This cathedral was built 130 years ago in The Square in the centre of Christchurch. In 1888, the spire on top of the steeple fell off in an earthquake but it was rebuilt. In recent years, the cathedral was strengthened to make it safer in an earthquake, but maybe it was not strengthened enough. It was a beautiful building, built in stone in a Gothic style. It was like the heart of the city. Although it belonged to the Church of England, the Christchurch City Council helped to pay for the new roof a few years ago and for earthquake strengthening. Christchurch people therefore think that the cathedral belongs to the whole city, to everybody.

　　There will be strong protests from people who are angry about losing this beautiful building. They say that it could be saved if we can find the money to save it. Other people say, “Let’s build a new, safe cathedral.” And some people ask, “Do we need a cathedral?”

　　Vocabulary

　　the Bishop – she is the head of the church in Canterbury

　　high (adj) height (noun)

　　stained glass windows – coloured glass is used by artists to make pictures in the windows

　　steeple – tall tower, with big bells inside it

　　spire – like a pointed cone on top of the tower

　　strong (adj) strengthen (verb) = make strong

　　minor – only a little; opposite is ‘major’

　　Church of England – Anglican church