Three centuries of prayer
Founded in 1724, the cathedral has been rebuilt after fire, storm and earthquake, and has never once closed its doors.
A brief history
The first church on this site was a modest timber chapel raised by English colonists in 1724. Within fifty years it had been replaced by a brick sanctuary, whose steeple became a landmark for ships entering the harbor.
The great fire of 1861 left only the walls. The congregation rebuilt in Charleston stone, and the sanctuary that stands today was consecrated in 1872. The earthquake of 1886 cracked the tower, and a generation of parishioners paid to restore it.
Through every age the cathedral has kept faith with one simple thing: the daily office of prayer. Morning and evening, the bells have called the city to worship. We hope you will answer.
What we guard
Prayer
The daily offices anchor every day of our life.
Beauty
Music, architecture and craft raise the heart to God.
Hospitality
Every pilgrim is received as Christ.
Continuity
We hand on what we have received.
How we got here
A few moments that shaped who we are today.
Foundation
A timber chapel is raised on Meeting Street.
Consecration
The present stone cathedral is dedicated after the great fire.
The great organ
A four-manual organ is installed, still in daily use.
Tricentennial
Three hundred years celebrated, and a restoration campaign begun.
The cathedral clergy and staff
DeanThe Very Rev. Alistair Pemberton
The Dean has served the cathedral for fourteen years and leads the Sunday Eucharist.
Canon PrecentorThe Rev. Canon Imogen Hartley
Canon Hartley oversees worship, music and the daily offices.
Director of MusicJulian Ashworth
Julian conducts the choir and the Evensong series.
Head DocentBeatrice Colquhoun
Beatrice trains the volunteer guides who lead tours of the nave and crypt.
Our faith
- We confess the faith of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds.
- We hold to Holy Scripture as God's Word written.
- We celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist.
- We keep the daily offices of Morning and Evening Prayer.
- We seek the unity of Christ's church and the good of this city.
Preserve this house of prayer
The doors are open daily. Come to pray, to listen, to see or simply to rest.