The Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King is a Roman Catholic church in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The cathedral was consecrated on December 19, 1933. It is the seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, and the cathedral of the Diocese of Hamilton. The cathedral contains the cathedra (bishop's chair) of the bishop, the Most Rev. Douglas Crosby. The cathedral was raised to the status of a minor basilica in February 2013 by Pope Benedict XVI.
On the south side of the bell tower is the cornerstone blessed by Bishop McNally, builder of the cathedral and fifth bishop of the diocese. It is a stone excavated from the Roman catacombs to symbolize the cathedral's unity with the ancient Christian church, the first generation after Christ. The cathedral is perched atop a hill overlooking Highway 403 leading in towards the rest of Hamilton and one travelling towards Oakville, Mississauga and Toronto. Christ the King Cathedral is close in proximity to the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board administration offices, and the offices for the Diocese of Hamilton. The offices for the diocese are located just off to the side of the cathedral, next to the rectory.
Activities
Sunday Masses are usually celebrated by the parish rector, but occasionally, the bishop or guest priests will preside. The cathedral basilica is located atop a hill facing south. The southern "King Street" doors open up to a massive fine stone staircase leading down into the front parking lot. The pure Gothic belltower, containing a carillon of 23 bells, is 165 feet high and visible from a great distance. The largest bell is called the Bourdon Bell, weighs 4 tons and was donated by Prime Minister of Canada, R. Bennett, a friend of Bishop McNally. At night, the cathedral is illuminated by flood lights and creates an imposing sight, especially from the Hamilton escarpment.
The cathedral basilica is the mother church of the Diocese of Hamilton and is the home of many activities for the Roman Catholic community within the diocese. Parish organizations include the Knights of Columbus, Children's Liturgy, Social Committee, Altar Servers, Cathedral ushers, Catholic Women's League, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, the Cathedral Choir which sings at the 11 am Mass, the Tenor-Bass Men's choir which sings at the 9 am Mass and the Cathedral Cantors which lead the singing at the 5-pm Saturday and Sunday afternoon 4-pm Mass. There is also a Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council to assist the rector and the Pastoral Team in the administration of the parish.
History
William Russell Souter (architect) designed the Cathedral of Christ the King (Hamilton) (1931–3). Joseph Pigott was a construction giant who headed the family business that built Hamilton landmarks including City Hall, the Pigott Building, Copps Coliseum and Christ the King Cathedral. Joseph Pigott was the head of the Pigott Construction Company of Hamilton that built and completed the building from 1930 to 1933.
Christ the King Cathedral was somewhat damaged by fire in 1981 when an arsonist set fire to the confessionals near the side entrance of the church. There was damage done to the cork tile floor, the main pulpit, a stained glass window, the confessionals and side entrance to the cathedral. Extensive renovations were made to repair and update the church, which now has a new second marble altar cut from the original and various woodwork additions. The stained glass window depicting Mary Magadalene washing the feet of Jesus was rebuilt by F. Meyer, who came out of retirement at the age of 85. It was reconstructed according to the original 1930 plan. The two marble side altars were also moved 25' back to increase the size of the chancel. A large marble floor in the chancel replaces the original cork floor and carpeting covers the nave.
Architecture
Construction was begun by the Pigott Construction Company of Hamilton in 1930 and completed in 1933. Renovations were carried out in 1981 when it was damaged by a fire earlier that year. One stained glass window was completely rebuilt by the original craftsman, F. Meyer of Munich, Germany. Some of the renovations that were added after the fire are: