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The church: Exeter Cathedral, England.
Denomination: Church of England.
The building: Splendid Norman architecture. The exterior is awesome, bringing one back to the High Middle Ages, and most of the interior is equally marvellous, particularly the stained glass windows. Unfortunately, someone who no doubt had good intentions but lacked taste ruined much of the interior with garish banners and the like, and, for example, an absolutely horrible metal sculpture that apparently was a crucifix... with a blue triangle rather than a head! Reminded me of something Susan Howatch's character of Neville Aysgarth would commission.
The neighbourhood: Exeter is a treasure of gorgeous Devon scenery, tea shoppes fit for the home of clotted cream, and, in the cathedral close, a delightful medieval town square, complete with musicians and jugglers.
The cast: The names were not given.
Holy Communion (weekday).
How full was the building?
The Lady Chapel, where the service was held, was practically full.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
No – a group of noisy young students, who chose that moment to share giggles in front of the chapel's door, required the attention of those who I assume would normally offer a welcome.
Was your pew comfortable?
Yes – comfortable quire chair.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
Those attending were quiet and reverent... but the students nearby were anything but.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
"Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known..."
What books did the congregation use during the service?
Alternative Service Book leaflet, Rite 2.
What musical instruments were played?
There was no music at this service.
Did anything distract you?
From where I was sitting, that ghastly "triangle crucifix" in the next chapel (where the sacrament is reserved, more's the pity) was in view.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
Dignified Anglo-Catholic – where I had the joy, not common to all Anglican churches, of having times to kneel.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
6 minutes.
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
3. He was obviously very saddened by two conversations he'd had with prisoners recently, and, moving though this was, the repeated references to them made it hard to understand the points of the sermon.
In a nutshell, what was the sermon
about?
The pain and sorrow of this life.
Which part of the service was like being in
heaven?
The reverence of the worshippers and beauty of the architecture.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
The dreadful modern touches, such as banners and altar drapes, which seemed more suited to a South American festival than a Norman church.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
Nothing – just about every obvious visitor was a bit lost. True to form, I retired to pray a bit in the chapel where the sacrament was reserved, then spent more money than I had in the gift shop, which had full sets of C.S. Lewis and "The Wisdom of..." series.
How would you describe the after-service
coffee?
The refectory, which was Norman and perfectly charming, with a full menu, fixes a wonderful cup of Earl Grey.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
4. I'm rarely in the area, but shall visit again.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a
Christian?
Yes. I was moved to see the good attendance on a week day, and the reverent Anglo-Catholic approach.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
That the Church survives everything (as it did in the 11th century) – even the worst of religious art.
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