Christ Church Cathedral first opened its doors on the corner of Burrard and Georgia in 1889 - the first stone church built in Vancouver. The architect chosen was C.O. Wiickendon from Winnipeg, at the time completing an office block on Hastings for the CPR's company physician. He drew up plans for a building of stone, which, when fully completed, would seat 900 and have a tower 140 feet high. Tenders were let to M.E. Cook for Masonry and Charles Hillyer for other trades. The structure is constructed of sandstone and granite. At the time of restoration, the stone was seriously damaged due to aging and pollution and was repaired where possible. Moulds were made to produce cast stone replicas, which were then installed Today Christ Church Cathedral is a heritage site and the oldest surviving church building in the city. Christ Church also serves as a diocesan and a civic church and is the place where the Royal family worships when they are in Vancouver.   Vancouver Heritage Award