The Cathedral Gardeners have been hard at work - notice how the triangular flower beds reflect the Trinity Window in design
The "Cardboard" Cathedral
Cathedrals usually stand as enduring monuments to human skill and inventiveness, and magnificent pointers to the presence of God among us. Their websites will tell you how they are the oldest, the largest, the tallest or the most significant of their kind.
ChristChurch Cathedral is slightly different. The original Cathedral was badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquake in February 2011. We are operating from our new temporary home, the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, Christchurch. It is the world’s only cathedral made substantially of cardboard.
This web site aims to tell you something about who we are and what we stand for. It is a work in progress. It offers a glimpse of the building, its history and its environment. It provides information about Cathedral services and events, its music and arts programme, facilities for visitors and pilgrims, educational resources, stories about our community life and outreach, and an archive of recent sermons. We hope you will be inspired to visit Christchurch, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Cathedral.
Rose Window Photography by Derek Golding www.Goldingarts.co.nz
______________________________________
CONCERTS, EVENTS & FUNCTIONS AT THE CATHEDRAL
The Cathedral is available for a wide variety of events. Please see further down this page for full details, and the scrolling photos below. As well as catered events, the Cathedral is available for concerts and recitals. Please contact the Cathedral Administrator for further information
Bring your pet for a Blessing! As long as it's under control, all animals are welcome!
Oxford Terrace Baptist Church invites you to a very special evening of music, covering classical to contemporary genres. This concert has been made possible by the huge generosity of Operatunity Soloists & Pianist, and the Transitional Cathedral.
TICKETS $25 each or 4 for $90 (pre-sold) Children (under 16) $10
FROM Oxford Terrace Baptist Church office, cnr Oxford Tce & Madras St
HOURS Tuesday – Friday 9:00am – 12:30pm
DOOR SALES on the night at the Transitional Cathedral from 6.30pm
For more information contact: Oxford Terrace Baptist Church ph 379 5996
___________________________________________
_______________________________
___________________________________________
Morning Prayer is said Monday to Friday at 8.30am. All welcome
___________________________________________
Sunday 25 September
8.00am Holy Eucharist
10.00am Choral Eucharist
Preacher: Associate Dean Stephanie Robson
Music: The Cathedral Choir
5.00pm Choral Evensong
Reflection: Revd Canon Ben Truman
Music: The Cathedral Choir
___________________________________________
Weekday Services of Choral Evensong are in abeyance during the Choir vacation and resume on Wednesday 19 October at 5.30pm
___________________________________________
Monday 26 September
12.05 Holy Eucharist
Tuesday 27 September
11.00am Funeral Service for Patrick McAlistair
Wednesday 28 September
12.05pm Holy Eucharist in the Celtic tradition
Thursday 29 September
12.05pm Holy Eucharist in te reo Maori
Friday 30 September
12.05pm Holy Eucharist
Saturday 1 October
12.05pm Midday Prayer
___________________________________________
Sunday 2 October
8.00am Holy Eucharist
10.00am The Antarctic Service
To ask God's Blessing on those heading south for the 2016/17 summer season
Address: His Excellency Mr Isauro Torres, Ambassador of Chile in NZ
Music: The Cathedral Singers
11.15am Holy Eucharist
Celebrant: Associate Dean Stephanie Robson
5.00pm Choral Evensong
Reflection: Dean Lawrence Kimberley
Music: The Cathedral Singers
___________________________________________
SERVICE MUSIC. The music list for the start of Term IV 2016 (up to Advent) can be downloaded here.
___________________________________________
The Transitional Cathedral is open every day from 9.00am. During Summer months (Nov - March) we close either at 7.00pm or at the conclusion of the evening service, whichever is later. During Winter months we close at 5.00pm (or at the conclusion of the evening service)
The regular weekly services are below, but please do check the schedule for the current week at the top of the home page for any changes to the usual schedule. Please note that weekday services of Choral Evensong only take place during school terms, and that the regular schedule is reduced duirng January.
Worship at the Transitional Cathedral
SUNDAYS
8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am Choral Eucharist
5.00pm Choral Evensong
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Holy Communion at 12.05pm
Monday (NZPB), Tuesday (NZPB, with prayers for healing),
Wednesday (Celtic tradition),
Thursday (in te reo Maori), Friday (NZPB)
Choral Evensong at 5.30pm (during school terms)
Tuesday & Wednesday (with the full Choir);
Thursday (with the gentlemen of the Choir)
Choral Evensong at 4.30pm (during school terms)
Friday (with the choristers of the Cathedral Choir)
THE OXFORDS
We have farewelled The Oxfords and would like to thank them for their fantastic contribution to the musical ministry of this Cathedral over the past few weeks. The Oxfords, from the Cathedral Choir of Christ Chuirch Oxford in England have been here for a month singing with our Cathedral Choir and also at Christ's College and St Michaels. This is the 19th year that this annual visit has taken place. Thanks also to the Canterbury Association (UK) and to Christ’s College, without whose support the visit would not be possible. Services during their stay have been recorded and we hope to produce a CD towards the end of the year. The Choir will be doing some extra recording sessions for this too.
ORDINATION SERVICE
Congratulations to those who were recently ordained Deacon in the Cathedral by Bishop Victoria
And to those who were recently confirmed
A NEW DEAN FOR THE CATHEDRAL
The Bishop has announced Canon Lawrence Kimberley as the new Dean:
Following the death of the Very Lynda Patterson, Dean of the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, just over a year ago the Chapter sought the appointment and ministry of the Ven. Nick Mountfort as Acting Dean. In additional to this, an advisory group from Chapter was formed and the position of Dean of the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral was advertised internationally. Applications from 4 continents were received. We short-listed and interviewed the persons on the short-list. It is my great pleasure to announce that The Rev Canon Lawrence Kimberley of this Diocese is appointed the new Dean of the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral. I am sure he would appreciate your prayers!
AND A NEW ASSOCIATE DEAN TOO ...
The Bishop has announced that the new Associate Dean for the Cathedral will be Revd Stephanie Robson. Stephanie will start work in November. Further information is in the latest copy of "Cathedral Extra" in the publications section of the website.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming Lawrence and Stephanie and their families to the Transitional Cathedral!
PROGRESS ON THE FUTURE OF THE CATHEDRAL IN THE SQUARE
The following statement was made by Bishop Victoria Matthews at the Diocesan Synod Service on Thursday 3 September 2015:
l stand here this evening pleased to make an announcement about progress on the future of ChristChurch Cathedral in the Square:
The Diocese and the Church Property Trustees have been concerned at the time it has taken to confirm the plan to return to ChristChurch Cathedral in the Square. Just to restate our situation: we own 290 buildings of which 230 were damaged. The Cathedral in the Square has caused the biggest media frenzy. In the midst of many people telling us how to proceed, we have not wanted disproportionate resources focused on the Cathedral especially when we have wider responsibilities in Christian leadership. We must remember the many people who still reside and work in badly damaged buildings, those whose lives were irrevocably changed by injuries caused by the quakes, and those who lost loved ones. But we are also aware that indecision about the future of ChristChurch Cathedral is having a significant effect on the re-birth of Christchurch from the centre outward.
A CPT delegation discussed these matters with Government Ministers. The Government responded by making a generous offer of an independent consultant who will engage with the experts representing both the Church Property Trustees and the Great Christchurch Building Trust. The Government does acknowledge the need for a safe and liturgically appropriate worship space whilst recognising the city's need for an identifying symbol in Cathedral Square.
CPT has agreed to participate on the proviso that it is not financially responsible for the cost of the consultant or any outcomes.
It is my hope and commitment that before Christmas we will know the details about the future of ChristChurch Cathedral as well as the larger Diocesan recovery plan.
__________________________
DEAN LYNDA PATTERSON - A YEAR AGO
The Cathedral remembers its much-loved former Dean, Very Revd Lynda Patterson who died a year ago. She was remembered at Cathedral services on Sunday 19 July.
The Funeral Service for Lynda was held at the Transitional Cathedral on Tuesday 29 July at 1.00pm. Details of the service and the sermon preached by Bishop Victoria can be found HERE .
_____________________
CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL BOOK WINS MAJOR BOOK DESIGN PRIZE
16 July 2015 - Media Release
The book that ruled them all at the PANZ Book Design Awards 2015 was Cardboard Cathedral by Andrew Barrie which won the best illustrated and best typography categories of the awards for designer Janson Chau and publisher Auckland University Press.
“Contemporary seems an obvious word when talking about Cardboard Cathedral but this possibly overused description is completely appropriate here,” said international guest judge Miriam Rosenbloom, Creative Director of Australian publisher Scribe. “Dive beneath the high-gloss jacket to discover the bold de-bossed and foiled type on the case which sets the standard for the rest of the book. Certainly the clever paper stock selection is the possible hero of the book, but every hero needs a side-kick and the typographic design of Cardboard Cathedral makes for a pretty dynamic duo.”
Cardboard Cathedral then went on to win the Gerard Reid Award for Best Book against competition from finalists in other categories. “In a year of strong entries Cardboard Cathedral stood out right from the start with its strong, bold design full of confidence and delicate touches,” said convening judge Cameron Gibb, Creative Director of neu design[graphic].
This book is for sale at the Cathedral Shop.
CHORAL CONGRATULATIONS ...
Congratulations to the Cathedral Choristers who received RSCM ribbons and surplices on Sunday 9 November
Cathedral architect, Shigeru Ban, has won the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.
The Dean, Chapter. staff and worshipping community of the Cathedral congratulate Shigeru on this honour.
Please click on the picture below for full details of the award.
_______________________
On Monday 14 April, it was our honour to welcome Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the Cathedral, during their tour of New Zealand.
Their Royal Highnesses were presented with a copy of "Kia Kaha's Brand New House" a children's book about a Cathedral mouse in the Transitional Cathedral. The presentation was made by author, Clare Erasmus. Copies are available for sale at the Cathedral shop! [Photo: Woolf/Crown]
An Easter Service from the Transitional Cathedral was broadcast on Radio New Zealand on Easter Day. You can listen to it by clicking HERE
"Cathedral Extra"
is the Cathedral's bi-monthly magazine with news, information and details of services. Click on the link below to sign up and receive your copy by email.
Click here to receive CATHEDRAL EXTRA straight to your inbox by email.
is the weekly Sunday newsletter. Click below to download recent copies
The third in the "Kia Kaha" series about a cathedral mouse by Clare Erasmus is now for sale in the Cathedral Shop.
Kis Kaha 2016 Celndars and Christmas Cards on sale too!
___________________
Traditional Advent Calendars on sale now.
___________________
Wooden Christmas star decorations made from wood from the old Cathedral
___________________
A new book about the Transitional Cathedral and its Architect
$45.00
To read a review of the book click on the link bwlow
The City of Christchurch was founded in 1850, the first city in New Zealand to receive a charter from Queen Victoria. It is named after the College of Christ Church at Oxford University, where the founders of The Canterbury Association attended.
Christchurch Cathedral was consecrated on 1 November 1881, seventeen years after the foundation stone was laid. A choir, based on the English cathedral tradition, was deemed essential for the services of consecration, so the choir, and choir school, were founded six months beforehand.
Today, the Choir is the only men and boys choir in New Zealand and one of only two in the Southern Hemisphere with its own choir school, The Cathedral Grammar School, to which all choristers receive scholarships. The 18 boys range in age from eight to 13. They sing five services and ten rehearsals each week during school terms. In addition there are civic functions, concerts and recitals. The 10 men consist of four lay clerks (professional singers), and six Godley/Wakefield Scholars, receiving scholarships which cover tertiary education costs.
In 2008 the Choir undertook a very successful tour of the USA and UK, singing at many of the great Cathedrals and culminating in a week as residentiary choir at Westminster Abbey. A visit was made to Australia in 2013, where the Choir visited Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Goulburn.
Following they devastating earthquake in February 2011, the Cathedral community worshipped in the Chapel at Christ’s College, the private Anglican boys secondary school in Christchurch. In 2013, the Transitional Cathedral (often referred to as the “Cardboard” Cathedral, as cardboard forms much of the structure) was open and the full schedule of Cathedral worship has resumed there.
Click on the link below to download a copy of the current music list
________________________________________________________________
The Transitional is the proud owner of a Rodgers 484, one of the first of these new models to be installed in the world.
The 484 has 4 manuals and 84 main stops, plus 178 Voice Palette stops for a total of 262 real-time available stops, equivalent to 398 pipe ranks. Library Access provides an additional 180 real-time stops and voices, equivalent to 235 pipe ranks
Click on the link below to download a detailed brochure.
________________________________________________________________
The Singers are a mixed Choir who lead the music for choral services when the Cathedral Choir is away. They also have a number of other performances, including a very popular Christmas Concert. They are directed by Lennox Willett, a retired Cathedral Director of Music
________________________________________________________________
John Linker was appointed Cathedral Director of Music at the end of 2014.
John was, until recently, Organist & Choirmaster at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington, Kentucky. The church has a very strong musical tradition, much of it built up by John. During his tenure John has vastly increased the choir repertoire, taken his choirs on several domestic tours in the USA, including to Washington National Cathedral, and St John the Divine, New York. His choir has toured to the UK on four occasions and last year he took it on a European tour. He is also a keen organist and recitalist, having overseen the design and installation of a new organ.
John hails from a farming family, is married to Molly and they have a three year old daughter, Lila.
________________________________________________________________
Mr Harry Meehan was appointed in July 2016.
He hails from Dublin, where he was born in 1994 and comes to NZ now after a remarkable journey around UK organs and churches.
At the age of 16, he became one of the youngest ever organ scholars at St Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Harry held the scholarship for two consecutive years. During this time he accompanied the Cathedral choir regularly on the glorious Willis organ for their twelve weekly sung services.
In 2012, Harry moved to Truro in Cornwall to take up the Cathedral’s organ scholarship for a year. There he played an active role in its thriving music department and was again spoiled by another renowned Willis organ. During this time, he was awarded an organ scholarship to The Queen’s College, Oxford University, where he has just completed an undergraduate music degree. His duties in Oxford included conducting the famous Queen’s Chapel Choir as well as accompanying them on the world-renowned Frobenius organ. In addition, he has worked with the boys and men of the choir of St. Giles’ Church, as their Senior Organ Scholar, and was organist to the Christ Church College Choir and Assistant Organist at Hertford College.
Harry has played live on both Irish and English radio and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists.
The Cathedral is available for events. if you would like to hold a concert, recital or performance, please contact the Administrator, Chris Oldham HERE
In conjunction with local catering company Moveable Feasts, we can host your fully catered event.
Click HERE for a virtual tour of the Cathedral, courtesy of Google Maps © 2013 Google
The Transitional Cathedral is located at 234 Hereford Street. An easy walk from the any point in the central city, the Cathedral sits at the southern end of Latimer Square, beside the future 'Green Frame'. Travel to the central city from the airport takes around 20 minutes by bus or taxi. There is no public car parking at the Cathedral. However, there is plenty of street parking nearby. There is a disabled park in the staff carpark off Madras Street for visitors to the Cathedral.
CONTACT - will take you to 234 Hereford St in Google Maps
The Transitional Cathedral is only a five minute walk away from the site of the seriously damaged Cathedral in the Square. Walk northwest through Latimer Square to Worcester Street. 500 metres along Worcester St you'll see the damaged stone Cathedral.
CONTACT - will take you to a street view of the Cathedral in the Square showing both 'pre earthquake' and 'current'
Mailing Address - PO Box 855, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Cathedral Address - Cnr Madras and Hereford Streets, Christchurch, New Zealand
Office Address - at the Cathedral
Email - admin@christchurchcathedral.co.nz
Tel - +64 3 366 0046
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer working with the Transitional Cathedral's visitors, it would be good to hear from you. Please contact Nicky Lee, Volunteer Manager.
The Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. For information, check out their website by clicking CONTACT.
As well as educating the Cathedral Choristers, the School provides high quality education for pre-school, primary school and intermediate aged girls and boys. Cathedral Grammar is an Anglican independent school, offering parents choice in the selection of a school to best suit their child's needs.
With a 130-year plus history, Cathedral Grammar is the longest established private primary school in New Zealand. The School takes huge pride in the varied, successful and happy lives of the boys and girls who have experienced ‘Grammar’ over that time.
To visit the School's website click contact below
Moveable Feasts are the providers for all catered events at the Transitional Cathedral. if you have any questions about the wide variety of catered events we can offer, please contact Sarah Robinson, General Manager.
To visit their website, please click on the photo below:
Assistant Organist
The Transitional Cathedral is available for weddings and we welcome your enquiry. Please see Wedding Information below for further details:
The Transitional Cathedral is available for baptisms. Please contact the Cathedral for details.
Please contact a member of staff for enquiries about having a funeral at the Transaitional Cathedral.
Donations in support of the 'Transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral are urgently sought. Christchurch has suffered enormous damage. The entire central city has been decimated and along with it, our Cathedral heart. We need your support. Please partner us in this important project by making a donation. Thank you.
