ARMIDALE’S Anglican Cathedral has been placed on the State Heritage Register.
Heritage Minister Robyn Parker and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall made the announcement in Armidale last week.
Ms Parker said the Anglican Cathedral Church of St Peter Apostle and Martyr Precinct was more modest in its scale than other cathedrals, but possessed qualities that made it an exceptional addition to the heritage of NSW.
“I am in awe of both the strength and beauty of this building,” Ms Parker said.
“The cathedral was the first significant brick church construction by prominent architect John Horbury Hunt and it was the result of a collaborative design with Bishop James Francis Turner.”
Mr Marshall said the Armidale Anglican Cathedral Church was regarded as one of John Horbury Hunt’s finest works.
“Built at a time when church buildings were traditionally constructed of stone, the cathedral used unadorned brick material which was considered to be common at the time,” he said.
“However, Hunt and Bishop Turner created an imaginative and elaborate building with patterned layers, single flying buttress, arching, toothing and moulded brickwork.
“Local contractors were engaged to build the cathedral and following Hunt’s meticulously detailed directions and guidance, the cathedral was completed in 1875 and opened for worship.”
Ms Parker said the State Government was committed to conserving, revitalising and caring for places of heritage significance.
“Inclusion on the State Heritage Register ensures that the future management or development of listed sites is supported with advice from the state’s leading heritage organisation, the Heritage Council of NSW,” she said.
