Community Roll and Congrgational Giving

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Well, here we are, once again worshipping God on a spring day in the Easter season 😊 Today there are signs and metaphors of new life everywhere we look – and I, for one, am feeling thankful. This weekend we are also celebrating with gratitude the sixty-fourth anniversary of the Consecration of this Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. This building is itself a sign of new life, a then-new Cathedral for a then-new Diocese.

Much has changed since May 1961, here on Stag Hill, in our nation, and around the world. Nevertheless, even young Cathedrals represent security and continuity in times of change. The modern Gothic vision of our Cathedral’s architect, Edward Maufe, holds together ancient and modern, timelessness and change. Maufe’s stunning vision of ‘sumptuous simplicity’ is a lasting witness to the glory of God and, as I reflect on worshipping here week by week, again, I feel thankful – as I know so many of you do.

Famously this Cathedral – the People’s Cathedral - was built in part by public subscription, through the Buy a Brick campaign. Whilst the physical bricks of a church building are essential to the structure, what St Peter called the living stones are no less important – not least in ensuring the continuing life and work housed by the building.

For a text version of the presentation by Canon Chris see here