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29 September 2009
My Dear People
As your Bishop, I wish to inform you about the challenges facing us in relation to restoring St Joseph’s Cathedral. I also wish to convey a sincere request for assistance to ensure the necessary work is undertaken so that our magnificent Cathedral is preserved and maintained for generations to come.
St Joseph’s Cathedral represents and characterises many facets of the diocese. The architectural features and engineering techniques are remarkable. The tenacity, commitment and passion of the diocese under the guidance of Bishops and Priests personify this sacred, living monument. Spiritually, it charters the history of the Catholic Church in this Diocese.
I am charged with the task of ensuring that the majesty and dignity of this significant and sacred Cathedral will continue to provide focus and sanctuary for many generations to come. Equally fitting is that the Cathedral remains preserved in respect to those who have preceded us, who gave so very much in the building of this fine structure.
- In recent times there have been signs that the Cathedral building was in need of some repair and maintenance. A team of experts was subsequently engaged to provide the best possible advice on what was required.
- After extensive assessment, survey, and measurement a number of quite startling aspects have been revealed. Without labouring on the intricacies of these reports, the issues are all primarily linked to the effect of moisture effects on the building and the type of reactive clay based soils on which the Cathedral is built. The reactive soils actually expand and contract as moisture levels vary in the soil. One might be able to imagine a swelling of the earth under the Cathedral and the actual structure moving, however slightly, as a consequence.
- The rear portion of the Cathedral was added in 1982, completing the intended scope of works that commenced in 1895. The latter section of the building was based on relatively modern foundations and does not experience any of the movements of the original portion. The relative sections of the building now work against each other and when we now look at the joints where new building meets old building there are obvious cracking and deterioration of the stonework in these areas. The connection of the new building with the old internally is poor, both aesthetically and structurally. The creation of an effective expansion joint is urgently required as the buildings are literally pulling against each other.
- The effect of building movement is evident in many other areas of the Cathedral. In some areas, the floor tiles have ruptured and the surfaces are quite uneven especially near the junctions of old and new construction. The floor located construction joint needs extension to prevent further lifting of the marble floor tiles. There is nothing unsafe about the Cathedral. But I also add – it is necessary that we do something before the situation gets much worse.
- Water is the main cause of trouble and our restoration work will include upgrading the current asphalt perimeter around the Cathedral with a concrete barrier which will stop a great deal of moisture entering the foundations. Rainwater is currently discharged directly to the side of the structure. The water builds up and runs into the foundations. The surrounding surface height has been “added” to over the years and is now some 130mm or near six inches above the concrete stepped footing – where it should be. The restoration works will reposition the height of the perimeter which will also lend much in reducing moisture and seepage problems.
Expert analysis has confirmed that the flashings at the box-gutter which is on the side roofs are poorly configured. In places the gutter overflows are located at the level of the roof decking, effectively eliminating the benefit of the overflows. This causes water to run back and inside the walls of the ‘side aisles’. Those who have been in the Cathedral after rainy days may have seen great pools of water on the floor – particularly on the rear left hand side. This is a consequence of the poor drainage and needs attention.
- Staining of the sandstone as a result of water leaking in from the roof is also quite apparent in various areas inside the Cathedral. Sandstone is a porous type of rock and water actually soaks into the rock and in cases causes it to break down. Corrective plumbing in conjunction with engineering advice will rectify these matters.
- Repointing - replacing the grout between the sandstone blocks, is another aspect that will be undertaken in the project works. This is urgently needed. The stone work was re-pointed about twenty years ago and unfortunately the sealant is now past its operational life. The exterior of the building is to be re-pointed using a lime rich mortar which is far more appropriate.
- There are equally distressing matters occurring with the structural aspects of the building. The Cathedral is moving due to the reactive sub soils and effect of moisture on these soils. These movements place stress on various parts of the building and these stresses have caused the sandstone blocks at the base of a buttress on the North East Corner of the building, under one of the main spires, to crack and crumble. Other stones also exhibit cracking due to the stresses in play – all will be replaced under the project.
The additional effect of the building movement is that one of the spires has taken on a slight lean and is out of plumb. To the naked eye the lean is hardly noticeable, however expert measurement has found the north eastern spire leans out approximately 300 mm or nearly twelve inches at the top. This lean of 1 degree is directly caused by movement of the structure.
- We must put measures in place to make sure St Joseph’s is properly restored.
The consultants’ reports clearly indicate what needs to be done and confirms that we must take hold of the situation and not allow it to deteriorate. We have engaged the trades-people to complete the required work.
We have made approaches to both the State and Federal Governments for restoration works funding and have been rewarded with a further one hundred thousand dollar ($100k) gift from the State Government. There has been no positive response as yet from the Federal government.
- Whilst there is a significant commitment from our accumulated funds, we cannot even attempt to try and cover the entire costs without your help. I am appealing not to the diocese alone but also to the wider community. If everyone contributes a little the onus will be shared and all can take satisfaction in having some personal and direct responsibility for making the restoration project a success. The media, particularly our Newspapers and WIN television, have been most cooperative in assisting with the communication of our appeal.
Some people have been very generous and a number have already come forward with donations to assist us. These gifts are well received.
- The Restoration Committee is looking at ways to have these contributions suitably recorded and recognized in an appropriate fashion. There is still so much more required and I am appealing to each and every one of you to consider giving to the appeal.
We have established a specific website www.cathedralappeal.org.au The website has a range of suggestions for individual giving with emphasis on a financial gift on a regular basis over a period of two or three years. Just a few dollars a week can build to a substantial sum over a three year period.
- Good stewardship dictates that we care for what we have received and that we make our own contribution, as an expression of our faith, to the Cathedral's future.
It is also true that there are other needs in the diocese that demand our attention and we must not be distracted from these matters.
Much is expected of us since so much has been given to us. If we are able to accomplish what is planned for the Cathedral, it will be several generations before major work would be needed again. This work is needed now, and I believe we can accomplish it together while still supporting other essential apostolates.
I am asking for your pledge to help renew our cathedral. I ask for your support and your prayers. At the same time, I ask God’s blessing on you, and on the restoration project.
Yours sincerely
+ Brian Heenan
Bishop of Rockhampton.
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