The Sacred Heart Basilica or Timaru Basilica, is a Catholic church in Timaru, New Zealand. Despite its name, it is not designated a basilica by the Catholic Church. It was designed by the New Zealand architect, Francis Petre and is one of his most celebrated works. Its size and appearance make it one of the most important historic buildings of Timaru and of the South Canterbury region. The Basilica's twin towers and copper cupola are highly visible features of the Timaru skyline, especially from the south. The Basilica is also one of the "most noteworthy examples of ecclesiastical architecture" in New Zealand with elements of "Roman and Byzantine architecture with touches of Art Nouveau decoration." It is a registered historic place, category 1.
Basilica
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the third church built on the Craigie Avenue property. A wooden chapel was opened on 25 October 1874, and was replaced three years later by a larger church. Increasing numbers of parishioners dictated the need for a further, and even larger building. The inspiration for the design of the Basilica came during a visit to the United States by the Parish Priest Father John Tubman. His brother was a priest at the Catholic cathedral of Reno, Nevada, and Fr Tubman was impressed with the design of that church. So it is that the exterior of the Timaru Basilica bears resemblance to the Saint Thomas Aquinas Cathedral, Reno.
Upon his return to Timaru in 1907 Fr. Tubman had plans drawn up, based on photographs he brought back with him. The plans were drawn by the noted Dunedin architect, Francis Petre. Although Fr. Tubman thought the plan for the proposed building too ambitious, he was encouraged to continue the large project by the Bishop of Christchurch, John Grimes S.M. Fr. Tubman had at the time £7,000. In order to maintain the budget, the tradesmen were paid at the end of each day. Bart Moriarty, a surveyor, was engaged to oversee the construction. Many district farmers contributed their labour and materials. Farmers at the Levels felled blue gums to use as scaffolding, and transported them to the site. Parishioners from St Andrews carted sand and shingle to the railhead and at Timaru, off-loaded, and carted it by bullock teams to the site. It was not uncommon to see Father Tubman climbing ladders and scaffolding to check progress.
Foundation
The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Grimes, assisted by Bishop Verdon of Dunedin on 6 February 1910. In a sealed receptacle beneath the stone, newspapers, coins and documents of the time were placed. A collection amounting to £1100 was taken up after the ceremony. There were many generous benefactors present, including the Mayor and Member of Parliament James Craigie, who gave ten pounds. John Cassidy of the Levels gave the foundation stone and the silver trowel used in the ceremony. Benediction was given from the site of the high altar, after a "very fine procession". Translated from Latin, the stone reads: "To the Most Sacred heart of Jesus This foundation stone was blessed and laid by the Most Rev. J. J. Grimes S.M. D.D. Bishop of Christchurch, On 6th February 1910. Parish Priest, Rev. J. Tubman S.M."
Completion
It was timely that the church was completed in 1911. The wooden church had burnt down in 1910 and Mass had been celebrated in the boys’ school until the Basilica was ready. The building cost £23,000 and was practically completed and paid for by the time of the opening and consecration, on Rosary Sunday, 1 October 1911. This was an enormous effort by a relatively poor, largely Irish, Catholic community. Dignitaries who attended the consecration included Archbishop Francis Redwood of Wellington, and the three other New Zealand bishops. All the district's mayors were in attendance, being given seats of honour. The church was packed with clergy and laity. The Messe solennelle en l’honneur de Sainte-Cécile (St Cecilia Mass or Mass in G), composed by Charles Gounod, was sung by the choir of sixty, supported by a full orchestra. The sermon was preached by Bishop Cleary of Auckland. Following the blessing ceremony an unexpected honour was bestowed on Father Tubman. He was elevated to the office of Dean. The honour was a complete surprise to all in attendance. The plan of the building is cruciform. The style is Roman Renaissance of the Ionic order. Most of the material used was ferro-concrete, Oamaru stone, and locally made bricks.