How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
Quiet and contemplative.

What were the exact opening words of the service?
'Good morning and a very happy new year to you all...' This was said by the churchwarden, immediately before the entry of the procession.

What books did the congregation use during the service?
The order of service for the Mass, the English Hymnal, and a card with the words of the Angelus.

What musical instruments were played?
Organ.

Did anything distract you?
Not really... although I did accidentally leave my hymn book on the seat in front, and had to retrieve it – apologetically – from beneath another worshipper!

Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
This was a full solemn Mass in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, with as much ritual as you are likely to find this side of the Council of Trent. We started with a procession for prayers at the crib, then the service proper started with the asperges, and progressed through the detailed preparatory ritual. The core ritual of the Mass was strictly Book of Common Prayer. We finished with the Angelus, again at the crib.

Exactly how long was the sermon?
10 minutes.

On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
4.

In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?
The feast of the Epiphany and the significance for us that among the first to adore the Christ-child were Gentiles. It started well enough, but the three wise men started as kings, became magi, and then reverted to being the kings of India, Arabia and Ethiopia (I think). I'm aware of this tradition, but it rather stood out in an otherwise entirely orthodox experience. A couple of regulars (unprompted) suggested afterwards that we should come back to hear Fr Maunder preach – fair enough.

Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
I was gradually overcome by what I can only describe as a curious sense of timeless mystery as the service progressed. Despite the ritual intensiveness, its purpose was never less than clear, assured and reverent.

And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
Not really anything, but the sermon was somewhat disappointing.

What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
We didn't have time to look lost – we were immediately collared by a couple of members of the congregation, and invited to join everyone for coffee. Several fascinating conversations ensued, including the history of this famous old church, how a small congregation of about 10 acquired the rights to it two years ago, and their subsequent growth.

How would you describe the after-service coffee?
Coffee (in cups) with biscuits – fine, I think. I can't really remember, as I was too busy talking.

How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
8 if I was thinking of moving. But I have no personal answers to the troubling question of when and whether a disagreement – however major – becomes worth a schism. The clear sincerity and determination impressed.

Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
Undoubtedly. I had been a little apprehensive before visiting, never having been to a 'Continuing Anglican' church before. I had wondered if I might be venturing into a nest of ayatollahs. I couldn't have been more wrong. The warmth of the welcome and the attitude of sadness rather than bitterness over the split were evident.

What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
The fact that this fine old building has re-emerged into the light of day to support a new congregation in a similar tradition to that of its founders.