in Papua
p. 41 · Read in the full issue
First Cathedral
Growth of New Guinea Mission in Papua
X'ORTY-FOUR years after the arrival of the first two Anglican missionaries in Papua, Rev. A. Maclaren and Rev.
Copeland King, who arrived in a whale boat from Samarai, 80 miles away, the first Cathedral in Papua is now in course of erection at Dogura for the New Guinea Mission.
During the 44 years the work of the church has grown, and to-day there are 11,000 Christians among the Papuans.
There are now 15 central stations, a training college for teachers and ordin ands, and 29 out-stations, and the old palm-leaf chapel is to give place to the modern cathedral.
The work of building the cathedral is being undertaken by the natives under a system of voluntary labour. Sixteen boys from separate districts are working in rotation for three months, then returning home.
The plan of the cathedral provides for the following dimensions:—Nave, with crossing, total length 110 ft., across the two transepts 70 ft., chancel and sanc tuary 45 ft. The height of the cathedral from floor to apex of roof will be 40 ft., and that of the two towers 56 ft.
On the facade of the cathedral pro vision has been made for two statues—of St. Peter and St. Paul —to be placed in decorated alcoves. The two towers will be known as the Maclaren and King towers, in memory of the two founders of the mission. These towers will be seen by all passing vessels as they round Cape Frere.
The foundation stone was laid toward the end of last year and, if sufficient funds are available, the cathedral will be completed within two years.
Brigadier-General W. Ramsay McNicoll
(Administrator of New Guinea) and Mrs.
McNicoll arrived in Sydney by the Nel lore on August 25 on three months’ holi day.