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The church: St Patrick's, Mount Lawley, Perth, Western Australia.
Denomination: Anglican Church of Australia.
The building: Gothic-style with a turret roof, and consecrated in 1936, the church stands on a corner of land high above the passing highway. This gives it an imposing presence, making it look even larger than it is.
The church: While there seemed to be a core of regulars judging by the harmony and descants in the singing, I got the impression that many in the congregation had come from far and wide. It was a mix of all ages – even one child. There were many 20s-30s but perhaps the 50s and beyond had the edge.
The cast: The Rev. Harry Entwistle, replaced by another cantor during the healing ministry.
Taizé service.
How full was the building?
About three-quarters full with about 200 people in total.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
Once inside the actual church a man giving out sheets mumbled something that could have been "good evening".
Was your pew comfortable?
They were the usual straight-backed pews, but not noticeably uncomfortable.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
Hushed and reverent, almost magical, as one tried to take in the ambience of the candlelit sanctuary – interrupted by a camera flash going off three times before the service.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
"Welcome to this evening of Taizé."
What books did the congregation use during the service?
A song sheet and an order of service sheet.
What musical instruments were played?
Organ and violin.
Did anything distract you?
I forgave the first three camera flashes pre-service, but I wasn't prepared for what happened once the service had started. A woman parked herself on a side pew towards the front and proceeded to take photos all through the service. The flash was turned off but with every shot there was a long whirring sound as the film moved forward. There was no movement at the front of the church because the priest was located towards the back of the central aisle, presumably not to distract from the wonderful sight of the candlelit sanctuary. So Mrs Happy Snaps was taking the same view from every-which angle she could. Then when people were invited to light their own candle, my God, she stood up and took shots of people bowing their heads in prayer as they placed a votive candle. Between shots, she sat motionless, no sheets in hand, no singing. I then decided she must be a spy from another camp.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
A reverent and holy service, typical of the Taizé style, mostly singing and chanting with only the two scripture readings and one prayer actually spoken.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
No sermon.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
So much: Firstly the sight of the sanctuary with a sea of hundreds of candles spreading like a carpet towards the altar then rising in height to three bush candles, maybe representing the Trinity. A solid wooden cross stood on the high altar, surrounded by larger candles; I didn't count them, but I wonder if there were 12, representing the disciples. A row of tiny tea-lights outlined the horizontal bar of the cross. All this led your eye from the sea of flickering flames at the front of the sanctuary, higher and higher to the wooden cross, an orange flame in a glass lantern suspended from the high ceiling beams which placed it slightly above the wooden cross and finally to a cross-shaped glass window very high in the wall of the church. Then there was the beautiful singing of the Taizé music. I couldn't decide whether it was better to sing the lovely tunes, sometimes in Latin, or just to close your eyes and listen.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
Definitely Mrs Happy Snaps and her whirring camera.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
The priest shook hands and thanked us for coming and then we were approached by regulars who asked had we been before, etc. A couple of first-timers also chatted and said how much they had enjoyed the experience. One person had even been to the village of Taizé in France where this type of service originated.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
There was no coffee. It was 8pm on a cold and wet winter's evening and I think people wanted to get home.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
8 – While I worship regularly elsewhere, this type of service is held once a month and we will definitely go again because they are not offered at many churches in Perth.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
100 per cent. It reduced me to tears of joy at several points.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
Despite Mrs Happy Snaps' espionage activities, I will always remember closing my eyes and hearing the last song, "Adoramus te Domine" – those three words sung by the congregation with close harmony from a choir and the verses sung in between by the cantor. A truly memorable experience.
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