Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church Cathedral |
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| Nelson Anglican Cathedral | |
Christ Church Cathedral from Trafalgar Street, Nelson
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| 41°16′34″S 173°17′02″E / 41.27611°S 173.28389°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Founded | August 1925 |
| Dedicated |
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| Consecrated | 14 April 1972 by Bishop Peter Sutton |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Modernist Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1925 – 1965 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 350 people |
| Length | 58 metres (190 ft) |
| Width | 27 metres (89 ft) |
| Height | 35 metres (115 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Nelson Central |
| Diocese | Nelson |
| Province | Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia |
Christ Church Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral church located in Nelson. It is the main church for the Diocese of Nelson. The cathedral is also the official seat for the Bishop of Nelson, who is currently Steve Maina.
This impressive building can seat up to 350 people. It was built in a mix of Modernist and Gothic Revival styles. The cathedral is 58 meters long and 27 meters wide. Its tall tower reaches 35 meters into the sky.
Contents
History of Christ Church Cathedral
The story of Christ Church Cathedral began a long time ago. The very first church was built in 1851 in a different spot. It was made bigger in 1859. In 1866, this church was officially named Christ Church Cathedral and expanded again.
Later, in 1887, a second church was built at the cathedral's current location. Many materials from the first cathedral were reused for this new building.
Building the Current Cathedral
Construction of the cathedral you see today started in 1925. It took many years to complete, finally finishing in 1965. Bishop Peter Sutton officially dedicated the cathedral on 14 April 1972.
Most of the marble used in the cathedral came from the Pakikiruna Range, near Tākaka. When building began, the plan was to use large blocks of marble. However, after the big 1929 Murchison earthquake, using solid blocks seemed too risky and expensive. So, the marble was ground into a powder and mixed with plaster. This gave the cathedral its unique look and color.
The steps leading up to the cathedral are made from granite. This granite was brought from Tonga Beach, which is now part of Abel Tasman National Park. There is also a special monument that looks over Trafalgar Street. It celebrates 100 years since people first settled in Nelson.
The Cathedral Organ
The cathedral has a very special pipe organ. The first organ was built in London by T.C. Lewis and arrived in Nelson in 1871. This organ was rebuilt in 1932.
After 30 more years of use, the organ was completely updated. It now has an amazing 2500 pipes! The organ is played using three keyboards (called manuals) and foot pedals. The player sits at a separate console, which is like a control desk. This console is located on a balcony across from where the pipes are.
Gallery
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Christ Church Cathedral looking east. The "Centre of New Zealand" is visible to the left of the tower.
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The cathedral stands at the end of Trafalgar Street, one of central Nelson's main shopping areas.
Images for kids
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A view of the cathedral in Nelson, New Zealand.
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Another view of the cathedral in Nelson, New Zealand.
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The cathedral in Nelson, New Zealand.
