Christ Church Cathedral (Fredericton)
Coordinates: 45°57′27″N 66°38′06″W / 45.95750°N 66.63496°W
| Christ Church Cathedral | |
.jpg) Christ Church Cathedral, 2005
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| Location | Fredericton, New Brunswick |
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| Country | Canada |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | www.christchurchcathedral.com |
| History | |
| Founded | 1845 |
| Founder(s) | John Medley |
| Dedicated | 1853 |
| Consecrated | 1853 |
| Architecture | |
| Status | active |
| Heritage designation | National Historic Site of Canada |
| Designated | 1999 |
| Architectural type | Neo-Gothic |
| Completed | 1853 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | c.500 |
| Length | 62 metres (203 ft) |
| Width | 33 metres (108 ft) |
| Nave width | 34 metres (112 ft) |
| Height | 70 metres (230 ft) |
| Number of spires | 1 |
| Spire height | 38 metres (125 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | extra-parochial |
| Diocese | Fredericton |
| Province | Canada |
| Official name: Christ Church Cathedral National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1981 |
| Clergy | |
| Bishop(s) | Claude Miller |
| Dean | Keith Joyce |
| Laity | |
| Organist/Director of music | Willis Noble |
Christ Church Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Fredericton. It is located in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Construction on the cathedral began in 1845. It was officially opened in 1853. The "Gothic Revival" style cathedral is modelled after St. Mary's Church, Snettisham, Norfolk.[1]
Contents |
[edit] History
G. Ernest Fairweather (architect) performed additions for Christ Church Cathedral (Fredericton) (1907). He made alterations to Bottreaux House for Bishop John A. Richardson (1907). [2]
[edit] Fires
The Cathedral has suffered two fires in its century and a half. In both damage was largely contained to the tower and the choir area underneath it.
[edit] Restoration
In the 1990s the Cathedral underwent a restoration program comprising of refacing its stonework, repointing tracery, cleaning its woodwork, and shoring up the masonry on the east end. The copper plating and a new cross were installed on the spire.
The Cathedral was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981.[3]
[edit] The Cathedral Today
[edit] Worship
[edit] Music
There are three choirs: an adult choir which provides music for principal Sunday services and monthly evensong; a treble children's choir which sings monthly at Sunday morning and evening services; and a contemporary choir which sings at the morning contemporary service.[4] The four-manual Casavant Frères organ was built in 1957, replacing a 1912 instrument which was built after the first fire. [5]
Willis Noble is the current Director of Music and Organist. Former Directors of Music and Organists include:
- Michael Capon (now at St. George's Cathedral, Kingston)
- Paul Murray (interim)
- Geoffrey Campbell
[edit] Governance
The Cathedral is extra-parochial. It has a congregation, which acts in many ways like a parish, but does not exist within a parish itself. The parish lands of downtown Fredericton belong to Christ Church Parish Church, the former Chapel of Ease constructed by Bishop Medley upon the demolition of the original parish church in Fredericton. As a community, the Cathedral is governed by Bishop and Chapter whose function lies somewhere in between a parish council and that of the usual Chapters of other cathedrals. For instance, there are numerous congregation representatives on Bishop and Chapter, along with the canons who make up the Cathedral's Collegiate body.
[edit] Clergy
This extra-parochial status, and its financial implications means that the Cathedral is understaffed for a church of stature. Until fairly recently the Dean, Keith Joyce, was the only stipendiary minister associated with the Cathedral itself. The appointment of a youth minister occurred in late 2011, replacing the long-vacant position of curate or vicar in the Cathedral. There are however, a number of honourary assistants. The Canons and Prebends of the Cathedral Chapter typically do not have a liturgical role at the Cathedral unlike other foundations. In the Diocese of Fredericton these positions are largely ceremonial, rather than collegiate to the Cathedral itself.
Past Deans of the Cathedral include
- William Hockin (Now retired Bishop of Fredericton)
- John Wright
[edit] Notes
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Christ Church Cathedral (Fredericton) |
- ^ "History," Christ Church Cathedral website. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
- ^ www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/architects/view/1564 G. Ernest Fairweather
- ^ Christ Church Cathedral. Canadian Register of Historic Places. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton website. "Choirs." Retrieved 21 December 2007
- ^ Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton website. "The Organ." Retrieved 21 December 2007.
[edit] External links
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- Anglican cathedrals in Canada
- Anglican churches in New Brunswick
- Buildings and structures in Fredericton
- National Historic Sites in New Brunswick
- Religious buildings completed in 1853
- Gothic Revival architecture in Canada
- Visitor attractions in Fredericton
- Canadian building and structure stubs
- Anglican church stubs
- Canadian church stubs
