Christ Church Cathedral (Falkland Islands) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christ Church Cathedral |
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The cathedral and whalebone arch
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 Christ Church Cathedral
Location in Falkland Islands
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| 51°41′32″S 57°51′31″W / 51.69222°S 57.85861°W | |
| Location | Stanley |
| Country | Falkland Islands |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Consecrated | 21 February 1892 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Falkland Islands |
The Christ Church Cathedral is a special church located in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. It's known for being the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the entire world! This means it's the church furthest south that belongs to the Anglican Christian faith.
This cathedral serves as the main church for the Falkland Islands. It also covers South Georgia and the British Antarctic Territories. The church is part of a worldwide Christian family called the Anglican Communion. The main leader of the cathedral is the Bishop of the Falkland Islands. Since 1978, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is a very important leader in the Anglican Church, has held this role. However, a special bishop is chosen to help lead the church day-to-day.
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History of Christ Church Cathedral
The Christ Church Cathedral stands on a very important spot. Before it was built, another church called Holy Trinity Church was there. Sadly, in 1886, a big peat slip (which is like a mudslide made of peat, a type of soil) destroyed part of Stanley, including the old church.
Building the New Cathedral
After the old church was destroyed, plans were made for a new one. A famous architect named Sir Arthur Blomfield designed the new building. It was built between 1890 and 1892. Workers used local stone and brick to construct it.
The cathedral has a tall tower with five bells that can ring out. It also features beautiful stained glass windows from the 1800s and 1900s. Inside, there's a large pipe organ built in Ireland. Bishop Waite Stirling officially opened the new cathedral on February 21, 1892.
Special Items and Memorials
The cathedral holds some unique historical items. You can see a special flag called a White Ensign. This flag was flown by a ship named HMS Achilles during a famous sea battle called the Battle of the River Plate in 1939. A wooden sign below the flag explains its history.
In front of the cathedral, there's a very impressive monument. It's an arch made from the jawbones of two blue whales! This whalebone arch was put up in 1933. It celebrates 100 years of British rule in the Falkland Islands.
Important Services and Celebrations
The cathedral hosts several important services throughout the year. These services remember key moments in the islands' history.
- Liberation Day on June 14: This day marks the end of the Falklands War in 1982.
- Remembrance Sunday around November 11: This service remembers soldiers who fought in wars, especially those from World War I.
- Battle Day on December 8: This day remembers the Battle of the Falkland Islands in 1914, a naval battle during World War I.
Church parades are also held on these days, as well as on the Queen's birthday, which is celebrated on April 21.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de la Iglesia de Cristo para niños
- List of cathedrals in the United Kingdom
- Falkland Islands Magazine
