Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sunday Morning, Eight O'Clock



Churches have their own design layouts, their furniture, evolved from tradition and practice. All Saints Chapel in my town is part of an Episcopal parish, yet we meet in the town's Congregational "summer church." Since the old place is empty except for the summer and weddings now and then, we have been able to warm the building every Sunday at 8:00.

The interior is nothing like the classic Episcopal church with an altar at the front of the nave and often glorious decoration and windows of colored glass. Our adopted church was built by people of the Book in 1826, so all eyes are drawn to the reading desk, imposing on its raised dais, looming over the pews. We have pulled a table in front of the desk to serve as an altar.

The church doesn't seem to mind the difference between scripture Congregationalists and the creedal Episcopalians. It contains us all. The windows are clear, ribbony old glass in wooden frames. The steeple doesn't have a cross on top; instead there's a weather vane, visible to the farmers roundabout. Useful, not fancy.

No comments:

Post a Comment