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The church: Southwark Cathedral, South London.
Denomination: Church of England.
The building: The first word the comes to mind is glorious! It's worthwhile visiting the cathedral's website just to take the online tour. Southwark's Gothic magnificence has a poignant quality because many of the original windows, which were destroyed during the blitz, were replaced by more modern ones. The nave is breathtaking, and visitors should not miss the charm of the small chapels behind the altar. I personally do not care for the highly austere Harvard Chapel, where the service took place, but love the tapestry of the Annunciation in one of the other chapels. I had not been to Southwark Cathedral in several years, and was pleasantly surprised at the building development: refectory (with excellent, well-priced food), shop with the best book selection I have seen in any store connected with a church, very nice surrounding garden (though, until I realised he was merely hot, I was a little hesitant seeing a homeless man with no trousers on resting there).
The church: The parish has few actual members, in common with most cathedrals. Its ministries are mainly to the business community.
The neighbourhood: Bustling business at the front, the Thames and its tourist attractions to the rear. This, of course, was the wicked neighbourhood where Shakespeare's plays were produced, and the reconstructed Globe theatre is one of a number of local attractions. The entire flavour of the neighbourhood made it seem very appropriate that the pub next door is called the Barrow Boy and Banker. London Bridge station is directly across the street and anyone new to the area could practically miss the cathedral in the hectic atmosphere.
The cast: Not provided.
Holy Communion (midday).
How full was the building?
Aside from the vicar and two members of the parish staff, there were four people in attendance.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
The lady who was greeting visitors to the cathedral was enormously pleasant and helpful. When I inquired where the service would be held, she led me right to the chapel door.
Was your pew comfortable?
Yes, and it was a relief to my bad back (about which I was greeting God with a whinge) that we sat, rather than stood, for the beginning of the service. I blushed when I realised that the reason we were seated was that there was a gentleman in attendance who had no legs.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
A few visitors were touring the cathedral, but it was blessedly quiet.
What books did the congregation use during the service?
There were service sheets, but this was my first cathedral service where everyone seemed to be Anglican – we said the prayers from memory. It was somehow very moving and powerful when the entire group joined in reciting, quietly, "Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open..." rather than the priest saying it alone.
What musical instruments were played?
No music at this service.
Did anything distract you?
I'm ashamed (well, a little) that the distractions were all in my own head! I had made a brief, preliminary stop in the shop before the service and noticed they had the complete set of the "Wisdom of..." series. I was mentally calculating whether I could justify completing my set, considering I have no excess of funds. (I did, of course.)
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
Quiet, reverent and relaxed. Often, when a small group is gathered and all are praying aloud peacefully, there is a rather awe-inspiring effect.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
Perhaps 3 minutes. With its being a midday service, there was no time for a "full" sermon.
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
5 – He may very well be a "10" by nature, and I hated giving a rating at all, because there was so little time that it was not a sermon per se. He made just a brief mention of a point of the day's Gospel.
In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?
"You shall see the Son of Man in glory."
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
The atmosphere was beautifully peaceful and warm.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
Wondering if I was being wisely cautious or non-welcoming in hesitating to enter a cathedral close which contained a homeless man in a state of undress.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
It was not a time which lent itself to conversation, since others in attendance were hurrying back to work. The vicar greeted everyone personally and warmly. I headed for the refectory for lunch and made the afternoon a "retreat time"... I had plenty of books to aid me in meditation.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
The refectory food was surprisingly good – diverse menu, well-prepared, reasonably priced.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
7 – It was wonderful to see what a perfect spot for a retreat day now exists in central London – and one blessedly not overcrowded. However, cathedrals somehow are not the places I favour for weekly Sunday worship.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
Extremely so.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
How wonderful it is to find a peaceful place of prayer amidst the bustle of business.
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