Newspaper Article 1992 – Architect’s finest work lost

Architect’s finest work lost

One of the finest public examples of the work of architect George Sollitt was lost with the fire which razed Sacred Heart Church in Hastings on Sunday morning.

Sacred Heart, designed by Sollitt and Allan, was built at a cost of £3300, and featured Gothic timber pillars which were characteristic of Sollitt’s style.

Sollitt (1834-1911) was a Yorkshireman and one of the first architects to set up practice in Hastings in 1890.

The central spire of the church was supported by pointed corner buttresses and the interior detailing demonstrated Sollitt’s expertise in designing in wood.

This photograph is one of a number of Sollitt’s works featured in Peter Shaw and) Peter Hallett’s booklet, Spanish Mission, Hastings, Styles of Five Decades.

Howling dogs gave the alert

A 10-year-old Labrador woke its owners about 5.20am on Sunday howling non-stop only minutes before the Sacred Heart Church, Hastings, was burned to the ground.

Its owner, Raewyn West, said the Labrador and his companion, a two-year-old Airedale terrier, had been

howling during the early hours of the morning for more than 10 minutes.

“We would have usually got up and told the dogs to be quiet, but we had a late night and were too tired to get up,” Ms West said.

The protective dogs had also raised an early alarm when the original Sacred Heart Church was razed on December 16 last year.

“The dogs were also howling on that occasion and we got up to see smoke everywhere. The fire brigade arrived shortly after,” she said.

The old Sacred Heart Church was demolished and became the new entrance to St Joseph’s School and the parish grounds.

Brass candlesticks and vases, small altar cloths, three ciboria and charred chalices -were the only items salvaged from the Sacred Heart Church fire early on Sunday morning.

The fire, which began about 5.30am, is suspected to be arson. The historic church was 97 years old.

Parish priest Father Paul Duncan said today he was heartened by the tremendous public support since the fire.

“People have been offering accommodation, food and financial support. I’ve really been heartened by this,” Fr Duncan said.

The building and its contents were insured but he was unsure if the cover was enough.

“Until we know what is going to be built in its place, it is impossible to say if insurance will be enough. ”

The church had been assessed for insurance earlier this year.

A meeting will be held in the parish office, Heretaunga St, on Thursday night where it is hoped a group to act as a consultant for the church rebuilding will be named.

Fr Duncan said no plans had been aired, apart from the fact the church would be rebuilt.

Whether it will be built of wood is not yet known.

“Whatever the case, it is going to be a slow process. If we go too fast we could overlook some things. ”

Fr Duncan said the presbytery had been damaged during the fire, power was cut and windows broken, but things were slowly returning to normal.

“The windows have been replaced and the power is now on, although it is limited.

“We have enough power-to have an electric blanket on and to have a cup of tea, but we cannot use the oven yet.”

Fr Duncan said a charred chalice salvaged from the blaze could possibly be cleaned up. “We’ll give it a go.”