1857
Provincial Government makes grant of land.
Photo: The plaque in the Holy Souls Chapel contains records of benefactors to the original building fund and later, the restoration fund
1860
Christchurch Mission begun.
1864
Church of the Blessed Sacrament opened.
1877
Major additions to church completed.
1887
Diocese of Christchurch established by Papal Brief.
1888
Bishop J.J. Grimes SM enthroned in Pro-Cathedral.
1895
Cathedral Fund opened.
1899
F.W. Petre submits plan for basilica-type church.
Photo: Francis W Petre – Architect
1900
Pro-Cathedral removed to Ferry Road.
1901
Foundation stone of Cathedral laid.
Photo: The Bell Tower’s four bells were cast in Belgium in 1904. Each inscribed in Latin, they weigh a combined 3.660 kgs and were bequeathed to the new cathedral by Nicholas Quinn of Waimate
1905
Completed Cathedral blessed and opened.
Photos: The wooden pro-cathedral which stood on the present cathedral site until building began in 1901. Its shifting intact to a new site on Ferry Road was, at the time, the largest feat of its kind to be undertaken in New Zealand.
The Diocese Building Committee, responsible for the cathedral’s construction, photographed on opening day, 12th February 1905. Bishop Grimes is in the centre front row
1915
Death of Bishop Grimes; interment in Cathedral.
1916
Episcopal Ordination of Bishop M.J. Brodie.
1920
Cathedral debt liquidated.
1943
Death of Bishop Brodie; burial at Mt Magdala.
1944
Enthonement of Bishop P.F. Lyons.
1950
Transfer of Bishop Lyons to Sydney.
Episcopal Ordination of Bishop EM. Joyce.
Canterbury Centennial Celebrations.
1964
Death of Bishop Joyce; interment in Cathedral.
Episcopal Ordination of Bishop B.P. Ashby.
1970
Cathedral Conservation Project begun.
1974
Interior re-ordering of Cathedral commenced.
1975
Conservation Project completed.
Cathedral Trust inaugurated.
1977
Dedication of Tabernacle doors.
1978
Halmshore organ restored and re-dedicated.
1980
Jubilee Year to mark 75th anniversary.
1984
Episcopal Ordination of Bishop D.W. Hanrahan.
1985
Resignation of Bishop Ashby.
Enthronement of Bishop Hanrahan.
1986
National Ecumenical Service held by Pope John Paul II, 24th November 1986
1987
Death of Bishop Hanrahan; burial Bromley Cemetery.
Episcopal Ordination of Bishop J.B. Meeking.
Diocesan Centennial Celebrations.
Inauguration of the Friends of the Cathedral.
1988
Death of Bishop Ashby; burial Bromley Cemetery.
1992
Episcopal Ordination of Bishop J.J. Cunneen.
1996
Retirement of Bishop Meeking.
Enthronment of Bishop Cunneen.
1997
Establishment of the Cathedral forecourt.
2000
Holy Year of the Great Jubilee.
2004
Seismic strengthening of Cathedral.
2005
Cathedral Centennial Celebrations.