An architect’s impression of what Christchurch’s Transitional Christchurch will look like. Photo/Anglican Taonga

[Anglican Taonga] Christchurch’s Transitional Cathedral will be dedicated at a special service on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 7 p.m.

However, the very first service will be reserved for cathedral “regulars” who have been without a church of their own for two and a half years.

A civic service will follow on Sunday, Sept. 1, at 5.30 p.m. to mark “a re-commitment by the cathedral and city to continue to work together with a high level of co-operation.”

In a letter to her diocese, Bishop Victoria Matthews said: “We will use portions of Scripture that highlight the place of cities in the saving work of God in Christ.”

The cathedral structure is expected to have a lifespan of more than 50 years, but engineers say it has been a challenge.

Designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, it incorporates 98 beams encased in cardboard to form the striking A-shape.