Mystery Worshipper: Jonah & the whale
Church:
All Saints, Weston-super-Mare
Location: North Somerset, England
Date of visit: Sunday, 13 October 2024, 10:30am
The building
This wide, triple-gabled building, was constructed of grey limestone between 1898 and 1902, and its south aisle and lady chapel were added in 1925. Its width, large nave windows and white plaster walls produce a bright and open effect. The large rood screen is a joy to behold, and the east window was produced by CE Kempe & Co., which specialised in gothic-revival stained glass. According to the church website, the poet John Betjeman rated All Saints ‘the finest church of entirely modern foundation in Somerset’.
The church
The church was founded and remains within the Anglo-Catholic tradition. It celebrates Low Mass every day of the week, and Solemn Mass on Sunday. The church has a foodbank collection, Beavers and Cubs, and regular coffee mornings. The building has recently become a concert venue due to its excellent acoustics.
The neighborhood
The building is well up the hill – we walked from the station – in the middle of housing. Parking would have been a problem!
The cast
An assistant minister led and preached. There was a purple-robed choir and full serving team. We were met by welcomers at the door and given books, and found the regular congregation friendly.
What was the name of the service?
Solemn Mass.How full was the building?
About a quarter full in the centre, with one side aisle being used by the Sunday school.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
We were welcomed at the door, and given books. Four different people approached us, well before Mass started, to say hello and welcome. We shook hands at the peace with half a dozen people, and gave a general wave all round.
Was your pew comfortable?
There were chairs with woven seats, which were very comfortable. A small number of kneelers were available, but the majority of people seemed not to kneel.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
It was calm and reverent, and the organ was played very quietly. There was some very muted talking, but mostly of the necessary kind, e.g. the welcomers at the door.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
We started with a hymn, ‘My God, accept my heart this day’, then the priest said, ‘Good morning and welcome to the Parish Mass’.
What books did the congregation use during the service?
We had a hymn book, The English Hymnal, a Mass booklet (their own, taken from Common Worship), and a newsletter sheet.
What musical instruments were played?
The organ was played throughout. The Mass setting was by Dom Gregory Murray.
Did anything distract you?
There were no distractions. Everything proceeded smoothly and wonderfully, until the very end. The recessional music was bouncy and galloping, and once the choir had processed formally through the congregation, some of them started to skip and twirl in time, which reduced us to silent hysterics – well, people were still praying!
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
Very solemn, with bells and smells, and an added sense of fun.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
10 minutes on the nail!
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
8 — The priest preached extempore, and if he was thrown by one of the lessons not being the one in the leaflet, he didn't show it. He wandered slowly around the front of the congregation, and his voice carried well. He spoke fluently and with expression, and it seemed a very short time before he stopped!
In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?
He started by talking about the life of St Anthony of Egypt, a religious hermit and one of the earliest Desert Fathers. He sold everything he had, after making provision for his sister, when he was 20. He went off to live a monastic life in the desert, yet he cared about people, and a community collected around him. The priest developed this theme by talking about our own prayer lives and connection to God through Jesus, and the value of silence. He recommended that we say the Lord's Prayer in silence in our own space, daily, where it becomes very powerful. We need to find time to be silent before God and focus on him daily.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
The worship was wonderful, everything done in the right place, which I found uplifting generally. And the people were so kind to each other and to us.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
There was very little. The worst part was that I was a little thrown by the alternative lesson, and by candles being lit and extinguished in the wrong order, but I couldn't claim either were that bad.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
We were warmly invited to participate in refreshments by several people. They were all very excited about a big Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary festival held the previous day, and also by the parish pilgrimage to Walsingham, which was leaving the next day.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
We were offered tea, coffee and biscuits, served in china cups (tea) or mugs (coffee), although I did notice the choir sipping sherry. Maybe they needed it after their valiant efforts!
How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
9 — I would definitely make my home here if I lived in the area.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
Yes, very much so.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time ?
That choir exit! So joyful.