David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Christchurch, New Zealand – the Cathedral before the earthquake

I visited New Zealand in 2004, and spent a couple of days in Christchurch. My hotel was right across the street from the Cathedral. I also attended an Evensong service there. These pictures are not as "slick" as some I've posted because in 2004 I was not very skilled in post processing (still am learning). I was also using a Kodak DX7630 P&S camera (my first digital).


Chip #1 (256MB) 014.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr


Chip #1 (256MB) 010.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr


Chip #1 (256MB) 016.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr


Chip #1 (256MB) 018.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr


Chip #1 (256MB) 019.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr


Chip #1 (256MB) 020.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr


Chip #1 (256MB) 024.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr


Chip #1 (256MB) 021.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr


Chip #1 (256MB) 023.jpg by David Casteel, on Flickr

After the Evensong, I went up to the organ loft to check out the organ and met the Organist. He saw my cap (in my hand, of course) which said “Texas” and he asked where I was from. I told him I was from Dallas, and he asked, “Do you know Ellen Hart?” I told him I know an “Ellen” who was the Organist at a nearby Catholic church and led a handbell choir; I said she had some kind of British accent. He said “That’s she! She was my organ teacher!” (I later confirmed this when I next saw Ellen.) Small world!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Thanks! I like thumbs up.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Good set David.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed them.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

That's a big one and the story of the organist & teacher is a fantastic happening indeed sir. Wow.Jackpot !

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Very nice set David!

alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ

Nice set David. I'm curious what is the story or meaning of what looks like a spire above an alter of sorts in the 7th picture #24. It looks like they have a dedicated hoist to raise and lower it for some reason. Thanks, Charlie

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Thanks for sharing the photos - it was so nice to see the cathedral again - Christchurch is my home town - I haven't been back since the earthquake and from all accounts it has changed greatly, some say for the better others, old timers like myself, say they miss the old stone English styled buildings. Your story about the organist is amazing and yes these days it is a small world.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good series, David.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Hey, David. Nice set. It seems that I'm following you around the world. My wife and I were in New Zealand in 2017 after the earth quake. Still a lot of reconstruction going on. Couldn't go into the cathedral. But we were more into the natural history side. Two weeks in New Zealand and two weeks in Australia. Not long enough.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

Beautiful cathedral, inside and out. Very nice photos. Thank you for sharing.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Yes, it was a surprise both to me and to Ellen. She had grown up in Christchurch and came to the US as an adult. Thanks for looking.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I don't know what it is except a part of the Baptismal Font. It may have some significance, but I don't know what it would be. Thanks for your comment.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Thank you very much. I'm glad you liked them.