Les-b-in the house of the Lord!

By Sal Kovech

Volume 1, Issue 4

September 2nd 2001.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Sung Eucharist 11:30am

Having had a life-long love of cathedrals and the almightiness that I find in them, I decided that I would venture to the top of the pile - St. Paul's Cathedral - the flagship of the Church of England. St. Paul's, as I am sure you all know, lies within the City of London, the financial capital of Britain. An amazing building sat amongst the offices and high-rise blocks, which surround it. I arrived to a peel of bells - as a one-time campanologist, I was very impressed by the noise - I never did seem to be very good at it myself!

All alone (where were my fellow ylgc-ers??) I entered this mighty building. On a Sunday it is worship first, and my worries of having to "Pay to Pray" were quite unfounded. I was also encouraged that the stewards asked all the people in front of me whether they were there for the service, but just waved me through. Somehow in my jeans and t-shirt I didn't look like a tourist! It is a sure sign that it is now universally acknowledged that I AM a resident of London!

The service was based on the usual Anglican Eucharist service. But being St. Paul's, this was a far grander affair than any other communion I have ever been to. The processional party arrived - choir, followed by numerous priests and nuns, servers and finally the celebrant and deacons. All in all there were about 12 ordained people behind the altar! Now, I am very used to seeing at least three, but I would imagine that a lot of people would be very unnerved at the sight, particularly when they were all dressed in their priestly finery! I love this style of worship, but we are a diverse bunch and I in no way expect many of you to agree.

The service was led by one of the chaplains - and echoed around the vast space making it hard to hear at the beginning, whilst my ears became accustomed. Hymns were classics; "Ye holy angels bright" and "All my hope on God is founded". How nice to sing amazing hymns in such acoustics. Americans surrounded me and it felt rather odd being the sole Brit in my part of the church. I mention the Americans, only because they have a very odd way of pronouncing some of the liturgical words and it kept me amused!

The sermon, by one of the chaplains, was all about the Fire of London. Apparently until recent times, it was always remembered on September 2nd, the day it started. An odd topic to preach about, but justified by how God's graciousness followed the disaster particularly relating to St. Paul's, which was entirely destroyed (or something - I'm afraid I lost the thread at times!).

Communion was an orderly affair with about 4 places to receive and all the time being ushered here and there by the stewards and vergers (also dressed up in their finery!) I was, though, fortunate to receive the sacrament from Lucy Winkett, the sole female chaplain of St. Paul's who has come under great attack for being in the job. I have great respect for ALL women priests but particularly one who has overcome so much bad feeling and opposition, from outsiders and colleagues.

The service ended with a wonderful organ voluntary by Albinoni (no, I hadn't heard of him either).

Obviously in such a setting, an after service coffee was quite out of the question (unless you went with the tourists down to the crypt and paid) so there is little sense of community at St. Paul's. I would imagine though that some people do worship there each week and with persistence, one may find some sort of fellowship. Whether people of our persuasion would feel at home there is another matter. In some ways, the lack of community is an advantage as there is no-one asking any awkward questions and you can just be, with God. However, if you feel that being out and actively involved in a church is important in your life, then I would suggest bypassing St. Paul's all together.

Overall, my impression was of highly polished performances from all involved but at the same time a feeling of great humbleness and awe at worshipping our God in such a place. I would recommend this service to people from the Anglo-Catholic end of the church, although there are 4 other services on Sundays, which may appeal to the more evangelical amongst you (but then again, as Lucy said, "Everything at St. Paul's is formal"!)

Score on the door 7/10.

Further details:
www.stpauls.london.anglican.org

TEL 020 7236 4128

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