Opened in 1898, the church served as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Kootenay from 1900 until the 1960s. Since that time it has been known as a pro-cathedral.
In January of 1928 the interior of the cathedral was gutted by fire and rebuilt immediately, with the aid of insurance money and many donations. Many of the present memorial stained glass windows were donated at this time, as was the organ, replacing the one destroyed in the fire.
The cathedral, designed by architect George D. Curtis, is an excellent example of "Gothic Perpendicular" church architecture. Built of stone with a wood rafter ceiling and wood interior appointments, the cathedral is a standout among the many churches of Nelson. It is probably the most impressive religious building in the city and possesses a total of seventeen stained glass windows, all donated as personal memorials.
From
Memory BC
"St. Saviour's Church was opened at Nelson in 1898. At the first meeting of the Synod of the newly organized Diocese of Kootenay in 1900, St. Saviour was chosen as the Cathedral, but since the 1960's it has been designated as a Pro-Cathedral. Besides the various areas progressively separated from the original Nelson Missionary District, the parish also included St. Andrew-by-the-Lake, Willow Point until this congregation was transferred to the parish of Kokanee in 1957. In 1966 the parish of the Church of the Redeemer was joined with St. Saviour's Parish."