L to be $150m
The Bishop said that the Cathedral, like most cathedrals around the world are tourist attractions, and this one is the largest wooden cathedral in the western hemisphere. However, while the cathedral has always welcomed visitors, they intend to somehow conjure up a way to restrict persons from certain areas. He assured that tourists or visitors would be allowed to take photos and explore the cathedral but certain areas will be off- limits for sightseeing.
Reputed to be the ‘tallest wooden building in the Western Hemisphere’, the St George’s Cathedral is located at the centre of Church Street and North Road. The building stands at a towering 143 feet. This monumental work is world famous for its height and the immense amount of detailing that went into both the exterior and interior of the building. The cathedral houses gifts from important persons and well-wishers, including a chandelier gifted by Queen Victoria and a brass lectern, near the central altar, given by the Diocese of Barbados. Hand- carved mouldings, the “majestic” stained glass windows, gothic arches and built-in pipe organ, are just some of the features to behold within the impressive structure.
The leadership of the church and the National Trust of Guyana both agreed that the restoration ought to ensure that as much of the initial design of the building, which represents its history, be preserved and not
modernised in any way. In doing so, the building and its architecture will provide all who gaze upon it, with a peek into Guyana’s colonial past.
The cathedral opened on 24 August 1892 and was completed in 1899.