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The church: Winchester Cathedral, England.
Denomination: Church of England.
The building: Vast, echoing, medieval stone barn. For more details, click here.
The neighbourhood: Winchester city centre – the capital of Wessex and former capital of England.
The cast: Rev Dr Brian Rees.
Compline.
How full was the building?
The service was held in the Lady Chapel, which was about 75 per cent full.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
Yes. We were welcomed at the door, given the order of service and instructions on how to find the Lady Chapel (a quarter mile hike!).
Was your pew comfortable?
Not a pew, but a modern, upholstered chair. No problems here.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
Silent. Very prayerful – we went in Lent – most people seemed to be deep in contemplation or praying.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
'The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end' (the standard opening sentence of the office of Compline).
What books did the congregation use during the service?
The printed order of service and a sheet containing the words of the hymn and the anthem.
What musical instruments were played?
No musical intruments other than the unaccompanied human voice.
Did anything distract you?
No distractions. This is the last service of the day (9pm). Noisy toddlers were in bed and the pubs had not yet closed!
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
Distinctly medieval. While the opening sentence, the creed and the blessing were spoken, everything else was led by the choir. The 'Nunc Dimittis' (by Stephen Farr – first performance) and the anthem ('Tenebrae factae sunt' by Poulenc) were in an uncompromisingly spiky modern idiom. Absolutely everything else was chanted. The atmosphere was certainly appropriate for Lenten meditation, though perhaps not for other seasons.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
No sermon.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
I'm not sure I should answer this – does penitence have a place in heaven?
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
The quarter-mile of echoing footsteps as we hurried to the remote chapel, hoping we weren't late (we weren't).
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
The steward at the door wished us a good night and hoped we had enjoyed the service. The minister was also wishing everyone good night by the exit – it seemed that they wanted to lock up soon, so we didn't engage him in further conversation.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
No catering.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
Probably 0, but for no bad reason. I believe that the church or church group is the building block that I should belong to. The role of the Anglican cathedral – for me – is for big celebrations, feasts, occasional services, or perhaps if I'm feeling out of sorts with my parish.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
Yes.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
The role of this type of office for private prayer – to get away from the temptation of the self-centred approach.
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