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 church, 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. The church is available to tour in July and August.
New grand piano arrives at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church in Nelson
...Five years ago when Tobias Jenny became organist and music director at St Saviour’s, he introduced the church as a concert venue to many local musicians. The superior acoustics as well as the architectural beauty of this heritage church impressed these musicians, along with their audiences.
While the existing grand piano had a beautiful sound and worked well as a service instrument, it was not up to the demands of concert use. As this would restrict expansion of the venue for concert usage, Tobias, together with local pianist, Robert Hargreaves, spearheaded a fundraising effort to purchase a suitable replacement.
Since that time, four fundraising concerts were organized with all the concert revenue donated to the ‘Piano Fund.’ Many generous donations from individuals and groups were also received.
These efforts culminated this fall when the ideal grand piano, a 20-year-old Kawai was located in Edmonton. After confirmation of its mint condition, inside and out, by local piano technician Terry Halleran, it was decided that this opportunity could not be passed up despite the ‘Piano Fund’ being $4,000 short of the purchase price.
The old piano, a loaner, has since been generously donated with all sale proceeds to go towards the shortfall. In this regard, it is hoped that its eventual sale will raise $2,500....
From the Nelson Star