St. John's Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba has the Oldest Cemetery in Western Canada

In 1812, this location became the birth place of the Anglican Church in Western Canada. The first Cemetery in Western Canada was established here when the first Selkirk Settlers arrived at this Red River Settlement. Lord Selkirk came to this site and was greeted by these settlers in 1817.

Rev. John West arrived from England as a missionary in 1820, sponsored by the Church Missionary Society and the Hudson's Bay Company. He constructed a Church Mission House near the already established cemetery. The oldest grave marker in the cemetery is dated 1817, with the cemetery still in use today. Plots are still available for sale.

Severely damaged by the flood of 1826, the first church built on the property was replaced In 1833, when the second church was built on the site of the present Cathedral. Again a flood damaged buildings on the site and the now Cathedral was again replaced in 1862 and finally replaced again in 1926.

The second building became the first Anglican Cathedral in Western Canada after the first Bishop of Rupert's Land was consecrated in 1849. The last Cathedral was built mostly of the stone from the third building. This Cathedral is still in use today, and is of Medieval English Design. Having a Norman tower, and Gothic arches above the doors and windows.

The tower bells originally came from Whitechapel Foundry in London England. Installed first in the third church in 1862, they were moved to the current Cathedral during its construction. There is a plaque mounted on the staircase wall that was originally installed on the second church in 1833.

The Great West Window, a large and beautiful group of stained glass panels, was built by Western Art Glass of Winnipeg. They were installed in 1970 at the 150 year anniversary of the parish.

The Soldier's Chapel is another group of fine stained glass panels installed in 1975 to commemorate Canadian Armed Forces who have served during many wars.

The Casavant pipe organ was purchased with money raise by the St. John's Cathedral Ladies Aid. Installed in 1927 at a cost of $8,485, its current value is estimated at $500,000.

With many more dedicated stain glass panels, and historical items passed down from as far back as the first church structures, this is a Cathedral and Cemetery of very significant historical value. The final resting place of many of Winnipeg's founding fathers are within the fences bordering the grounds of St. John's Cathedral. Included in those who rest peacfully on these grounds are three generations of my family.

For a more detailed history of St. John's Cathedral located in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, be sure to visit their web site. www.stjohnscathedral.ca/church and for the story of other historic church's in Winnipeg see this web site as well. www.goliath.ecnext.com

Services at St. John's take place every Sunday beginning with the Litany at 8:15am, visitors and newcomers will be warmly welcomed.

www.goliath.ecnext.com
www.stjohnscathedral.ca/church