1. The South Door

photography by www.illusionsphotographic.com

The stained glass windows found throughout the Cathedral are among the oldest in Calgary. Often, they depict biblical scenes which taught people about their religion in the days when most could not read. 

Many of the windows were produced by the McCausland Company of Toronto, and contain much symbolism. 

On the west wall of the entrance are 3 stained glass windows. 

The Circular Window contains the crest of the Anglican Diocese of Calgary: the shepherd's crook represents the Bishop's pastoral staff; the key is to the kingdom of God; the open book portrays the Bible; the red cross is the cross of St. George; the wavy line of the shield represents the Rocky Mountains; the white background is snow; and the beaver symbolizes Canada. 

The figure depicted in the window to the left is Jesus; the figure in the window on the right is St. George, patron saint of England. 

The crusader image may be seen to represent the Christian as a soldier of God.

2. The Nave

The windows at the back of the north wall were donated by the Roper Hull family. They depict Jesus as the Light of the World; St. Paul on his right, and Moses on the left. It is interesting to speculate about a Hebrew of Moses' day proclaiming the Ten Commandments with Roman numerals on the tablets. 

The plaques on the walls around the nave date from the early part of this century; the oldest being a 1885 remembrance to a soldier who died at Cut Knife Creek, and a 1900 memorial to a soldier who died in the Boer War. Many of the names found on these plaques are familiar as pioneering families of Calgary. 

Embroidered kneelers are hung at many of the pews, and are used to cushion the knees when kneeling. This was a project coordinated by The Cathedral's Anglican Church Women's group, utilizing the needlework skills of women from throughout the dioceses in Alberta. 

At the rear of the aisle at the pew ends are the wardens' wands. At the annual meeting, members of the congregation elect a People' s Warden, and the Dean appoints a member of the Cathedral to serve as his warden. In times past, the wardens' duties included keeping parishioners awake during long sermons. Their long staffs could be used to prod those who dozed off. 

In front of the pews is an open area, which is frequently used for drama and music performances. 

Above the back, north entry doors hangs a banner made on behalf of our diocese for a national Anglican Synod meeting.

3. The Lectern

In 1536, King Henry VIII ordered that a Bible be placed in every church. The eagle was assumed to be the bird that flew the highest and closest to heaven, and was therefore worthy to carry the Word of God on its' back.

At the foot of the eagle is an orb to represent the world. 

The lectern rests upon three lions, symbolizing the strength of God. Part of the lectern was stolen during 1972, and has rendered the Lectern less ornate than in its original form.

4. The Pulpit

Apparently, the positioning of the pulpit and lectern has been reversed. It has been said that an overturned glass of water from the pulpit onto the Bishop's wife resulted in the pulpit being moved to its current location, and the lectern being moved in its place.

5. The Rood Screen

It separates the chancel and sanctuary areas from the main body of the church, and is mainly ornamental. In medieval times, only the clergy and their assistants used the chancel, and the screen kept out other people and their animals. 

This rood screen is a memorial to the men of the Calgary area who died in W W I. It was dedicated by the Prince of Wales in 1919. When the screen arrived, it contained a spelling error; consequently a wooden insert was made at the 'e' in liveth.

6. Chancel Area

The Bishop's chair or throne is located to the left of the High Altar. 

The last row on the north side of the choir is set aside for the diocesan canons. Canons are  diocesan clergy who have been given recognition by the Bishop for service or expertise.

7. The Sanctuary

As is the tradition with Anglican churches, our High Altar is located at the east end of the building, and is the focal point of the Cathedral. The altar has been moved forward from its original position, allowing the priest to stand behind it and face the congregation. On the front panel of the altar is a stylized Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, referring to God who exists from beginning to end. The central panel portrays a lamb, which represents Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. 

The wooden paneling behind the altar is called the reredos. Here, and throughout the Cathedral, you will notice various coloured cloth hangings. The colors change with the Church year. Red represents the fire of the Holy Spirit or the blood of the martyrs; Green represents everlasting life; White represents purity and thanksgiving; Purple represents penitence and sorrow. The "Coronation" hangings are significant as they were cut from the same cloth used for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. 

The red glass Sanctuary Lamp suspended from the ceiling represents Jesus as the Light of the World. It is always lit, and reminds us that God is always present. 

To the left of the altar rail is the Canterbury Cross, which was donated by the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury in 1954. 

To the right of the altar rail is the Coventry Cross. Coventry Cathedral, England, was destroyed by bombs in W.W.II. Parishioners of this Cathedral provided financial aid to rebuild a new Cathedral in Coventry. This cross, made from nails from the original Cathedral, is a token of their thanks.

8. The Sanctuary Windows

photography by www.illusionsphotographic.com

The left centre window shows Mary at the cross; the right centre window depicts John, "The Beloved Disciple". The window on the extreme left is of St. George, given in memory of Lt. Claude Watchorn, of the Royal Flying Corps. The face of St. George is purported to be a copy of a photo of Lt. Watchorn. The window on the extreme right (Fides) is the "Faith" window, with a lamp lit in preparedness for the banquet.

9. The Organ

The organ pipes are housed in large chambers on both sides ot the chancel. (the right-hand chamber is enclosed with shutters). The blower for the organ is in the basement. The organ contains 1237 pipes. Different sizes, shapes, and materials (wood, tin, copper alloy) produce the wide range of sounds.

10. The Lady Chapel

It is currently used for weekday Eucharist and intimate gatherings. The Chapel cross is uniquely designed, with the three figured symbolism of the Trinity at its extremities. The halo effect or circle represents the perfectness of God. 

The windows in the Chapel depict the Nativity, the Shepherds, the Magi, and Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Paul.

11. The Font

The Font of an Anglican Church is generally located near a door, as Baptism represents entry into the Christian faith. The Cathedral's font is located near to the door of the Chapel.

In early days, fonts were large enough to allow adults to stand in them and be completely immersed. Now, only a little water is sprinkled on the candidates' head. 

The inscription around the Font reads "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism". The Greek letters are symbolic of Christ's name.

Behind the font is the Paschal Candle, which is lit during services of Holy Baptism as a reminder that Christ is the light of the world.

12. The Children's Altar

13. The North Porch

photography by www.illusionsphotographic.com

The Window was designed by the Very Rev'd. David Carter, Dean of the Cathedral from 1969 - 1979. It depicts early Calgary with the Bow River in the background and the Elbow River to the right, with Fort Calgary at the junction. Pictured is the original Church of the Redeemer, with an authentic Blackfoot design Indian teepee to the left. The varied forms of transportation used by Anglican missionaries are represented. Above the church, Franklin Gulls represent the Holy Spirit. In the left corner is Alberta's official flower, the Prairie Rose

The left window portrays the Old Testament prophet Amos the herdsman, who spoke out for social justice. Falling from the peak of the window is the plumb line used for measurement ­ just as God measures us. 

The window on the right portrays the Old Testament prophet Hosea, the man who learned the immensity of God's love. These figures represent the ongoing challenge to the Cathedral parish to service the inner city in terms of love and social justice. 

The awe-inspiring windows in the balcony are known as "The Ascension Windows".