St. Andrew's Cathedral

St. Andrew's Cathedral Review

The first church at this site was constructed in 1834, but was demolished in 1852 following two lightning strikes. Some suggested that before another place of worship was built, the spirits should be appeased with the blood from 30 heads. Thankfully, the suggestion was ignored. Indian convicts were brought in to construct this cathedral in the English Gothic style. The structure, completed in 1861, has bells cast by the firm that made Big Ben's, and it resembles Netley Abbey, in Hampshire, England. The British overlords were so impressed by the cathedral that the Indian convict who supplied the working drawings was granted his freedom. The church was expanded in 1952 and again in 1983. Its lofty interior is white and simple, with stained-glass windows coloring the sunlight as it enters. On the walls are marble-and-brass memorial plaques, including one commemorating the British who died in a 1915 mutiny of native light infantry and another in memory of 41 Australian army nurses killed in the Japanese invasion. Services are held every Sunday. A showcase of historical artifacts and a history video are in the south transept. Guided tours are available.