Christ the King Cathedral (Hamilton)

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Entrace on the South side

Cathedral of Christ the King is a Roman Catholic church in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. The Cathedral was consecrated on December 19, 1933. ^[1]It is the the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, and the cathedral of the Diocese of Hamilton. The cathedral is the home of Bishop Anthony Tonnos, Auxiliary Bishop Matthew Ustrzycki, and Auxiliary Bishop Gerard Bergie.

1 Cathedral activities
2 Building history
3 Interior
4 Cathedral fire
5 Cathedral vicinity
6 References
7 External links

[edit] Cathedral activities

Christ the King Cathedral masses are usually presided over by the parish pastor, but occasionally, one of the bishops (usually Bishop Ustrzycki) will preside over the ceremony.

Christ the King Cathedral is the home of many activities for Roman Catholic schools within the diocese, such as Confirmation retreats and other religious activities for school - aged children and adults alike.

[edit] Building history

Joseph Pigott was a construction giant who headed the family business that built Hamilton landmarks including City Hall, the Pigott Building, Copps Coliseum and Christ the King Cathedral. ^[2]

[edit] Interior

Christ the King Cathedral was originally constructed in the late 1940's, and was partially reconstructed when it was gutted by a fire.

Some of the renovations that were added after the fire are:

a solid marble floor for the altar,

a stone canopy covering the tabernacle, and

a new podium for readers of the mass.

The cathedral interior is a classic example of a Roman Catholic cathedral - it has seating for close to five hundred parishioners, television screens installed on the side columns holding up the cathedral ceiling, the sacristy to one side for the keeping of the holy oils, and a shrine to the other side with saint statues adorning it on either sides.

The cathedral is home to several pieces of intriquite stained glass work, including depictions from the New Testament linging the walls, numerous saint depictions at the very top walls of the cathedral, and a grand masterpiece at the very rear above the organ, depicting the scene of the bible for which the cathedral was named - Christ the King.

The central nave connects the back chamber with the main church. The rear of the church contains a statue of Christ the King. Above the rear chamber is a large organ with over one hundred pipes, used in everyday masses and special ceremonies.

Beneath the main church, as accessed by a side door next to the rectory is the Parish Hall, which was renovated in the early 21st century. Also in the basement of the church is the Marian Chapel and other various rooms.

[edit] Cathedral fire

Christ the King Cathedral was severely damaged by fire when a candle on the main altar tipped over and set the woodwork of the church on fire. Extensive renovations went underway to repair the church, which now has a new marble altar and various woodwork additions.

[edit] Cathedral vicinity

Christ the King Cathedral is close in proximity to the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board administration offices, and the offices for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. The offices for the diocese are located just off to the side of the cathedral, next to the rectory.

The cathedral is perched atop a hill overlooking Highway 403 leading in towards the rest of Hamilton and one travelling towards Oakville, Missisauga and Toronto.