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One of the benefits of having a man of the cloth on the boat is that I can rationalize going off to church. When I was the only one who wanted to go, (in Lisboa), I didn't press it because everybody seemed so weirded out by the idea. But I had no hesitation about contacting the Anglican Bookstore here in Sierra Leone and talking with the ladies there, and following that up with an e-mail to Bishop Lynch. He didn't respond, but I figured it was the holiday season and he's got a lot on his plate. So, when Paul suggested going to St. George's Cathedral for Three King's Day, I thought that was fine.
We arrived at 0915 for the 0930 service and found that the 0730 service was not yet complete. We took a seat outside in the shade and shook hands with all who welcomed us. We were the only white folk there, as is usual in Freetown. I was a little concerned that the service would be conducted in Krio, but it was in English, along with the Book of Common Prayer, hymnal in olde English style-words and music
separate- and Eucharist booklet. I've attended one or two Southern Baptist churches in the US and they are my only exposure to predominantly black congregations. This flock was dressed to the nines in African garb or western style dress complete with chapeaux and high heels. The ushers all wore morning coats, ties and cumberbunds, the choir- well, the choir. Gowned in surplice, ruffles and alb, each member of the all male choir of 40 voices positively shown. They were well rehearsed, if not terribly loud and performed one of my favourite pieces of music from the Messiah. What a treat! I could go on all day.
Like the high church of my youth, mingled with Catholic schools, the smells and bells of St. George's were everything an orthodox Anglican could have asked for. Bishop Lynch had a serene message in his sermon and the Dean reaffirmed his commitment to his wife of 35 years. It was very sweet. But, again with the music, psalms and more psalms! The old Gregorian Chants create an atmosphere of calm and peace, the ones selected were pleasing and gentle. I'm finding a theme here. I can't help but wonder if that's the mission of this body, to broker peace. That's exactly what Desmond Tutu is doing in Kenya, makes me proud to be an Anglican, he does. Now if only peace can be found between the northern and southern schools of thought within the church. Hmmmm. Love to my girl and all my people. Happy Epiphany! HK
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