A Liturgical Space

Coventry Cathedral is very much a child of its time. Designed in a period just prior to the change in fashion to having central altars such as that used in the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Liverpool, Basil Spence was commissioned to conceive of an altar and build the Cathedral around it. The "People's Altar" is a plain, large dramatic slab placed at the foot of the magnificent and awe-inspiring Sutherland Tapestry of Christ In Glory. Indeed on entering the Cathedral the eye is drawn to that Tapestry which immediately recalls the massive Glory and Power of God, it dominates the whole Cathedral. Basil Spence's idea was that the Tapestry would be seen from outside the Cathedral through the glass West Screen thus linking the building not only to the world beyond but also to the Ruins making the two one whole cathedral. In many ways he has achieved something more, and that is giving the building almost an evangelism of its own. People walking past cannot fail but to notice the glory of the Tapestry, and it speaks of God's glory and all pervasive presence in a way the Church has ceased to speak of God itself. The design of the Cathedral is both a triumph and a problem. The design is meant to draw the attention and focus of the worshipper to the Tapestry and the altar below it. Whenever the Cathedral is used in a different format, there is a sense of loss in terms of focal reference points for the eye. And, when we do have services in the round it can feel somewhat strange to be seated side on or even with your back to what is the most obvious focal point. It must be said however, that many who design large services using a central altar find it has its own difficulties. When the focal point is central it is difficult to place people performing the central action where they don't have their backs to one part of the congregation at least some of the time. The fashion reflects perhaps the smaller congregations churches attract leading us to want a more intimate atmosphere. Too intimate a feeling can have dangers and lead congregations to be introspective. The glory of the Cathedral's design is, in my view and in the common parlance of today, in your face religion! Love it or hate it, you cannot ignore the Cathedral and the Tapestry in particular! It is hard to be introspective in a building that shouts out to the World outside, it is transparent, it is there to be seen, noticed and its message heard. As Head Server I am privileged to assist in the choreography for services, in other words to help design the movement and drama that forms the service. As a Cathedral we endeavour to offer something different from the local parish church and in the Cathedral there is plenty of space. Making effective use of that space means we use movement, often to give the effect of pilgrimage, or a journey reflecting the spiritual journey we are all embarked on. The impression of space which has been created by the high ceiling and tall slender pillars is often most effective in semi darkness with low lighting and candles. And often by use of light and darkness we overcome the design problem that whenever we move from the high altar or chancel we are moving away from the obvious focal point of the building. It is that which presents the most difficult challenge, using the space in a way which reflects modern ideas, worship fashions and needs but at the same time maintaining integrity with our surroundings and using the building to best effect in enhancing our worship to proclaim God's Glory and his message of love to those around us. The Cathedral acoustic is famous. A former Vicar of neighbouring Holy Trinity once described preaching in the Cathedral as being like preaching in an aircraft hangar. But used imaginatively the acoustic can have a profound effect. Silence can almost be heard. Music does not stop rather the notes die away. Much of this effect was caused because Basil Spence used materials in his building such as concrete and glass that have different acoustic qualities. The Choir often help our worship soar, using their talents to sing the service for us. Theirs too is a kind of evangelism. The words and music help the spirit soar and the Holy Spirit speak. In a modern age where much attention is given to the individual's right to participate, to speak, and to take control, to bend God's ear so to speak choral services can be misunderstood and too easily dismissed. The glory of choral worship is that one remains a participant, but a more passive participant, one where you can reflect and allow the spirit to touch you in worship. It is a humbling experience and a truly involving experience because you are required to allow other worshippers to lead your worship, a letting go of the importance of I or me. Letting God speak to you rather than you speaking to him. This may not be to all tastes and services in the Cathedral do encourage congregational responses and participation, but it offers the opportunity to engage in a worship now rarely offered by local parish churches that do not have the same musical resources. So, for me, the Cathedral presents a challenging, very bold liturgical space that invites if not demands theatricality in its services. It needs the drama and spectacle that movement, music and words give the services. Its story of destruction and rebuilding is very dramatic and perhaps that has influenced the dramatic building we now have. The stark beauty of the Ruins, a place where many special services are held such as the Dawn Eucharist on Easter Day, the Litany of Reconciliation every Friday at noon: to the majestic splendour of the 'new'. The Cathedral was voted the nation's favourite 20th century building in the year 2000. Quite an achievement for the building that in 1963 was voted the ugliest building in Britain! It is certainly one of the most awesome liturgical spaces we possess even though in its short life it has like all buildings become dated and rooted in the time it was both conceived and built. If you have never been do come look us up, and why not come and join us for a service and see the building in action. For me the Cathedral comes alive the moment the organ begins to play, the Choir starts to sing and the movement commences. So come try it out and see if the Spirit speaks to you. Details of weekly services and special services and events can be found on the Events and Services pages. Liturgists may be interested to know that in May of this year the Art and Christianity Enquiry Trust held a Conference at the Cathedral led by the Bishop of Salisbury in which participants explored the many imaginative ways in which this building can still be used to help worshippers hear the Holy Spirit speak to them. So come along and explore this for yourself, and if you are interested in helping why not consider joining our group, the Choir or other voluntary groups who all assist in the Cathedral's ministry. For Events and Services please check out the Events and Services Pages.