It was off early this morning to the High Church. For reasons of economy, or something devious, our Low Church has been attached in a Benefice to this Bells without Smells church, all robed and organ blasted, very unlike ours.
I arrived in time, as I opened the door I heard a hand held bell tinkle, I entered to find the parade awaiting the off. As the organ began the choir also began, the Beadle (I suppose) in front carrying the cross on a long pole, quite normal for such churches. Behind him the berobbed choir moved, followed by the church warden holding high above his head a red book, most probably a bible, behind which our vicar, now responsible for two churches, starred in the procession.
As they marched I slid in to my seat in the rear pew. The church has the usual layout, two rows of pews, at the front on the left in a box, hidden somewhat by curtains in case we see him sleep, is the organist, in front one of those large Eagle shaped brass lecterns and a small table with a candle burning. On the right another lectern, for the routine stuff, while the pulpit rises above for the preacher to overlook the congregation while speaking. These stand in front of an imitation 'Rood screen.' The 'Rood screen,' which once separated the clergy from the plebs, had above it a cross, a 'rood.' This one was never complete as far as I can see. The archway allows us through to the choir stalls, and I must say the choir was indeed very good at their job, and this also allows us to get close to the altar bearing four large candles and other items, imposing itself somewhat above us. The Catholic version of such would never allow us to be behind the screen, we were always kept apart. Many churches show evidence of how various conflicts from Reformation times affected the church layout, this one, being built in 1900 avoided such trauma, but has seen two world wars.
Bright windows towards the rear, emblazoned with three small heraldic signs, and a large sculpture of St Peter, though we cannot know what he looked like, comes forth from the wall. A large wooden war memorial, commemorating the fallen and a previous vicar, fills much of the rear wall, almost impossible to photograph properly because of the oversized font that stands in front of it. How do they make use of that?
This church was built on spite. The main church in Victorian days remains that today, a woman living in a very grand house on the edge of town was daughter of a previous vicar, and appears to have considered her opinions important. However, she fell out with the vicar of her day, probably because he did not see her as important to a similar degree to herself, and so when she died she left thousands as a bequest to build this High Church. Why not do so when alive? Gladstone, one time Prime Minister, questioned why people left money to charity in their wills, "Why not give it when alive?" he asked. Maybe she wished to avoid the grumbles that she may have faced?
A few years back, not long after I arrived in town the then vicar of this church was removed to a place recommended by Her Majesties Pleasure. Or at least by a judge if not her majesty herself. Sadly a collection of items on his computer were not fitting for his role. Eventually, a man was found to take his place and he has, over some nine years I believe, built up a healthy High Church congregation. They appear organised, keen, regular attenders, friendly and happy with their lot. The credit for this must go to the vicar. What a job he had at the beginning.
This morning the service I thought was too long, made us stand too much, making me aware of the pain in my back, and we followed the order in the yellow book, ensuring I failed to find where I was at the beginning, and made use of heavy song books which included the music for those who really can sing.
I am not one of those.
The sermon was not clear, the acoustics are not great, the readings were followed via the weekly handout, and the prayers were from a quiet spoken lass. As always in such places, the choir might chant, the congregation also, or a bell will ring, a halleluiah appear or some such, now and again, catching us lot out most times.
I confess all this does little for me, though I did appreciate our own church all the more. That is what a service ought to be, informally formal, with a controlled service, and making us all comfortable, rather than struggle with books and scripts!
I did find Jesus speaking to me through one of the readings, and as we approached the Lord's Table. This gave me much pleasure and much to think about.
I left soon after the end, too many hovered about at the rear causing confusion, and as I walked a friend accompanied me chatting about his time in the US air force as a dog handler. A Yank who came home when he was sent here. Mind you, at that time we used Pounds, Shillings and Pence, and for him this took some doing to learn! Home, a bad dinner, especially as I burnt my fingers and have had them in cod water since, and two poor football games to watch. No wonder I am tired tonight.
