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The church: Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Norwich, England.
Denomination: Church of England.
The building: The cathedral is noticeably Norman in style, with rounded arches all over the place. Its claim to fame is that it has the second highest spire in England (Salisbury being the highest), and the largest medieval cloister. There is a round chapel on each of the south and north sides, which give the cathedral a kind of characteristic bulge when seen from the side, or from the east.
The church: Difficult to tell from a weekday evensong, but the vergers and staff on duty did appear to be very friendly and helpful.
The neighbourhood: The cathedral close is immense! You enter via one of two medieval gateways from Tombland (interesting choice of road name!), and see the west front and a great big swathe of grass stretching south-north, with roads leading down to houses and the river. It's set pretty close to the centre of Norwich and is surrounded by shops, businesses etc.
The cast: Not sure! The canon in residence was Richard Hanmer, but there appeared to be a lay precentor leading the sung part of the service (not from the visiting choir).
Choral Evensong.
How full was the building?
About two dozen people, spread between seats in the choir proper and seats in the crossing/transept area – a pretty respectable turnout for a weekday evensong.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
The group I was with was welcomed by the canon in residence.
Was your pew comfortable?
The main choir stalls are pretty comfortable for the length of an evensong. They also seem to have plenty of leg-room.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
We were late and a little rushed so didn't really get a chance to sample the atmosphere.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
"I welcome you to Norwich Cathedral..."
What books did the congregation use during the service?
The cathedral's own printed booklet for the order of service (basically the Book of Common Prayer), and the English Hymnal.
What musical instruments were played?
The organ.
Did anything distract you?
One of the readers had a slight speech impediment, and once I'd noticed it, I scarcely took in any of the rest of the lesson as I picked up on every word with that letter in it, I'm ashamed to say.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
Typical traditional Anglican choral evensong, really. Reverent, dignified and stately in the main, though with some added extras.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
There was no sermon.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
After a depressingly grey and rainy day, the sun finally broke through and lit up the transept wall opposite where I was sitting so that the stone seemed to glow with golden light – it was beautiful.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
The end of the anthem tailed away into nothingness, leaving a feeling of serenity and peace, and putting me in the mood for prayer (which usually follows at this point). This was abruptly shattered by another office hymn and everyone starting to form a procession. It was the feast of the transfiguration, and we all processed, singing the hymn, behind the cross and lights to another chapel behind the main altar for a Gospel reading, another anthem and a blessing. I found it uncomfortable, and really rather unnecessary.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
A couple of people commented to me on the music, but everyone seemed to be leaving so that they could lock up.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
Non-existent.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
7 – It's not geographically an option, but it's definitely somewhere I felt comfortable (with the exception of the final procession) and would be happy to visit again.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
Yes – I experienced moments of peace and of God's presence.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
Stumbling round the cathedral during the mid-service procession, trying to sing an unfamiliar hymn and not fall over at the same time!
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