Peel Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peel Cathedral, Isle of Man |
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| The Cathedral Church of St German | |
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| Location | Peel |
| Country | Isle of Man |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | Cathedral Isle of Man |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Kirk German, Peel Parish Church |
| Consecrated | 1890 |
| Architecture | |
| Designated | 1980 |
| Previous cathedrals | Peel Cathedral & Castle (on St Patrick's Isle) Bishopcourt chapel (pro-cathedral) |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Sodor and Man |
| Province | York |
The Cathedral Church of Saint German or Peel Cathedral is a special church in Peel, Isle of Man. It is also known as Cathedral Isle of Man. This church was built between 1879 and 1884. In 1980, the Isle of Man's parliament, called Tynwald, officially made it a cathedral. It is the main church for the Church of England on the Isle of Man. This area is known as the Diocese of Sodor and Man.
Contents
History of Peel Cathedral
The cathedral is named after Saint German of Man. He was a Celtic missionary and holy man who lived a very long time ago, from about 410 to 474 AD. People celebrate St German's Day every year on July 13.
The First Cathedral
The first cathedral dedicated to St German was built inside the walls of Peel Castle. This happened around the 12th century. At that time, St Patrick's Isle was ruled by Norse kings. The church followed a style of worship called the Sarum Rite. This was common across much of the British Isles.
Around 1333, the Lords of Man made Peel Castle stronger. They used the church building as a fortress. In 1392, a person named William Le Scroop repaired the cathedral.
A New Beginning
The old cathedral building became a ruin in the 1700s. After many discussions, people decided not to rebuild it. The current Peel Cathedral was built between 1879 and 1884. It replaced an older church in Peel's market place called St Peter's Church.
For a while, the bishop's private chapel at Bishopscourt was used as a temporary cathedral. This was called a "pro-cathedral." In 1976, Bishopscourt was sold. This meant the diocese needed a new main cathedral. After asking the public, Kirk German Parish Church was chosen. It officially became the cathedral on November 1, 1980.
Cathedral Leadership
Peel Cathedral has a Dean and a Chapter. The Dean is like the head of the cathedral. Until 2011, the Bishop of Sodor and Man was automatically the Dean. But since October 15, 2011, the local vicar of the parish became the Dean. This is thought to be how it worked many centuries ago.
The Chapter is a group of important clergy members. It includes the Archdeacon of Man and four canons. These canons are all local church leaders in the Diocese.
Peel Cathedral is considered the "mother church" for the Diocese of Sodor and Man. Today, this diocese covers only the Isle of Man.
In July 2015, Anne, Princess Royal visited Peel Cathedral. She attended a special service to support the cathedral's development. This event also marked the rebranding of the church as "Cathedral Isle of Man."
Deans of St German
- 1895–October 15, 2011: The Bishop of Sodor and Man
- October 15, 2011–present: Nigel Godfrey, who is also the Vicar of the West Coast parishes.
Cathedral Music
Music has always been an important part of the cathedral. In 1755, Bishop Hildesley started a children's choir at his chapel. When the new Peel Church opened in 1884, Ms ML Wood was the first organist. She led a large choir. The "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" started in Peel in 1885. This popular Christmas service began in Truro Cathedral in 1880.
The Modern Choir
The current Cathedral Choir was restarted in 2012. It includes both boys and girls aged 7–14 who sing the high parts. These children come from schools across the island. There is also a large choir of adult volunteers. They sing during Sunday services, including Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong.
The cathedral also has a program for older students. They can get "Choral Scholarships" to help them develop their singing skills.
The Organ
The cathedral has a large two-manual Brindley & Foster organ in the chancel. There are plans to rebuild and improve this pipe organ in the next five years. This will help it meet the needs of the growing choir program.
Music Directors
Here are some of the people who have led the music at the cathedral:
- 2008: Donald Roworth (Organist and Director of Music)
- 2012: Peter Litman (Organist and Director of Music)
Images for kids
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Peel Cathedral
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Original cathedral on St Patrick's Isle
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The nave, looking towards the nave altar and, beyond it, the choir, chancel, and high altar.
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Cathedra (throne) of the Bishop of Sodor and Man, in Peel Cathedral.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Peel para niños
