Christ Church Cathedral Dedicated

Before a congregation which packed every square inch or space, the Bishop of Nelson (the Rt. Rev. Peter Sutton) dedicated Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson, to the Glory of God. This was an auspicious moment for the Church and the climax of 41 years' work. On August 2, 1925, the Governor General, Sir Charles Fergusson, laid the foundation stone of the new cathedral. Nearly 42 years later his son, also a Governor General, Sir Bernard Fergusson, unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the dedication. It was a simple ceremony, but given a touch of splendour by the attendance of the Vice-Regal party, the Primate of New Zealand (Archbishop N. A. Lesser) and seven other bishops.

This picture, taken as Sir Bernard was reading the lesson, is from the studio of Kingsford and Baigent.

Bishop Sutton dedicates the cathedral and later, after the unveiling of the plaque, preached to a hugh congregation (centre left)

Among the bishops present was the previous Bishop of Nelson and now Assistant Bishop of Sydney, the Rt Rev F. O. Hulme-Moir. It was while Bishop Hulme-Moir was Bishop of Nelson that the final stage of the building programme was commenced.

A wide-angle view of the cathedral's interior taken from the gallery during the service.

The bishops and clergy outside await the departure of the Governor-General

When the Vice-Regal party arrived a Royal fanfare was played by Robin Davis, Ross Dorman, Wayne Newth and Ian Johansen.

The Governor-General is met outside the cathedral by Bishop Sutton

The scene inside the cathedral

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The Nelson Photo News

No 80 : June 24, 1967

Christ Church Cathedral Dedicated