Les-b-in the house of the Lord!

By Sal Kovech

Volume 1, Issue 5

September 15^th 2001
St. Margaret's, Westminster

As you will have gathered so far, I'm a high church girl through and through. I was brought up with tradition and find the more formal services easy ways to find God. So for the more evangelical amongst you, you may be disappointed in my weekly choices. But do live in hope; there will surely come a day when I run out of high churches and am forced to visit the more evangelical style that some of you are more familiar with.

Shadowed by Westminster Abbey, St. Margaret's is large and light and situated within Parliament Square. Another church on the tourist route of London, I was once again surrounded by Americans, but in the wake of world atrocity, a place you would expect to find them this week. The large mixed choir was led in by a verger, and followed by only 2 priests. Having become accustomed to 12 priests at St. Paul's, I wondered where the other 10 were; presumably in the Abbey at the Battle of Britain commemoration.

The service was very traditional and in some ways old-fashioned. The setting was Rite B, which includes thee's and thou's and the old style Lord's Prayer. I thought that this service was no longer used - how wrong can a girl be? Although for a one-off, I enjoyed the pomp, it was a bit much even for me. However, it gave the service a very reverential feel and fitted well in a week where everything was solemn. A confusing thing about the service was that they use the usual service booklet with an added sheet each week. For those not accustomed to such things, this would be highly confusing. I spent a large proportion of my time showing the people in front where we were and which hymn to sing. They left before the end - hopefully not because of me!

St. Margaret's and the Abbey go hand in hand. The rector is also the chaplain to the House of Commons (and my old vicar - hence the visit). Like St. Paul's, visitors mostly frequent it so would be the kind of place that you could "be" and no one would ask questions. However, there is a group of regulars who give the church a more parish-y feel and would be an advantage for someone who wanted to settle. Bearing in mind that the rector's previous church was full of gay couples, I know that he would be welcoming of us. What his "parishioners" may think is an altogether different matter. But if you are looking for support from your priest, Fr. Robert may be a good place to start.

My day ended with a visit to Westminster Abbey for the live Songs of Praise vigil for the America tragedy. It was a moving service (my highlight would have to be Jerry Hall reading a Psalm whilst the choir sang "Ubi Caritas"). I was even on television, which was all rather exciting.

Overall, marks for St Margaret's: 6/10 (accounting for the antiquated service but gay-friendly vicar).

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