Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (St. John's) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral of St. John the Baptist |
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| 47°33′56″N 52°42′30″W / 47.5655°N 52.7082°W | |
| Country | Canada |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Churchmanship | Central churchmanship |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Founded | 1847 |
| Founder(s) | Edward Feild |
| Dedication | John the Baptist |
| Events | Great Fire of 1892 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) |
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| Architectural type | Cathedral |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1847 – 1905 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 200 feet (61 m) |
| Nave width | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Width across transepts | 99 feet (30 m) |
| Height | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Nave height | 57 feet (17 m) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Cathedral Parish of St John's |
| Diocese | Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador |
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is an Anglican church in St. John's, Canada. It is the main church for Anglicans in Newfoundland and Labrador. This cathedral is where the Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, Sam Rose, has his official seat. He has been the bishop since 2020.
The Anglican church in this area started in 1699. People in St. John's asked Henry Compton, the Bishop of London, for help. They also wanted to rebuild their church. It had been destroyed in 1696 by the French army led by Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville.
Over many years, at least six wooden churches stood here. Each one was destroyed during wars between the French and the British. The British eventually gained control of eastern North America.
Contents
Building History: From Fires to a Grand Cathedral
Early Churches and First Stone Building
Building the first stone church began in 1843. Aubrey Spencer, the first Bishop of Newfoundland, started this project. Not much was built before he resigned due to illness. This first stone church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1846.
Starting the Current Cathedral
The current cathedral began in 1847. Edward Feild, the second Bishop of Newfoundland, led this effort. He asked a famous architect, George Gilbert Scott, to design it. Scott planned a very impressive church in the old English style from the 12th century.
The main part of the church, called the nave, was built first. This happened between 1847 and 1850. For 35 years, this part served as the entire cathedral. Scott's helper, William Hay, watched over the building of the nave.
Expanding the Cathedral
Work on the choir and transept sections started later, in 1880. These parts were finished in September 1885. Bishop James Kelly was in charge of this work. Adding these parts made the cathedral look like a Latin cross. This building continued the style of Gothic Revival architecture in Newfoundland.
The Great Fire of 1892 and Rebuilding
On July 8, 1892, a terrible event happened. The cathedral was badly damaged in the Great Fire of 1892. The wooden roof caught fire and collapsed. This also brought down parts of the walls in the nave. The intense heat melted the lead in the stained-glass windows. All but two windows were completely destroyed. You can still see the one surviving window in the Sacristy today.
Restoration of the Cathedral began in 1893. Bishop Kelly again led this huge task. By 1895, the Chancel and Transepts were rebuilt. The Nave was finally finished in 1905. The restored cathedral is known around the world. It is considered one of North America's best examples of Gothic Revival buildings. The church was officially opened again on September 21, 1905. A window in the restored Cathedral was dedicated to Bishop Kelly, who passed away in 1907.
Art and Features of the Cathedral
In 1923, a father and son, Mahomet Thomas Phillips and Lancelot, created a beautiful wooden screen for the cathedral. It took them 2,779 hours to make!
A special window called the Te Deum Window was given in 1952. It remembers Sir Joseph Outerbridge. In the 1950s, a large organ with four keyboards was built by Casavant Frères.
The cathedral is still not fully complete. It is missing the tall spire that its designer, Scott, had planned. Engineers have checked, and a 150-foot (46 m) tower and steeple are possible to build. However, it would cost a lot of money. The church leaders and members hope to finish Scott's original plans one day.
Recognized as a Historic Site
The cathedral was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1979. This means it is a very important example of Gothic Revival architecture in the country. It was also named a Registered Heritage Structure in 1991. In 1989, the City of St. John's called it a Heritage Building.
Cathedral Design and Size
The Cathedral is 200 feet (61 m) long from its main doors to the Sanctuary. The main part of the church, the nave, is 60-foot (18 m) wide. At its widest point, where the transepts cross, it measures 99 feet (30 m). Inside, the ceiling is 57 feet (17 m) high where the nave and transept meet. Outside, the roof reaches 80 feet (24 m) high.
See also
- Architecture of St. John's
- Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador
