Ministries

The word Narthex comes from a Greek word meaning the area between the pews and the entrance porch of a church. It was usually separated from the rest of the church by pillars or a low wall or rail. Catechumens and Penitents used to sit in the Narthex.
Inside the cathedral on the wall to the ’north’ of the main entrance is a board showing the names of the Bishops of Mashonaland, and, since the change in the name of the Diocese, the Bishops of Harare, in unbroken succession from 1891 to the present time.
On the wall to the ’south’ of the main entrance is a board showing the names of the Deans of the Cathedral from 1890.
On the wall to ’east’ of the Sacristy, is a board showing the names of the Churchwardens of the Cathedral from 1890.
On a board on the ’north’ wall of the Narthex is a plaque showing the names of the bells. Each one has a particular Christian attribute. The smallest (the treble) is named Faith, then in order of size come Truth, Understanding, Gentleness, Humility, Loyalty, Gratitude, Courage, Wisdom, and the largest (the tenor) is Love.
The bells also serve the clock, which is accurate and checked daily. The clock tower was installed in 1962 by the local family of Honey, and reminds us of the passing of time. The main doors of the cathedral were a gift from the parish of St. Andrews, Mvurwi. In the Narthex also is a small stone taken from St. Paul`s Cathedral when it was damaged in an air raid on 17th April, 1941. It was given by Bishop Martineau, an R.A.F. Chaplain here during World War 2. Above the Narthex is the Gallery. On the ‘north’ wall is a painting of the Crucifixion by Helen Lieros, a local artist.