Nelson Cathedral Consecrated

A task which began 47 years ago was climaxed with the consecration of Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson, in a ceremony rich in age-old pomp and pageantry, recently.

Construction or the Cathedral began in 1925, but not until the project was completed and debt free could the Cathedral be consecrated.

Sir Charles Fergusson, the then Governor-General, laid the foundation stone on August 2,1925, and his son, Sir Bernard Fergusson, Governor-General from 1962-67, attended the dedication of the completed building in 1967.

Completing the task which had its initial planning about 60 years ago was not easy, Shortage of finance and ever increasing costs have been problems always faced by the Cathedral Erection Board. World War II and the depression of the 1930s hampered progress and the Murchison Earthquake of 1929 initiated a change of the original plans.

The nave, built in Takaka marble, took seven years to build to a stage where a temporary roof was put over it without the clerestory. This part of the Cathedral was dedicated in December, 1932.

The depression of the 1930s resulted in a suspension of work. And the 1929 earthquake brought home a realisation that the plan which called for the central tower and spire over the chancel was impracticable. Several factors contributed to the standstill of progress for more than 20 years. In the 1950s another start was made, but parts of the Cathedral built after 1962, although having the appearance of dressed stone, are actually reinforced concrete faced with plaster made from ground marble. The tower, chancel, sanctuary, both transepts and the vestries were built this way.

The Cathedral cost $420,000 to complete. It seats 1200 people, including clergy and choir, is 156 feet long from the main doors to the altar, and 87 feet wide at the transepts. The tower is 115 feet high and stands 155 feet above Trafalgar street.