Main Entrance
The main entrance features seven carved heads and a blank stone above the doors.
From left to right, they represent:
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King George the Fifth the reigning monarch when the foundation stone was laid in 1925
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George Augustus Selwyn Bishop of New Zealand 1841-1868
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Andrew Burn Suter Bishop of Nelson 1866-1891
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The blank stone
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William Charles Sadlier Bishop of Nelson 1912-1934
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Charles Oliver Mules Bishop of Nelson 1892-1912
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Edmund Hobhouse Bishop of Nelson 1858-1865
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AW Averill Archbishop and Primate of New Zealand in 1925
A notable feature of the main entrance is the trumeau or pillar separating its two doors. Part of this column has been cut from cream coloured stone used in the construction of Canterbury Cathedral UK, the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion. It was the gift of the Dean of Canterbury. Both Canterbury Cathedral and Nelson Cathedral were dedicated as Christ Church. The arms of Canterbury are carved into the cream coloured stone. Above it is a delicately carved niche which should eventually contain a statue of Christ.
The main cathedral entrance leads into a glassed in area (the narthex). The swing doors facing the main entrance remain closed except when required for ceremonial processions, bridal parties or funeral corteges. On either side of the narthex, other swing doors provide normal access into the church.
General Layout
X Unusual in one respect, the Cathedral is built on a north south axis instead of an east west axis due to the shape of the site on top of the hill
X The altar is consequently at the north rather than the east end of the building
X Otherwise it conforms to the normal Anglican practice, in other words, it is cruciform in design, the nave and chancel representing the upright of Christ’s cross and the two transepts its cross beam
The Tower of the Cathedral is one of Nelson’s most prominent landmarks. It is 35 metres high with its flagpole rising another 5.4 metres. As the base of the tower is over 12 metres above Trafalgar Street, the top of the flagpole reaches over 52 metres above street level.
The eight bells are housed in the tower and they were gifted in 1966 by Sir Jack and Lady Newman and their four daughters.
They are rung using an Ellacombe bell apparatus and in 2021 the Cathedral was one of the first churches in the world to ring the bells to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Rev Ellacombe’s invention.
South End Windows
X Two Windows called The River of Life - Te Waioranga
X Dedicated in October 2005 in the presence of Prince Andrew, Duke of York
X Dedication part of the Nelson City bi-centennial celebration of Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
These windows, designed and made locally by glass craftsmen Len White and Stuart Gapes, depict local geography, flora and fauna, the Anglican Communion compass rose, a cross representing the cathedral on its hill, and the Arms of Nelson City and Nelson Diocese.
Apostles' Windows East Nave
X Depicts Jesus’ apostles, or messengers sent to preach the Christian gospel
X Donated by Sir Jack Newman and family, Mrs Renwick, Mary & Charles Stannard and the Mothers’ Union
X Seven more apostles in stained glass are on the opposite side of the Nave
Moving down the side aisle from the entrance, these windows show
St Matthias
X Apostle and martyr, chosen by lot to succeed Judas Iscariot, whose betrayal of Jesus led to His Crucifixion. Matthias took the Gospel into Judea, where he is said to have been stoned and beheaded. The crossed palm leaves below the figure of this saint are a symbol of martyrdom (dying for the Christian faith).
St James the Less
X Apostle and martyr, was cast down from the pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem, stoned and sawn asunder. The symbols of his fate, the club and the saw appear below his figure.
St Jude
X Apostle and missionary, carried the Gospel to many ports in the course of his journeying. His symbols are the sailing ship representing the church and the book seen at the bottom of the window. The book emphasises his role as a preacher and writer (author of the epistle of St Jude).
St Simon (otherwise known as Simon the Zealot)
X Apostle and martyr, accompanied St Jude on many missionary journeys. Originally a fisherman, he became “a fisher of men”. One of his symbols is consequently a fish.
St Thomas
X Apostle, evangelist and martyr. A doubter until faced by the Risen Jesus, he then greeted His Master joyfully with the words “My Lord and My God”. He established Christian communities in Ethiopia and India, where he met his death. He is the patron saint of builders and carpenters. His symbols are a carpenter’s square and a spear (the latter being the instrument of his martyrdom).
St Matthew
X As a tax collector under the Romans until called by Jesus to be an apostle, evangelist and eventually a martyr. The kneeling angel is traditionally associated with him.The book and pen in his hand refer to his role as a writer of one of the Gospels. Before being called by Jesus, Matthew was named Levi. His symbols are three silver money bags on a red field.
St Paul
X Was a persecutor of the early Christian church until called by Jesus in a vision on the road to Damascus. He then became the Apostle to the Gentiles and was eventually martyred in Rome.The sword depicted in the window represents the Sword of the Spirit with which the Good Fight of the Spirit is waged. It also represents the instrument of St Paul’s martyrdom. The book symbolises his role as the writer of Epistles to the Gentiles.
The Nave
The design of the Cathedral is neo-Gothic, and the part of the building around you was constructed in Takaka marble.
From this position you can see the layout of the Cathedral. Before you is the nave, with its pews for the congregation. The aisle, the space between the pews, is used for processions.
Above and behind you is a gallery which is used for large congregations and as a place of musical performance.
Stained glass windows are a beautiful feature of the nave. They not only add colour and light, but tell of the Church as founded by Christ, and built on his saints and apostles. The nave windows were completed in December 2001, with the addition of St Andrew and St Philip.
On the walls of the nave are various plaques, commemorating significant people and events in the life of the city, the region and the nation.
The Baptismal Font
X Design drawn from medieval English cathedrals
X Made from Takaka marble (same as the Nave)
X Pillars supporting the bowl were gifted by the Italian stone masons working on the Cathedral
The font is where people are baptised. It was designed by a former director of the Nelson Technical School, Mr FJC Cockburn.
Constructed of marble by George Miller and presented by Mr CW Pitts-Brown in memory of three members of his family.
The font was moved to its present position in the 1960s when the church was extended.
East Transept Initial Buildings
X Historical Memorabilia and Displays
X Chairs used by HM Queen Elizabeth and HRH Duke of Edinburgh
X Historical flags - large white ensign flown on HMS Queen during the Gallipoli landing 1917; two white ensigns flown on HMS Colne and HMS Chelmer at the Dardanelles in 1915; Regimental Colours of the former Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regiment, the left Regimental Colours and on the right the Queen’s Colours.
X Sketch showing the original plans for the large gothic version of the new cathedral which were replaced by the more modest existing marble Cathedral
On Sunday 17 January 1954 Queen Elizabeth Il attended Divine Service at Nelson Cathedral. The Queen’s chairs were made in Nelson for the Royal Visit and presented to the Cathedral by its manufacturer. The chairs and prayer desks on display were used by Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during the service.
The Gallipoli Landing is commemorated every year on ANZAC Day. The ensign was gifted to the Cathedral by Admiral Sir Cecil Fiennes Thursby KCB KCMG. The other two white ensigns in the glass fronted case from the Dardanelles were presented to the Cathedral by Rear Admiral, the Hon Douglas Edward Harry Boyle CB CMG MVO.
The local Regimental Colours on the left were designed by William Houlker of Nelson. The two colours are a memorial to the men of the regiment who fell in WWI. They were consecrated by the Bishop of Nelson in 1928. The regiment was disbanded in 1962. The colours are housed in a case presented in memory of WRP Jacques MBE ED by his family. Mr Jacques served in the regiment 1929-1962 and was the foundation leader of the Cathedral Guides.
The Great Rose Window
X Depicts Jesus as the Son of Righteousness
X Radiance flows out from the roundel depicting Our Saviour to all spheres of the world
X Christ is surrounded at the circumference of the window by 12 doves representing His apostles
X Symbols drawn from the New Testament separate the apostles
Starting at the bottom of the window and moving clockwise, they are a fish, an ox head, a chalice, grapes, a lion’s head, the Star of David, the Tree of Life, an eagle’s head, a head of wheat, a fleur de lys (the Holy Trinity), the Head of Divine Man, and a cross made out of the Greek letters alpha and omega.
This stunning window celebrates our Christian heritage, and honours Christ the Lord.
The Great Rose Window was donated by Sir Jack and Lady Newman and designed by Beverley Shore Bennett and made in Miller Studios, Dunedin
East Transept other windows
X Lancet Windows from old 1887 Cathedral
X Pentecost Window above entrance to Chapel
The lancet windows are particularly valued as a connection with the old wooden 1887 cathedral. They were made in 1892 for the chancel of the old cathedral by Lavers and Westlake in Surrey, UK.
They represent the birth and baptism of Jesus (left), Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary and His crucifixion (centre) and the Child Jesus preaching in the Temple and His transfiguration (right).
The centre panel in each transept window was given in memory of Francis Blundell, church warden, in 1891. The other four panels were given in memory of WB Sealy MD who died in 1886 after 25 years service as church warden.
The Pentecost Window set in the wall above the entrance into the Chapel of Christ the King was made in Miller Studios in Dunedin, as a gift from the Bradshaw family. This window is, like the Great Rose Window, the design of Beverley Shore Bennett.
It shows the Holy Spirit as a mighty rushing wind on the Day of Pentecost. A dove bearing a tongue of fire can be seen descending towards the chapel, accompanied by two angels.
The Chapel of Christ the King
X Used for small services and private prayer and reflection
X Many features from the old wooden 1887 cathedral
X Altar by Frederick Gurnsey of Christchurch (1930s)
X Windows designed by Wellington artist Beverley Shore Bennett
The altar shows a symbol of Christian piety: a female pelican sitting on a nest of rough twigs with her young and with drops of blood falling from her beak. In early days, it was believed that the mother pelican plucked feathers from her breast to draw blood to feed her young.
In Christian symbolism this represented Our Lord feeding the faithful with His Own Body and Blood.
The Labyrinth
Over the centuries, labyrinths have been a feature of many cathedrals. The Middle Ages was a time of pilgrimages. Since many could not make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, they would instead go to cathedrals and complete their pilgrimage by walking the labyrinth.
Labyrinth's have recently experienced a revival. Partly this is due to the way in which the labyrinth engages so profoundly with people's expression of spiritual exploration and life-journey. Today, people walk the labyrinth slowly, as an aid to contemplative prayer and reflection, as a spiritual exercise, or even as a form of pilgrimage.
Unlike a maze the Labyrinth only has one path - there are no dead ends. It has a single circuitous route that winds into the centre. When you walk it you use the same path to return, and the entrance then becomes the exit. The path is in full view, which allows you to be quiet and focus internally. If you meet others on the path, just allow each other to pass as easily as is possible.
Generally, there are three stages to the walk:
X Release
The way in is an opportunity to let go of things we attempt to control, release burdens, identify fears and confess failings. Each step is an opportunity to release what stands in the way of our relationship with God.
X Receive
The centre is a place to rest in God and enjoy His loving embrace. It’s a place for meditation and prayer. Stay as long as you wish and enjoy being with God. Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen and empower you.
X Return
Take what you have receive back to the world when you are ready. Let your steps and silence invite the guidance of God and exit with affirmation, giving thanks for your cleansing.
There is no right way or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Use the labyrinth in a way that meets what you need today.
Prayer Wheel &
The Icon of Jesus Christ
X The votive candles may be lit and placed on the stand for prayer or in memory of a loved one.
X Prayers can also be written and placed on the prayer board
X Let the spirit of God work in you and lead you in prayer
Lighting a candle is a sign of our prayer for someone and the offering of our lives. It is a reminder to us and others of those who have shone as lights of the world a witness to all who pass by that this is a place of prayer.
To find the words to pray is difficult and we do not know what to say for the best. Our hearts are too full for words. Our anxieties paralyse us.
The original Icon was commissioned by The Eastern European Orthodox Church (Nelson). Each stage of its creation was prayerfully prayed over by Russian Orthodox Priest Father Arkady. In the traditional Byzantine style of the Orthodox Church, it was painted directly onto a wooden board. Natural pigments carefully mixed by the Priest were used together with the finishing touches of gold leaf. It took nearly one year to create this religious work of art.
At the Icon's completion, the Founding President of The Eastern European Orthodox Church (Nelson) Rosalina Ludmila McCarthy travelled to collect the Icon from Christchurch. Here, it was first blessed by both Russian and Greek Orthodox Priests and with the blessing of the Greek Orthodox Oceania Metropolitan Archbishop Amfilochios; the Icon was brought to Nelson where it was also blessed by The Dean of the Nelson Cathedral, Dean Charles Tyrell.
At a special service on the 22 November 2009, in the spirit of Christ's love and religious and cultural unity that exists between the Orthodox and Anglican Churches in New Zealand, the Icon was presented and Installed at the Nelson Cathedral so that all people that visit the Cathedral of whatsoever culture and beliefs they may have, could view, enjoy and take comfort from the Icon's presence.
The words on the Icon were those spoken by Christ:
"A new Commandment I give you that you love one another as I have loved you."
X A Prayer of Blessing:
May all who view this Icon feel the power of Christ's love upon them.
May they be blessed by this experience and take Christ's love into their hearts
May the Holy Spirit of this Icon bring many blessings to you and to all who come within the presence of this Icon
May the light of Christ shine for ever
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
The Icon of Jesus Christ © Copyright Photograph by Rosalina McCarthy who asserts her moral rights under the Copyright Act 1994 to be identified as the Author of this work. rosalina@xtra.co.nz
ICON © COPYRIGHT Reserved & Transferred by The Eastern European Orthodox Church (Nelson) to Rosalina McCarthy
Chapel Windows
These include both modern glass and memorabilia from the old wooden 1887 cathedral. The two large windows are designs of Beverley Shore Bennett, made at Miller Studios in Dunedin and donated to the cathedral by the Lockyer and Claugton families.
The first of the set, at the back of the chapel, represents the four evangelists as writers of the Gospels. The top left panel depicts an Ox Head, the symbol of St Luke, whose gospel deals with the sacrificial aspects of Christ’s life. The panel below represents Divine Man, the theme of St Matthew’s gospel. The top right panel depicts an Eagle, a symbol of St John, whose gospel was written to penetrate the mysteries of Heaven. The panel below contains a Lion’s Head, the symbol of St Mark, whose gospel stresses the royal dignity of Christ.
The second large window portrays the Holy Communion. It is consequently called the Eucharist Window. It is made up of six panels. The top left panel contains the Greek letters “chi” and “ro”, the first two letters in the name of Christ. The panel beneath it depicts an angel holding the Communion Chalice (wine cup) and Jesus’ words “this is my Blood which is shed for you”. The two central panels have connecting themes; the top one depicts the Crown and Cross of Christ with the upright of the Cross descending on to the globe in the lower panel.
Together these two panels proclaim Christ supreme in the entire world. The upper right hand panel contains the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet, alpha and omega, a quotation from the Revelation of St John “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,” says the Lord. This leads down to the final panel showing a kneeling angel holding the Host (consecrated bread) and Jesus’ words “take eat, this is my Body”.
The two small round windows in the wall behind the altar are important historical memorabilia. They were part of the old wooden cathedral and the one on the left clearly depicts Christ the King and the one on the right an angel.
The Chancel
This is the area where
X Services are led
X The choir sing
X The baptised are welcomed into the church
X People make their wedding vows
X The dead rest during the funeral service
X New ministers are ordained
The Choir sings at both the Sunday Eucharist Service and the Choral Evensong (based on services from the monasteries, hence the seating arrangements). The music sung at these services is reflective of the rich and varied musical traditions in the Anglican Church. The Choir also enjoy leading the people of Nelson City in traditional services and major feast days, under the direction of our Choral Director Nigel Weeks QSM.
The lecturn is where Holy Scriptures are read at each Service and addresses are given at various events.
Behind the lecturn is the Dean’s Stall and on its left is the stall of the Associate Priest.
On the other side of the chancel is the pulpit which is used each week when the sermon is given. Preaching and teaching are important parts of the ministry of a cathedral.
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary or ‘sacred place’ behind the communion rail is where we find the altar or holy table. Here the Holy Communion is celebrated, recalling the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The altar is covered with a cloth to mark the Church's season. The altar is covered on special liturgical days with a red and gold Laudian cloth. This is made of silk woven on the original ancient looms set up by King Louis XIV of France. This was donated by the Hurd and McKee families in memory of Rev Michael Hurd, Dean 1981-1993.
The principal seat in the Sanctuary is the Cathedra, or the seat of the Bishop of Nelson. Having this seat here makes this church a cathedral.
In the sanctuary you will see other special seats. These are for the members of the Cathedral Chapter, the Canons of the Cathedral, and the Archdeacons.
The area to through past the organ is the west transept, containing interesting photographs, paintings and display boards. Please take time to view.
The light shines over the aumbry, which is a special place for keeping consecrated elements.
The Organ
X Raised Organ Console on east side and Organ Pipes on west side
X First organ arrived in 1872 and used for 60 years
X Rebuilt in 1932 and again in 1960s for new cathedral
X Upgraded in 1994 and now has 2500 pipes
X Cathedral Organist Paul Chan is one of NZ’s best organists
Cathedral architect Ron Muston designed the organ stand and Brian Sharland handcrafted it from high quality rimu.
Ron Muston designed it from his inspiration of a marble stand in a church in Europe. However, it was built of rimu for the Cathedral and so the builder Brian Sharland needed to use steel framing and panels and used lino underfelt paper to make the pattern for each panel. Steam could not be used to bend the rimu so physical pressure was used to achieve the correct shape of each panel.
The rimu came from Onokahu in the Marlborough Sounds where Tom Barnes, the builder of the cathedral, had a sawmill.
The Apostles' Windows West Nave
X Stained glass windows depicting seven more apostles
X Windows on this side completed in 2000
X Donations were specifically requested for this project and were given in memory of Percy Bolland Adams; William MacKay and Mary Harriet (his wife); Charles MacKay and Ethel Adeline Amy (his wife).
Proceeding from the organ loft (pipes), enter the Nave on the west side from the front of the church:
St Stephen
X A deacon in the early church and its proto (first) martyr. He was stoned to death outside the walls of Jerusalem for professing his faith. He is depicted wearing the garment of a deacon, the dalmatic. The incense burner at the bottom of the window points to the influence of later Christian artists. It is a symbol of his prayer at his martyrdom. The stone against the saint’s temple clearly shows the manner of his death.
St Bartholomew
X Apostle and martyr. He lived in Cana of Galilee. He is believed to have carried the Gospel to Armenia and India. His symbols are a set of flaying knives. He is said to have met his death by flaying and crucifixion.
St Philip
X Apostle and martyr. He is shown with the long cross of his martyrdom, with loaves of bread underneath. According to tradition, it was Philip who helped feed the crowd with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee.
St John the Evangelist
X Apostle, who wrote the Fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelation. The chalice in the saint’s right hand and the sheaf of wheat in his left hand symbolise the eucharist bread and wine. The eagle holding the quill pen and the book depict his role as the author of a gospel. The serpent issuing from the cup is an allusion to the saint driving poison from a cup given to him in an attempt on his life. His symbols are a gold chalice and a silver serpent on a blue field.
St James the Great
X Apostle and martyr, brother of St John the Evangelist. He is said to have been the first disciple to have gone on a missionary journey. This is said to have taken him to Spain. He is the patron saint of that country. He is depicted in the window carrying a staff and a dried, hollow gourd (the vessel in which pilgrims carried water). The text at the top of the window “Ye shall drink of my cup” alludes to his martyrdom as following the fate of his Lord Jesus. It is believed that he was the first apostle to meet that fate. The symbols of scallop shells refer to pilgrimages. The shells were carried by pilgrims going to and from the Holy Land as a sign that they were under the protection of St James.
St Andrew
X Apostle and martyr. Known as a preacher, he holds a Bible, and also the saltire, the diagonal cross, on which he was crucified. He is the patron saint of Scotland and Russia.
St Peter
X Apostle and martyr, who was working as a fisherman when called by Jesus. An impetuous man, who cut off the ear of the High Priest’s servant when Jesus was arrested, and yet within a few hours he was denying his Master. He repented, comforted the early church and became a missionary. When he was crucified, he asked to be hung upside down as he was not worthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus. He is depicted standing above the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, entrusted to him by Jesus. His symbols are an inverted gold cross surmounted by two crossed silver keys.
Historical Information
X Maori seasonal pa on the Hill called Piki Mai, meaning “come up hither”
X Prayer service held in the surveyor’s hut on the Hill on 1 February 1842
X First services held in 1842 on the Hill in the NZ Company’s immigration barracks
Proceeding from the organ loft (pipes), enter the Nave on the west side from the front of the church:
First Bishop of NZ, George Augustus Selwyn, spent 18 days in 1842 formalising arrangements for the work of the church. He brought a large tent and erected it on the eastern slope of the Hill (opp Betts Apartments with memorial in place)
The tent blew away on 4 September 1842 so Bishop Selwyn negotiated with NZ Company to purchase two wooden buildings on the Hill for conversion into a church and school.
This was the first church on the Hill, a very simple humble building with bare rafters and uprights.
June 1843 saw a tragedy occur at the Wairau in Marlborough when an ill conceived attempt to resolve a dispute over land with the Maori led to bloodshed. People in Nelson then feared a Maori attack following the incident and built fortifications, Fort Arthur, on the Hill around the parish church, but further trouble did not eventuate. The last fortifications of Fort Arthur can be found outside the main doors and to the left past the carpark. Fort Arthur was named after Captain Arthur Wakefield, founder of the NZ Company, who was killed at Wairau.
In 1848, Bishop Selwyn acquired the acre of land on the summit of the Hill as a site for a new church. The surveyors’ buildings were removed and the fortifications levelled. At the end of June 1850, the foundation stone of the first Christ Church on the Hill was laid. It was dedicated by Bishop Selwyn on 14 December 1851.
In September 1858, the first Bishop of Nelson, Edmund Hobhouse (1858-1865) was consecrated and Nelson was made a city by royal decree. Queen Victoria signed the Letters Patent allowing for a bishop’s see and seat and subsequently a cathedral, allowing by 1859 Nelson to become a city well before it reached the normal level of 20,000 population to be a city. It had only 5,000 people and cattle still roamed the main street.
By 1883 the enlargement of the parish church was being discussed. It was decided to enlarge the existing church and on 16 February 1887 it was consecrated as Christ Church Cathedral.
In February 1893, Nelson was struck by an earthquake. It brought down chimneys and the cathedral’s wooden spire was twisted. The building slowly decayed and by 1916 the steeple and tower were demolished and then in 1921 the cathedral caught fire.
In March 1924, preliminary sketches were approved for a complete rebuild of Nelson Cathedral. It was planned to be a very large gothic style cathedral but finances and other troubles meant it ended up as today’s marble and concrete cathedral.
Governor General Sir Charles Fergusson laid the foundation stone on 2 August 1925 and his son, also Governor General, Sir Bernard Fergusson opened the new cathedral in 1967.
To save money, the chancel of the old wooden cathedral was moved and joined onto the northern end. This was replaced in 1962 with reinforced concrete block construction which was cheaper, did not require stonemasons and met the earthquake building code at the time. It was faced with ground marble plaster to match the look of the rest of the marble building.
Parts of the original wooden cathedral are used throughout the marble cathedral, such as the large cross, chapel altar, lectern and pulpit. The timber for these was undoubtedly from further back than the 1887 cathedral and would have come from the first parish church building on Piki Mai in 1851.
The stone of consecration (situated in the sanctuary) is a light brown stone dated 1972 which comes from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, a place frequented by Jesus when teaching his disciples, where he was betrayed and later ascended to heaven. The stone is set in dark grey local Takaka marble.