Heritage Tours

Guided Tours of
St. Saviour's Pro-Cathedral

By Jonn Lavinnder

LET THE WINDOWS SPEAK — St. Saviour's has a wealth of beautiful stained glass windows.

Touring the stained glass windows of St. Saviour's Pro-Cathedral starts at the "Nativity" at the back of the church and proceeds clockwise. There are seventeen stained glass windows altogether. The majority are in the main body of the church.

It is said that when you look at these windows and study them, they will speak to you. You don't have to be knowledgeable about the Bible or Christianity to do this. After awhile…and it takes time…ask the question: "What is the message?" In the early days the windows helped people understand the stories of the gospels, as many were illiterate.

Some windows have definite histories. First, they were donated as a memorial to someone; and second, the families who donated them have a history. The Blaylock family donated the "Good Shepherd" window in memory of Thomas Blaylock who was a priest. In the Nelson area, the Blaylock mansion is well known. The family has a long association with Cominco, a major employer in the area.

Another window that has a definite history is the one dedicated to Bishop Clark. There are some interesting details in this window including the figure depicting Judas Iscariot. "The Last Supper" window was added later than the others and is in a more contemporary style.

The architecture and furnishings of St. Saviour's are also interesting. Take a half hour and come and enjoy the peace and beauty of this sacred heritage building.

Tours are in July and August, Tuesday - Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM.

(Compiled & edited by Jonn Lavinnder, 2013)