Transitional Cathedral, Christchurch, New Zealand

The Transitional Cathedral is open every day from 9.00am.  We close either at 5.00pm or at the conclusion of the evening service, whichever is later.

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 may be reduced during January.

Worship at the Transitional Cathedral

SUNDAYS

8.00am Holy Communion                  

10.00am Choral Eucharist

5.00pm Choral Evensong

WEEKDAY SERVICES

Morning Prayer at 8.30am

Monday to Friday

Holy Communion at 12.05pm

Monday (NZPB), Tuesday (NZPB, with prayers for healing), 

Wednesday (Celtic tradition), 

Thursday (in te reo Maori), Friday (NZPB)

Saturday (Midday Prayer)

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)

Media Release: 26 September - Southbound team seeks God’s blessing on their trip

Following the tradition of many years, this Sunday 30 September at 10:00am the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral will welcome and bless the Antarctic explorers, scientists, logistics staff and visitors as they journey to Antarctica this summer. Dean Lawrence Kimberley will pray for their safety and will also hand over to the Chaplin of the departing team, the Chalice, for use in the unique Chapel of the Snows at Mc Murdo Base.

Dean Kimberley enjoys welcoming the intrepid and excited team each year.

“It’s a great celebration and a privilege to send them off on their way. They visit a place of great awe and beauty, danger and mystery – another aspect of God’s wonderful creation. The research they do down there is invaluable to our understanding of our amazing world. And as stewards of this planet, we need to improve our knowledge so we can better look after it,” says the Dean.

Antarctica, a place in darkness for many months, is now approaching its summer season of light. This means the team of summer scientists and logistics staff will be heading down to Antarctica very soon for the activity-filled summer season. This includes New Zealanders, Italians, Americans and a number of other nationalities who travel down and work at Scott Base and McMurdo Base each summer.

As the new season gets underway, the City of Christchurch hosts many visitors from around the world who pass through Christchurch on the way to begin working on the Antarctic continent. New Zealand’s own contribution to this work is backed up by 60 years of experience of working in Antarctica. New Zealand is a recognised a world leader in this scientific research, which underpins New Zealand’s strong commitment to environmental protection.

Acting CEO Peter Smith say the Service is another rite of passage for the departing team’s preparation for the season.

“For many years, the ‘South to Antarctica’ Church Service was the sole marker for Season Opening. Now days it’s one of many events and still immensely important. Everyone is welcome to join in and celebrate the handing over of the chalice and the beginning of our scientific season,” he says.

The events begin on Thursday this week with world-class scientists to hear from, aircraft to inspect, huskies to pat and exciting people to meet. For full details go to www.christchurchnz.org.nz/events/antarctic-season-opening

The Transitional Cathedral traditionally keeps the silver and gilt chalice safe during the winter months but each summer sends it back down to the ice to serve the community there.  The chalice was given in 1987 by Miss Betty Bird to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of Robert Falcon Scott’s visit and death at the South Pole in 1912.

Media release: 19 September - Pets Welcome at Transitional Cathedral

All animals and pets are invited to the Transitional Cathedral this Sunday at 10am for a blessing service and to celebrate Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

An annual event, the Animal Blessing Service is a time when the Cathedral bravely opens its doors and is “farm-yard friendly”. Anyone with an animal or pet can come and join in the excitement of many creatures all in one place, as long as they are on lead or in an appropriate container or cage.

The service will include joyful music about animals and the congregational songs will be well-known favourite hymns. In conjunction with SPCA, this is a chance to give thanks for the delight and love that pets and animals bring to our lives.

“We give thanks for the blessing of companionship that animals and pets provide, and for all that working animals do for the human race,” says Lawrence Kimberley, Dean of the Transitional Cathedral.

“It’s a delight to welcome all sorts of animals; dogs and cats, turtles and budgies, and more. It’s a great celebration and even the animals join in with the singing,” quips the Dean.

Owners don’t need to be embarrassed by any mess that might occur, as long as they clean it up, says the Dean.

The service, observed annually by the Cathedral, is held at this time of the year when many animals are starting to produce their young. It’s also near Saint Francis day (4 October). Probably one of the most well- known friars of history, Saint Francis had a strong affinity with animals and is famous for expressing his devotion to God through his care of animals. To him all creatures were worthy of care and could praise their God, the Creator, in their own way.

The service will be offered in that same spirit, and will also carry an animal welfare message.

“This is an opportunity to pray for animal welfare, especially for an end to mistreatment and neglect of animals,” says SPCA’s Christchurch centre representative, Kelsea Nelson-Cummins.

The Cathedral is glad to be supporting the work of SPCA who help to ensure that animals are given a nurturing home where they can thrive. Half of the collection that is taken up during the service will be given to support the good work of SPCA.

Dean Lawrence believes that for faith to be relevant in today’s society, it needs to reflect people’s daily lives.

“I worship a God who creates, loves and cares for all creatures, including our animals and pets. The love of our pets for us, and us for our pets, reflects the love that God has for us. By showing good stewardship towards our working and family animals, we are caring for God’s creation, says the Dean.

Both humans and animals will all receive a prayer of blessing before they leave the Cathedral.

A pastoral letter to Diocese of Christchurch from Bishop Victoria

21 May 2017

Dear Friends,
 
Alleluia, Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia.
 
The question of the future Cathedral in the Square continues to be a concern to our city, diocese and country.  Media commentary on the issue is relentless and you will be aware of the pressure that is being placed on the Church Property Trustees to make a decision to reinstate our beloved Cathedral building in the Square.
 
In the midst of all this the Church Property Trustees have struggled with what is the best decision for the Diocese of Christchurch and beyond.  We have carefully sought expert advice on all aspects of a possible reinstatement and the government offer.
 
To better understand the views and feelings of the public we have recently undertaken another survey of the opinions in the public sphere.  It found that people are still divided over whether to reinstate the Cathedral building in the Square or to commit to building a contemporary Cathedral that is inspirational and fit for purpose.
 
To date the view of the Church has been that we should proceed with a contemporary Cathedral. In 2013 our Synod voted for an inspirational Cathedral. Recently the Standing Committee expressed its view that a new Cathedral, costing no more than the insurance proceeds received for the Cathedral building in the Square, is its preferred option.  A majority of the Church Property Trustees are also inclined to support the contemporary option.  These preferences, however, are still not decisive and this is a vitally important question for our Diocese and country.
 
In light of the above, I have decided to reserve the question of the future of the Cathedral building in the Square to September 2017 for our diocesan Synod’s decision.  This means that the members of the Synod will decide, rather than the Church Property Trustees.  The Anglican (Diocese of Christchurch) Church Property Trust Act 2003 allows me as Chairperson of the Church Property Trustees to reserve matters before the Church Property Trustees to Synod for its decision.
 
One of the factors that influenced my decision was the strong recommendation of the diocesan clergy at our recent clergy conference to take the matter to our Synod.  I acknowledge and thank the clergy who were present for their prayer, support and advice. 
 
Before this is read out at church services on Sunday 21 May, I will be advising the Government  Minister  supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Nicky Wagner,  so she is not taken by surprise.  A media release will follow after the announcement to our Diocese.
 
Alleluia, Christ is risen
He is risen indeed, Alleluia.
 
In the risen Christ,
+ Victoria
Bishop of Christchurch

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Belltower plans progressing

The Cathedral Society of Bellringers held their AGM recently and updated members on progress with the Transitional Bell Tower at the Cathedral.

Work has been going on behind the scenes.  The original plan has changed a bit.  Instead of hanging the lightest of the old Cathedral bells in a ‘shipping container tower’, the current plan is to have a new ring of eight lighter bells, standing in an independent frame with cladding placed around it.

The benefits of this is that the project will be cheaper, easier to engineer and will just need a light cladding, rather than shipping containers

The Ringers are lucky in that the Keltek Trust, A UK-based trust that deals in redundant bells, has sourced seven bells for the project, meaning that only one needs to be newly cast

The next step is to draw up an architect’s brief and have further discussions with the architect.  Following that, we need to get consent and planning costs finalised.  Once this is done, the final project cost will be known and the ringers will know how much more fundraising is reqiured to top up the funds already in hand.  Watch this space!

2018 is the 40th anniversary of the new ring of 12 bells that were installed in the old Cathedral in 1978.  The ringers feel this is an ideal target date to have the new tower ringing.
In the meantime the Cathedral ringers are grateful to the ringers and parish of St Paul’s Papanui, for allowing them to join practice nights and to ring quarter peals.

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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.

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CATHEDRAL ARCHITECT WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

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.

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A ROYAL WELCOME

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]

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Easter Service on Radio New Zealand:

An Easter Service from the Transitional Cathedral was broadcast on Radio New Zealand on Easter Day.  You can listen to it by clicking HERE

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"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.

Please click on the links below to download recent copies:

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"What's Happening"

 is the weekly Sunday newsletter. Click below to download recent copies:

The Cathedral Shop stocks a wide range of gifts and souvenirs.  Come in and browse!

Bartholomew!

Hi! I am Bartholomew Bear, newly arrived at the shop!  I come with my own Cathedral jersey and cardboard tube.  I'm hoping that people will take me home and post pics from all over the world.  This first pic shows me as far as the Cathedral garden!

New Cathedral Key rings ...

... and Lapel Badges now for sale

NEW "KIA KAHA" BOOK FOR SALE

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!

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ADVENT CALENDARS

Traditional Advent Calendars on sale now.

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WOODEN CHRISTMAS STARS

Wooden Christmas star decorations made from wood from the old Cathedral

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CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL SHIGERU BAN

A new book about the Transitional Cathedral and its Architect

$45.00

To read a review of the book click on the link bwlow

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NEW ORGAN CD NOW ON SALE ~ $25.00

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The Cathedral Choir

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.

Choir Music Lists

Click on the link below to download a copy of the current music list:

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Choir Tour 2018

A tour to Japan and Australia is currently being planned for Sept/Oct this year.  You can download a brochure below or click HERE to visit the tour website:

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The Cathedral Organ

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.

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The Cathedral Singers

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 Miss Jill Kerr who, as well as coming to the position with a wealth of choral conducting experience, is also the Cathedral Precentor.  Jill is always happy to hear from prospective members.  Please contact her via the Cathedral Administrator by clicking HERE.

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The Director of Music

Dr John Linker is Director of Music at ChristChurch Transitional Cathedral (appointed 2014) where he leads the oldest musical entity in New Zealand, the ChristChurch Cathedral Choir. Concurrent to his Cathedral duties, John has the pleasure serving as Music Director for Christchurch City Choir (appointed 2016), an enthusiastic group of 70+ singers committed to the highest artistic excellence.  Both the Cathedral Choir and the City Choir are integral to the religious, artistic, and musical life of the Canterbury region, and provide a sense of cultural stability in the ever changing landscape of Christchurch.A native of Princeton, Illinois, USA, John holds music degrees from Northern Illinois University (Bachelor of Music), Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University (Master of Music), and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (Doctor of Musical Arts).  John holds memberships and has held leadership positions in the Royal School of Church Music Canterbury Branch, the New Zealand Organ Association, the American Guild of Organists, the Association of Anglican Musicians, American Choral Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity. Prior to coming to New Zealand, John led choir programmes in Kentucky and Illinois to critical acclaim.  An active organist, John has performed throughout the US, the UK, Europe, and New Zealand, and was a featured performer for the New Zealand Organ Association National Congress.  In addition to teaching, John is passionate about chamber music and collaborative music making. His greatest joy is any adventure with his wife Molly and their daughter Lila.www.johnlinker.com

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The Assistant Organist

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