41. WORK SPACE WINDOWS, PANELS

We are looking at the backs of the glass block windows. One is an angel with the words in Latin ‘Glory to God in the Highest’; the other is a golden sun set in a blue cross. The artwork is a restful composition in pastel colours of waves or leaves.     PLAN

42. ORGAN PIPES

The organ is played at all the Cathedral’s principal services. The original instrument was built by T. C. Lewis of London, and shipped to New Zealand in 1871. It was rebuilt in 1968. Placed in a free-standing chamber designed by the Cathedral architect, the organ contains 2481 speaking pipes, which include all of the original pipes.

43. CONSOLE AND WEST VIEW

Standing close to the organ pipes, we can see through the arch right down the North nave aisle. To our left, the 3-manual console stands on a raised platform.

44. SANCTUARY

We now stand at the front of the nave, looking into the sanctuary. In front of us is the altar, and beyond, the focus of worship – the cross. The cathedra stands to the right. A notice here gives information about the sanctuary and its surrounds. I am interested in the prayer which begins ‘Eternal Father, bless us from ‘your’ Holy Sanctuary.’

45. ALTAR

Central to the sanctuary is the altar with its coloured cloth corresponding to the season in the Church year. This cloth with its cross, dove and flames of fire appears to have a Pentecostal theme.

46. CROSS AND CANDLE

Behind the altar is a large Cross, the symbol of the Christian faith. It was on the Cross that Christ died for us, securing our salvation. To one side is the Paschal candle. This candle is a symbol of Christ as the Light of the world, and has special significance at Easter time.

47. CATHEDRA

The cathedra is the Bishop’s chair. The name comes from the Latin word for ‘seat’ or ‘throne’. The Bishop has oversight of the Anglican churches in the Nelson Diocese, and is centred here at Christ Church. The presence of the cathedra gives this church the title ‘Cathedral’.

48. SOUTH SANCTUARY

The sanctuary iteself is quite small, but there are items of interest on the South side. At left is the aumbry – a niche in the wall where the reserved Elements of the Eucharist are kept; their presence is indicated by the sanctuary light. The windows show an angel and an image of Christ in glory. These were part of the fabric of the wooden cathedral.

49. ROYAL VISIT ITEMS

Leaving the sanctuary, on one side of the chancel is this little collection of items relating to the visit to the Cathedral of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1954. A good memory from a long time ago!

50. BRASS PLATE

As we make our way across to the South transept, we notice a brass plate in the floor, right by the carpeted step. The plate reads: ‘In 1842, very near this point, Captain Arthur Wakefield placed a stake to mark the starting position for the lay-out of Nelson town by his team of New Zealand Company surveyors led by Frederick Tuckett. ...’    

51. SOUTH TRANSEPT

The South transept is in fact the same size as the North transept, but appears to be larger due to the absence of the stand of organ pipes. We particularly notice here the lancet windows, the beautiful rose window, the windows in the East wall, the labyrinth on the floor, and the candlestand at left beyond the cathedra.

52. SOUTH TRANSEPT WINDOWS

The three lancet windows are a valued connection with the old wooden cathedral; they were made in England in 1892 for the chancel of the old cathedral. They show key events in the life of Jesus: his birth, baptism, transfiguration and crucifixion.

53. SOUTH TRANSEPT ROSE WINDOW

The impressive Great Rose Window was designed by Beverly Shore Bennett of Wellington. It has 12-fold symmetry with the Risen Christ at the centre, and Pentecostal fire spreading out. Around the perimeter are 24 small images: twelve doves, emblems of the Four Evangelists, and eight varied Christian symbols.

54. LABYRINTH

The floor of the South transept is devoted to a seven-circuit labyrinth: a pathway to encourage meditation and devotion. The pilgrim enters from outside and follows through to God at the centre. It is not a maze – there is only one way. There are no ‘rules’: each pilgrim may have a unique experience.

55. WEST WALL OF SOUTH TRANSEPT

Turning to the West wall of the transept we notice a number of flags. There are five flags here – flags of historical significance relating to the First World War.

56. REGIMENTAL COLOURS

The two White Ensigns at left were flown on HMS ‘Colne’ and ‘Chelmer’ respectively at the Dardanelles in the year 1915. At right are the regimental colours of the 12th (Nelson) Regiment and The Nelson, Marlborough, and West Coast Regiment.

57. EAST WALL ICON AND GLASS BLOCKS

Turning to the East wall of the transept we see the eight coloured window panels at right. Also, in front of the candle stand we observe there is an icon. The icon was a gift of the Eastern European Orthodox Church (Nelson) in the spirit of religious and cultural unity. The modern windows appear to revisit the Pentecost theme: various figures are abstractly included in the design.

58. CHAPEL ALTAR

The Cathedral Chapel adjoins the South transept. It is used for daily services. At front is a beautifully carved altar which contains an ancient symbol of Christian piety: a mother pelican and her young in a nest of rough twigs, with drops of blood drawn from her breast, falling from her beak to feed her young.

59. CHAPEL KNEELERS

Handcrafted cathedral kneelers are always interesting. This set shows various Christian emblems and symbols.

60. REAR OF CHAPEL

If we turn around, the rear of the Chapel is notable for the modern stained glass windows. These were designed by Beverly Shore Bennett of Wellington.

61. CHAPEL WINDOWS

The set of six windows at left shows the Cross at centre, the monogram chi-rho, and title Alpha and Omega for Christ, and taking of the Eucharist. The four windows at right give the symbols of the Four Evanglists. This completes our tour of Nelson Cathedral.