West Gable Wall cont'd.

Demolition continues.

A vanishing wall

 We were hoping to stop at the decorative edge above the windows but judging from the damages we are seeing inside, we may have to go down to the window lintels.

Demolition debris

The remains of the cross

We now see just how rotten the inside of the wooden cross was.  I have a sentimental attachment to this cross.  After the 1974 earthquake the Cathedral was damaged and we were not allowed to re-enter it for some time.  From the outside the damage was not visible but the cross piece of this cross had fallen off.  The abscence of it indicated to me that the Cathedral was still damaged and the reattachement that repairs had been made.   I feel like I am saying goodbye to an old friend.  This object has done its duty and will now be discarded.  Thanks be to God, what it symbolises remains in our hearts.  " ...the wonderous Cross whereupon all human service and sacrifice find their highest consecration." (Archbishop Edward Hutson, 3rd May 1936)

The Cathedral under repairs possibly after the 1974 earthquake