- Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson
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Christ Church Cathedral from Trafalgar St. Nelson, New Zealand.
Christ Church Cathedral looking east. "Center of New Zealand" visible to the left of tower.Christ Church Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Nelson, New Zealand. The cathedral is located at upper Trafalgar Street.
Contents
History
In 1851 the first church was erected at a different site. [1] In 1866 the church was named as Christ Church Cathedral. [1] In 1887 a second church was constructed at the current site using much of the same materials of the previous cathedral. In 1925 the current church construction began. Construction was finished in 1965. [1] The majority of marble was sourced from the Pakikiruna Range, near Takaka. When construction started the marble was to be used in blocks. However after the Murchison earthquake this was deemed too risky and far too expensive. The marble was then ground down and mixed with plaster to give the unusual appearance and colour.[2]
Steps
The steps are constructed from granite. This granite was sourced from Tonga Beach, which is now part of Abel Tasman National Park.[3] There is now a monument that overlooks Trafalgar Street and celebrates 100 years of settlement in Nelson.
Organ
The first pipe organ was constructed by T.C. Lewis in London and shipped to Nelson in 1871 [3]. The organ was then rebuilt in 1932. After 30 years of use the organ was overhauled and now consists of over 2000 pipes. The organ is spread over 3 manuals and pedals, and has a detached electric-action console situated on a gallery opposite the pipes in the Chancel. [3].
Dimensions
The cathedral has seating for 1,200 people. It is 58 meters in length and 27 meters wide. The tower is 35 meters high.[2]
References
- ^ a b c Brenda De Butts, Shirley Horrocks (1971). Historic Nelson. Nelson: R. W. Stiles and Company Ltd.. pp. 9.
- ^ a b The Parish of the Cathedral Nelson, New Zealand (1969). A Guide to Christ Church Cathedral Nelson New Zealand Second Edition. Nelson: A.G. Betts & Sons Ltd..
- ^ a b c Christchurch Cathedral (2002). Christ Church Cathedral Nelson. Nelson: The Printhouse Nelson.
External links
Coordinates: 41°16′33.77″S 173°17′01.51″E / 41.2760472°S 173.2837528°E
Categories:- Anglican cathedrals in New Zealand
- Buildings and structures in Nelson, New Zealand
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