LP VI--Church, Food, and Museum

Gathering at 10:40, we headed to Westminster Abbey. On the way there, I reflected on the previous evening's meal of fish and chips. A large piece of cod with batter surrounded by beefy looking french fries called chips. All this balanced with a small cup of absolutely delicious mashed peas. All in all a tasty and quite traditional meal, topped off with a little carbonated water. Most of the students had a gentle chocolate dessert, but I wisely felt my limit of food intake!

A quick jaunt to Holburn to take us to Green Park and onward to Westminster tube station, a very nice station with plenty of space and escalators. Almost running to avoid being late, I glanced around me at the station and standing 5 feet from me were two old friends, parents of a former student. In much shock, we hugged, had a brief conversation but had to separate to get to the church on time. It was great to see them, but being one of the teachers of this London Studies program, I needed to remain with the group.

Arriving nearly breathless from the journey, we walked into the magnificent and glorious Westminster Abbey, certainly one of the greatest and most beautiful cathedrals in the world. We were instantly transformed into humble servants in the presence of greatness. Ornate without being gaudy, filled with intricate detail but grand in scope, the cathedral is somehow moderately conservative in attitude while being boldly powerful in spirit, strongly communicating the presence of the Lord with every breath and with every step. As the service began, I was reminded that the artistry of a high Anglican service is unmatched in this modern world but is surpassed by its own sensitivity and poetic liturgy. The poignant polyphony of the music reminded each of us of the individual nature of our lives that is melodic yet necessarily congruent in its collective. We were at one with the Lord in this setting and yet were able to bring our individual offering of gratitude to the table.

The incredible choir sang Victoria and Tallis, sounding like a recording as it reverberated off the walls and high multi-arched ceiling. The warm, rich pipe organ presented a pyramid of sound with the foundational bass tones almost resonating from within the architectural structure of the Abbey. The flawless organist played a Buxtehude Praeludium at the end of the service that was difficult beyond measure but sounded effortless in its presentation. I was moved by the service, awed by the music, mesmerized by the art, and spiritually changed by the text.

Making our way out of the Abbey, four of us ate a traditional Sunday lunch of Roast Beef and potatoes at the Red Lion restaurant. Returning to our domicile for a short nap, I soon headed over to the British Museum. Stunned by the artwork, I found myself in awe over the ancient German folk art depicting allegorical works of humor and profound meaning. I then wandered down to the British section and felt a funny mixture of emotions when I studied the books. Huge, heavy books containing maps, drawings, and ancient texts. Shakespeare, Plutarch, Gibbons, and the list continues. But my heart grew heavy as I admired these great works. Will there be books in 50 years? Is the future of the book in jeopardy? Will this blog ever be printed or will it remain in cyberspace forever and soon forgotten? Is the past soon to be enveloped and assimilated into a technological future without a physical presence? Scary thoughts in a way, or maybe comforting depending on your view!