Waiapu Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Napier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John's |
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| Waiapu Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist | |
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| Location | Napier, New Zealand |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Denomination | Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia |
| Tradition | Anglican |
| Website | [1] |
| History | |
| Consecrated | 8 October 1967 |
| Architecture | |
| Previous cathedrals | 1 |
| Architect(s) | R. S. D. Harman, Messrs Malcolm and Sweet |
| Architectural type | Modernism |
| Years built | 1955–1965 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Anglican Diocese of Waiapu (since 1858) |
The Waiapu Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist is an important Anglican Cathedral in Napier, New Zealand. People often call it Waiapu Cathedral or Napier Cathedral. You can find it at the north end of Napier's main city area. The building we see today was finished in 1965. It was officially opened on October 8, 1967. The cathedral is built in a cool Art Deco style.
This church is special because it holds the main seats, called cathedra, for two different bishops. It is the home church for both the Bishop of Waiapu and the Bishop of Aotearoa. This makes Waiapu Cathedral quite unique!
The Cathedral's History
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The current cathedral building replaced an older one. The first cathedral was built starting in 1886 and finished around 1890. It was made of brick and designed by Benjamin Mountfort. Sadly, this first building was completely destroyed by the big 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake.
During the earthquake, two people tragically lost their lives inside the cathedral. Edith Barry was trapped under fallen beams and sadly died as fires from the earthquake approached the building. Kate Williams passed away the next day from her injuries.
After the first cathedral was destroyed, a temporary church was built on the same spot. This temporary building was used from 1931 until it closed in 1960.
The building standing today is known for its beautiful Art Deco design. The main ideas for its look came from Napier architect Kingwell Malcolm.
Music at the Cathedral
Waiapu Cathedral is home to a choir that sings beautifully. It also has one of the best pipe organs in all of New Zealand! This amazing organ has recently been fully fixed up. It is actually the fifth organ to be on this church site.
The organ was given a major rebuild in 2012 and 2013. It now has more than 3,700 pipes, making it the largest church organ in New Zealand.
