St Pauls

The last time I was inside St Paul's cathedral I was less than 11 years old. I don't remember much of it, most of my memories are 'filled in' from TV programs. So when we were offered the chance to go to the ordination and consecration of our new bishop the Venerable John Wraw, it seemed like an excellent idea. It so happens that the service was also on St Paul's patronal festival. Even with the Occupy London tents the area around St Paul's is impressive from the outside.

(Picture from http://static-imgs-acf.hereisthecity.com/20110721//56/occupy_london_tents_by_st_pauls_8747.jpg) 
Even more so from inside.  I tried to compare it to Canterbury - much more ornate and larger I think, but my memory could be playing tricks.

We entered by the west door, - a side one, not the huge centre one - that was opened for the bishops to leave by and let all the heat out of the cathedral in an instant.  Chelmsford on the left, Winchester on the right - we took our seats about 10:20, with plenty of time to spare.  We had collected a service book from a wand bearer and I do mean book - it has 38 pages.  
The service started roughly on time.  The sound of the clock chimes reminding us that it was 11:00 am, just as they would later in the service (for noon, not 11am again!).  The sung Eucharist is an amazing service mainly because of the sound of 1000+ people singing.  The service book has helpful extracts of the music to help us all sing along.  Well those who can sing.  Stephen Cottrell preach a very entertaining sermon, like a wedding sermon, it was mainly addressed to the new bishops.  From where we were sitting he appeared about 0.5 inches high, and his voice came somewhere from the left.  Quite disconcerting for a while.
Then came the Eucharist.  Chaos very nearly reigned.  Are people distracted, unthinking, or simply uncaring?  Why can they not simply follow the person in front who has been directed back to their seat the correct way.  Then St Paul's would not have a traffic problem!
After the service some of us met in a Pizza Express for lunch.  Rather expensive, but very nice.
Then it was back on the train home.  A very enjoyable day.