| |
 |
 |
|
| Comment on this report, or find other reports. |
|
| Our Mystery Worshippers are volunteers who warm church pews for us around the world. If you'd like to become a Mystery Worshipper, start here. |
|
| Find out how to reproduce this report in your church magazine or website. |
|
|
| 2239: St
George's Hanover Square, London |
|
 |
|
Mystery Worshipper:
Cantate Domino.
The church: St
George's Hanover Square, London.
Denomination: Church
of England, Diocese
of London.
The building: St George's is a dignified Georgian building, put up between
1721 and 1725 with money from the 50 New Churches Act of 1711.
The architect was John James, the commissioner to the 50 New
Churches. It has a Corinthian portico, which opens to an interior
with dark wood pews and stalls, bright light through clear
glass and light from many brass chandeliers. In the west gallery
is an empty organ case – currently the parish is fundraising
for a new instrument. The interior is surrounded by galleries
in typical Georgian fashion.
The church: St George's is primarily famous as having been George Frederic
Handel's local church (he lived nearby in Brook Street, where
his house is now a museum). The church maintains a superb
musical tradition, of which I am sure Handel would approve.
Given its location in Mayfair, St George's hosts many society
weddings and in the past Disraeli, Lady Hamilton and Shelley
were all married here. It also has special connections to
the United States of America, as the American embassy is nearby
and Teddy Roosevelt was married here. To this day, many Americans
in London choose St George's as the venue for their weddings.
The neighbourhood: St George's is the local church for Mayfair and the
neighbourhood is as upmarket as one would expect for this locale.
Claridges, the famous five star hotel, is nearby, as are Bond Street
and Oxford Circus, and many designer shops. St George's is currently
prominent in the news for the lead the parish and its clergy are taking
in protesting against the City of Westminster Council's plans to raise
parking rates on Sundays, arguing that this will penalise churchgoers.
The cast: The rector (the Revd Roderick Leece), the professional choir
of mixed voices, the organist Simon Williams, two acolytes,
and a verger in a black robe and carrying a silver wand.
The date & time: Feast of the Transfiguration, 7 August 2011, 11.00am.
What was the name of
the service?
Sung Eucharist.
How full was
the building?
There were about 30 people present in a large church. I suspect
the congregation were diminished by the summer holidays.
Did anyone
welcome you personally?
The rector approached me to ask if I was there to sing in
the choir. I hastened to assure him that my singing would
not enhance the day's music.
Was your pew
comfortable?
The large, carved Georgian pew was quite comfortable.
How would you
describe the pre-service
atmosphere?
It was very quiet, not least as there were so few people. Then the
organist played some very lively Bach.
What were the
exact opening words of the
service?
"The Lord be with you."
What books did
the congregation use during the
service?
A printed order of service, using the parlance of the Book
of Common Prayer but with the service re-organised; for
instance, the Gloria was at the start, not the end, and we
did not recite the doxology.
What musical
instruments were played?
St George's is awaiting its new American pipe organ, so a perfectly
satisfactory electronic instrument was played.
Did anything
distract you?
Around the galleries are lists of past wardens since the 18th
century, and it was fascinating to see how many great names,
including earls, marquises, baronets and generals, have filled
this post. Many figures of political significance from the
18th century appeared in the lists.
Was the worship
stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or
what?
Moderately high – there was no incense, but the priest wore a
chasuble and was assisted by two acolytes. The gospel was read and not
chanted, but the celebrant faced east.
Exactly how
long was the sermon?
11 minutes.
On a scale of
1-10, how good was the preacher?
5 – The rector's style made for clear delivery with
no quirks.
In a nutshell,
what was the sermon
about?
The discourse was rather muddled, but in general the rector
was exhorting us to live up to the promise of the Transfiguration.
In truth, I struggled to follow the point.
Which part of
the service was like being in
heaven?
The exquisite music. The voluntary was the Chaconne in
F by Pachelbel, the anthem was by Tallis, and the mass
setting was by Palestrina. This music surely is performed
in heaven.
And which part
was like being in... er... the other place?
The excellent choir reminded me how execrable the choir is in my home
church. I wanted to take them home with me.
What happened
when you hung around after the service looking lost?
The rector gave me a hearty handshake and we chatted about
the music, of which he was clearly (and justifiably) proud.
How would you
describe the after-service
coffee?
None was on offer, so I found a nearby pub and a gin and tonic.
How would you
feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 =
terminal)?
10 – This is exactly my kind of church; reverent worship
and superb traditional music.
Did the service
make you feel glad to be a
Christian?
Absolutely. This was dignified but meaningful worship.
What one thing
will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
Superb music, in Handel's own church. |
|
|
|
 |
|
| We rely on voluntary donations to stay online. If you're a regular visitor to Ship of Fools, please consider supporting us. |
|
 |
|
| The Mystery Pilgrim |
|
| One of our most seasoned reporters makes the Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Read here. |
|
 |
|
| London churches |
|
| Read reports from 70 London churches, visited by a small army of Mystery Worshippers on one single Sunday. Read here. |
| |
|
|
|
|
