25 at which the congregation would be informed about the church's discussions with the council.

A decision would also be made on whether to continue those discussions or go ahead with the demolition, Mr Skilton said.

"We understand that some in the community were disappointed by the decision to demolish the building, and we have heard these voices."

The decision to demolish was made after years of discussions within the congregation about what was best for the church now and in the future, he said.

Source

• nzherald.co.nz
• odt.co.nz
• Image: nzherald.co.nz

In northern Syria, the ruins of this Byzantine church still display a very beautiful architectural ensemble dating back to the 5th century. The church was built on the spot where St. Simeon had retired atop a pillar to pray. This is the origin of the name "Stylite," the Greek term stylos referring to a column.

2. The Mont-Saint-Michel

Wonder of French architecture, Mont-Saint-Michel has been a major place of pilgrimage since the 9th century. Its origin dates back to the early 8th century, when Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches, claimed that in an apparition the Archangel Michael himself ordered him to build a chapel on the island and dedicate it to him.

3. Cologne Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the cathedral dates from the middle of the 13th century and was inspired by the cathedrals of Amiens and Beauvais. The towers were completed according to the old plans only in the 19th century. Rising 157 meters high, it is the second highest church in the country and the most visited monument in Germany: perhaps you caught a glimpse of it during the 2005 WYD?

4. The Slovenian Church of St. Mary of the Assumption

This small church is built in the middle of Lake Bled in Slovenia. Ninety-nine steps lead to the shrine at the top of the island. The building was built in the 15th century — frescoes of that era remain — then remodeled in the 17th and 18th centuries. A real curiosity!

5. The Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome

Built on the site of St. Peter's tomb, the basilica is an inescapable pilgrimage destination. If you are not lucky enough to see the pope, you can always admire the spectacular architecture of the building. Artists who participated in its construction — the architect Bramante, sculptors Michelangelo and Bernini — are nothing less than absolute geniuses. Continue reading

Source & Image:

• Aleteia, article by Marie Fournier