The final stone has been placed in St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane. This marks a significant stage in construction of the last Gothic Cathedral to be completed.
A crane carefully lifted the final one tonne sandstone block on to the central tower of St John’s Anglican Cathedral in Brisbane where Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, assisted by stone masons, placed the stone.
It is the last of some 2200 stones in the central tower. Up to 100,000 stones have been used for the complete Cathedral construction project which began in 1906.
The next stage will take place next month when the new copper plated spire will be set on top of the central tower. The spire will sit directly over the church bells.
St John’s Cathedral, designed in 1889 and begun 17 years later, is the last medieval construction project of its kind in the world. It is due for completion in 2009, 120 years after it was originally designed, however practical completion is now expected before the end of the year.
Archbishop of Brisbane, Dr Phillip Aspinall, said the Cathedral is at an exciting stage and will be an important part of Brisbane’s skyline for many years to come.
“Many generous people have donated money and time to help us get to this point today and I am most grateful. It is a Cathedral of which Brisbane can be justifiably proud,” said Dr Aspinall.
The final stage of construction began in 1989 and will cost around $39.5 million.
There is expected to be an official ceremony to mark the completion of St John’s Cathedral next year during the Anglican Diocese’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
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Last Gothic Cathedral to Be Completed
Posted: Thursday, 9 October 2008, 16:35 (EST)
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