The "Friends" Story

The story of the Friends of the Cathedral

Origins of the present Association (formed in and active since 1935) can be traced back to 1873 when a guild was instituted in the time of Bishop Henry John Chitty Harper.

The purpose then was to further the work of construction of the Cathedral. Notable contributions included funding for:

• The stonework of the seven metre Rose Window;
• Stonework of the Western Doorway;
• Construction of the number 1 column;
• One of the two transept columns;
• The Pastoral Staff and Crosier - These were presented to Bishop Harper by the Guild on Cathedral Anniversary Day, 16 December, 1874.

Activity of the Guild subsided following the completion of the Cathedral extensions in 1904.

The concept of the Friends was revived by Bishop West-Watson in 1927 and this led to the formation of the current Association by Dean Julius. The first meeting took place on 23 October 1935 with a committee consisting of six men and four women structured into two sub-committees - one for finance and the other for social activities. By 1936 membership consisted of 4 Life Members and 209 Ordinary Members. It peaked in 1981 with 551 members and from 2003 there are about 300 active members. Other projects over the years and current ones either gifted or supported by contributions include:

• Sponsoring Choral Scholarships
• South Porch Restoration
• The Visitors' Centre
• Vestments
• Publishing of books related to the Cathedral such as "Vision & Reality" by Colin Brown
• Christmas Tree lights
• Purchase of Prayer & Hymn Books
• Chancel Restoration
• Sound & Recording Systems
• Pacific Chapel Restoration
• Cathedral Lighting upgrading

Contact Details for The Friends of Christchurch Cathedral Association (Inc.)

Postal Address:
The Friends of Christchurch Cathedral Association (Inc.)
PO Box 855
Christchurch
New Zealand

Tel: +64 (0)3 366-0046
Fax: +64 (0)3 366-8452
Email: cathedral1@xtra.co.nz