Vancouver Cathedrals

Throughout our travels, we've discovered that one of the most important ways to learn about a community's culture was to visit its religious institutions, regardless of the denomination. Large or small, these religious places provide great insights into the evolution of a community. Vancouver is no exception. With a multitude of churches, synagogues, temples, etc. from which to choose, we arbitrarily picked two examples to present, just because we found a lot of information about each, to share.

"Holy Rosary Cathedral" - officially known as the "Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary," because She was the principle patron of the city, began life in 1885, as a simple parish in borrowed halls. By 1887, the first church of this name was constructed. Twelve years later, the current building was completed in the French Gothic Revival style. The following year, what was to become the "oldest romantic style organ in British Columbia" was installed. The church was elevated to the status of cathedral in 1916. In 1981, actor Dan George, chief of a Coast Salish band, died and his funeral was held in this cathedral. Pope John Paul II visited Holy Rosary Cathedral during his tour of Canada. Of the twenty-one stained glass windows in the building, five were created by noted Canadian artist Guido Nincheri (including the one known as "Our Lady of the Holy Rosary" which was portrayed in Canada's annual Christmas postal stamp in 1997).

The French Gothic Revival style Holy Rosary Cathedral is located in the central business district of Vancouver.

Sketch of the Holy Rosary Cathedral as it appeared in 1889.

View of the main altar.

Known as "...the oldest romantic style organ in British Columbia," this was installed in 1900.

"Christ Church Cathedral" - In December of 1888, the Anglican parish of Vancouver held its first mass, without an actual church. Shortly afterwards, land was bought from the Canadian Pacific Railroad, a church was built, and was dedicated in 1895. With its congregation growing, the church was expanded in 1909 and its Wurlitzer organ was installed in 1911. The Archbishop of New Westminster (a suburb of the Greater Vancouver Regional District) consecrated the Christ Church as the Cathedral Church of the Diocese. By 1971, the building was in danger of being demolished and replaced by a "...hi-rise tower complex." Fortunately, the city of Vancouver designated it as a Class A Heritage site and the building was saved.

Christ Church is the Anglican Cathedral of the Diocese of Vancouver.

Looking towards the main altar from the organ loft.

The dark wood ceiling is spectacular. The Wurlizer organ in the back was originally installed in 1911. It has undergone several renovations and upgrades since then.

This five-panel stained glass window really impressed us.