Cathedral News November 2014 • No. 634
From Canon Dr John Searle
Sermon from the service for Founders
and Benefactors on 11th October 2014
Genesis 1: 1-27; Acts 1: 6-11
A few weeks ago I was installed as a Residentiary
Canon in this Cathedral. The service was
inspirational because of the music and the
number of people who came, and daunting
because of the promises I was required to make.
At the end of the service, the Dean informed the
congregation that the College of Canons was
going to take me to the Chapter House, where they were going ‘to do
something to me.’ There was imaginative speculation among my family as to what
that might be. What happened was that I was presented first, with a copy of the
Cathedral Statutes, and secondly with a bottle of 2006 St Emilion. I have digested
both, one being a rather more pleasurable and less time consuming experience
than the other.
However, I am glad that I ploughed my way through the Statutes, because they
helped me to understand how the Cathedral and its community work, and, more
importantly, what they are for. From its foundation in 1050 and its rebuilding
begun in in the 1270’s during Bishop Bronescombe’s episcopate, this Cathedral
was built for the glory of God. It was, from its earliest times, set here in this
place so that, from which ever direction you approached the City in those days,
what you saw was this huge symbol of the Christian Church; an inescapable
reminder not of the temporal rule and kingdom of the monarch over the nation,
but of the eternal rule and kingdom of God in the hearts of men and women.
That is what it has done down the centuries, and the Cathedral Statutes remind
us that is what it must continue to do. But the world in which we are called to
do this is one of challenges and opportunities unimaginable to our founder and
earliest benefactors. Our society is secular rather than Christian. Different faiths
live side by side. Our lives are fast moving, dominated by digital communications
and unrestrained social media. The image of celebrity is paraded before us daily.
The institutions and professions we once trusted are found to be wanting.
Materially we have more than at any time before, yet the gap between rich and
poor is wider than ever. Violence and war stalk the world, and we are warned
repeatedly of eventual environmental disaster. Of course there are many, many
good things happening, but we are naïve if we fail to recognise the context in
which they are being done.
How are we to fulfil our calling when so much of culture and society is at odds
with the values of God’s kingdom? May I suggest that the answer, at least in
part, lies in the readings we have just heard? We were reminded first, that what
emerged in God’s creation both material and human, was good. God saw
everything he had made and it was good. The story of course goes on to show how
human beings managed to spoil it, and how God through Jesus Christ is restoring
men and women to what he intended us to be. That brings us to Jesus' final
meeting with his disciples after the resurrection before he returned to his Father
in heaven in our second reading.
But as we seek to fulfil our calling set out in our Statutes, may we first notice a
mistake to avoid. At that final meeting, the disciples ask Jesus 'when will the
kingdom be restored to Israel?' They still had an old mindset that somehow things
could go on as before, albeit perhaps at a faster rate. Eventually they wanted the
honour and glory of their own nation to be restored.
I find it easy to slip into a similar way of thinking, hoping that the Church can go
on as before, and possibly regain something of its former position in society.
Earlier this week our Canon Missioner, Anna Norma-Walker was speaking at a
conference in Oxford about the future of the parish system. We increasingly
realise that in many parts of the country this is no longer the most effective way
of being church for all the people of England.
So Jesus reminds his disciples and us that to go on as before is a mistake, but
rather he calls us to be his witnesses now. In his take on this encounter between
the disciples and Jesus, Matthew spells out what that means. It means to let the
world around us know of God’s unlimited love for all people, which can heal the
wounds we inflict on ourselves and on others, which can change lives so that
what drives us are truth and love, justice and compassion.
2
But to witness to Jesus Christ is not only about communicating these things, it is
to live them. For the gospel is meant to touch every part of our lives, not just
our inner, spiritual lives, but also our relationships, our families, our work, our
money, our time, and our priorities. Nothing is to be outside it. As St Paul put it,
we are to bring every thought captive to Christ. The 5th Earl of Shaftesbury, the great
19th century social reformer said I think a man’s religion, if it is worth anything,
should enter every sphere of life and rule his conduct in every relation.
And this is an aspiration which is not confined to us as individuals, but applies
also to this Cathedral. Everything is part of the same vision: our worship, the
liturgy, the music, the huge administrative task of running it, the maintenance of
this ancient building, and all who work in these departments; our business
enterprises and development plans, our wonderful company of stewards, guides,
sides people, flower arrangers, tapisers, floor managers, cleaners and others
whom I have not mentioned to whom I apologise. And you, our faithful
supporters whom we can never thank enough and who are a vital part of this
Cathedral community.
Everything about this magnificent building, its worshipping community, its staff, its
volunteers and supporters is all of a piece, so that whenever and however
people have contact with us, they see something of Jesus Christ, and thereby are
touched by the love and goodness of God.
But you probably feel as I do, and as I guess those first disciples did, that we are
not equal to that calling. But Jesus promised his Spirit to them, as he does to us.
For indeed we cannot do this on our own. But we have the assurance of God’s
spirit to guide, encourage, enthuse and resource us.
Jesus said, ‘You will be my witnesses’. God grant that here in Devon and in our
generation, we may be faithful to that vocation.
John Searle
3
THE RICHARD HOOKER LECTURE 2014
Peter the Fisherman and the Origins of Mark's Gospel
Professor Richard Bauckham
FBA, FRSE
Author of Jesus and the Eyewitnesses
Exeter Cathedral Chapter House:
Wednesday 12 November
University of St Mark and St John, Plymouth:
Thursday 13 November
7.30 pm
All welcome; admission free; refreshments
Come to a Party!
You are warmly invited to the Cathedral Autumn Party on Thursday 6th
November at 7pm in the Chapter House, where you will be entertained by the
Cathedral Players (but chiefly yourselves!) at an evening of Music Hall.
Tickets, which cost £10, to include a hot supper, sweet, and a glass of wine, will
be available on 2nd November in the Chapter House after coffee.
4
News from Christianity Deanery
Deanery Synod
The Deanery Synod met at St Thomas’s Church Hall on 24th September, when
Ann Dunlop was welcomed in her new role as assistant curate in the parish of St
Thomas and Emmanuel, together with Matt Rowland (St Leonard’s), Will
Sweeney (also St Thomas and Emmanuel) and Andrew Down (St James).
Anne Dowdeswell and Andy Atkins are leaving the Deanery for posts in South
Wye (Hereford Diocese) and near Tavistock respectively. A new incumbent has
been appointed to Countess Wear and Topsham – Louise Grace, currently
Rector of Teme Valley North Parish in the diocese of Worcester.
The meeting heard from the Archdeacon of Exeter and Tors Ramsay about the
proposed St Matthew/St Sidwell and Exeter Network Church Plant.
There were presentations from Ian Cockram, from the South West Community
Chaplaincy, which supports recently released prisoners, from Mark Oliver about
the Redeeming Our Communities Scheme, and from Peter Stephenson about
YMCA Exeter.
Synod prayed for Peter March and Mark Nightingale, as they prepare to be
ordained, and for Prebendary Michael Moreton, a former Rural Dean, who has
died aged 97. Michael had a long ministry at St Mary Steps and also lectured in
the Theology Department of the University of Exeter for many years.
Exeter City Centre Chaplaincy
We have had a newsletter from the Exeter City Centre Chaplaincy from which it is good
to hear that the chaplains are becoming recognised and known, in the shops that they
visit. They continue….
There have been a few incidents which have provided particular points of
contact or matters for discussion. The Castle Street shops were visited after the
pub fire in that area to see if there had been any consequences for them. A spate
of vandalism in Paris Street left several shops there with broken windows: again,
our concern could be expressed – and the Chaplains learned about the
properties of safety glass and the difficulties of insurance! In the Guildhall Centre,
the Chaplains are able to provide a listening ear to those whose shops will have
to close (or move) during the refurbishment.
Our work is becoming more widely known. The Christian group at the Met
Office invited Norman and Tony (the Lead Chaplains) to talk to one of their
lunch time meetings recently to find out more about our work. We were
contacted by Theos (a national Christian ‘think tank’) who are researching the
5
roles of various different types of Chaplains. We have made a link with the
Taunton Team Chaplaincy.
We are pleased to have been welcomed into John Lewis, following Tony and
Norman’s presentation to their Partners. At the moment, the two Lead
Chaplains are visiting there, but in a little while we hope that we will be able to
give one volunteer Chaplain the responsibility for being in their staff area on a
regular basis.
We are in the midst of our third training course for people interested in
becoming Chaplains, with three new folk taking part this time. They have
opportunity to ‘shadow’ an existing Chaplain as part of the training, which earths
theory in the practicalities in a way that was not possible last year.
It was always planned that Tony Raven, one of the two Lead Chaplains would
retire at the end of 2014. A successor is sought to work alongside Norman
Wallwork, the other Lead Chaplain. This is a voluntary post, minimum 8 hours
per week, and it open to both lay and ordained people. The Lead Chaplains
represent the chaplaincy to external bodies, make the initial approach to larger
businesses and offer spiritual and practical support to the volunteer chaplains. If
you are interested, or know someone who might be suitable for this role, please
contact the Chaplaincy Administrator, Mary Ellis,
[email protected] or 3 Palace Gate Exeter EX1 1JA or 01392
273456.
Forthcoming St Michael's Lectures:
All to be held at The Church of St Michael and All Angels, Dinham Road,
Mount Dinham, Exeter EX4 4EB
Remembrance Lecture: 8.30 pm, Sunday 30th November, Suzanne Steele
(Official Canadian War Artist in Afghanistan, 2008-2010, poet and librettist;
Department of English, University of Exeter), "Bearing Witness to those who
Bear Witness"
7.30 pm, Wednesday 3rd December, David Beadle (Department of Theology
and Religion, University of Exeter), "Death and Dying in the Bible and
Contemporary Europe"
6
Focus: Stephen Tanner Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral
School, Assistant Organist, and Director of the Girl Choristers
‘Angel voices ever singing round thy throne of light,
Angel harps for ever ringing, rest not day nor night………
Craftman’s art and music’s measure,
For thy pleasure all combine.’
Francis Pott 1832-1909
Stephen with the Girl Choristers
Darkness had fallen, and the solar powered lamps in our garden had come on,
when Stephen arrived. He had played the organ for Evensong, and had snatched
some supper in the meantime. Had he had enough time to get out of the
organist role, I wondered? If not, what a gift for me!
Born and raised in Coventry, he attended the- now independent- Henry V111th
Grammar School. His parents and brother still live in the city.
He was a chorister at Coventry Cathedral. This experience had a massive
influence upon him, and his musical development. The organist was David Lepine,
and the Assistant Organist, Robert Weddle. David, was a man with
extraordinarily high standards; the training was intensive. Tragically, he died
suddenly at the age of forty-two, when Stephen was twelve. As you can
appreciate, this was an extremely difficult experience for all at that cathedral, and
especially so for the choristers. In addition to his singing, Stephen had taken
7
piano lessons from the age of six, and, after leaving the choir, began organ
lessons with the then Assistant Organist, Richard Lowry. By the age of fourteen
he had his first church organist appointment.
‘I learned how to play for the hymns!’
Leaving school, he went to study for his BA in Music at the University of
Huddersfield. During this time, he was appointed organ scholar at Bradford
Cathedral. Luck was with him; he had an old Morris Minor that had originally
belonged to his grandfather, and this vehicle provided the transport from
Huddersfield to Bradford. He learnt a great deal from the long-serving Organist
at Bradford, Keith Rhodes.
Following graduation in1980, he went on to King Alfred’s College, Winchester
to study for his Post Graduate Certificate of Education. It was here that he met
Shirley, whose career has mostly revolved around teaching Mathematics; but,
who is also an accomplished singer, pianist and flautist. They married in 1983,
and have two daughters, Kate and Gabrielle. Both girls were choristers at
Exeter. Kate now enjoys a management role at Leeds College of Music, whilst
Gabrielle has just completed a Masters degree in Script Writing. Stephen’s father
was also musical, playing the clarinet in the TA Band during his National Service,
and later on playing the double bass in dance bands.
Stephen’s first appointment, as a music teacher, was to Copthorne Preparatory
School in West Sussex. Here he did not feel stretched musically, and was
beginning to think about what he should do next, when he was invited to
become the Director of Music at the beautiful Saxon church of St. Nicholas,
Worth, near Crawley. Here there was a good organ, a boys’ choir and a very
musical rector, who later was to become a residentiary canon at Chichester
Cathedral.
In 1987, the move came to Exeter, when he was appointed Director of Music at
The Cathedral School.
‘It’s an extraordinary place. I have never felt that there was anywhere else that I would
prefer to teach! It was quite a small school when I arrived, but is now substantially
larger having gone co-educational, coinciding with the admission of girl choristers, and
there is also a thriving pre-prep department.’
In 1991, Salisbury Cathedral, led by Master of Choristers, Richard Seal, took the
radical, pioneering, yet at the time controversial, decision to admit girl
choristers. Discussions took place at Exeter. The late Dean Richard Eyre was
very supportive, and so in November 1994, we saw and heard the first girl
choristers sing in our Cathedral. Stephen was appointed their Director of Music.
8
‘A Chorister education is too significant to be restricted to only a half of the population.
Having girls has also proved to be a fantastic opportunity for recruiting boys, whose
sisters are or were already choristers’.
We’ve all enjoyed listening to them sing at our regular services and at other
events. I can re-call listening to their first BBC broadcast of Evensong. I think it
was held at the time of a re-union weekend. A reporter interviewed a very
elderly former chorister after the service, asking him for his opinion of the girls’
singing. I have not forgotten his reply. ‘I’ve waited all my life to hear angels sing. This
afternoon, I did!’ It brought tears to my eyes then, and still does as I type this
sentence!
Stephen is a versatile musician, not only does he play the organ and piano, but,
the saxophone. He, also, shows us at concerts mind-boggling skills with his laptop computer, which when he links it to his keyboard, can produce a virtually
unlimited palette of sounds. Amazing!
He also Directs ISCA Voices; a choir for former girl choristers, who sing a wide
range of both sacred and secular music. This has proved to be a lovely way of
keeping in touch with former choristers, who really appreciate the opportunity
to remain connected with both the Cathedral, and its music making.
‘The Chorister Outreach Programme’ is very important. It initially grew from a
Government initiative entitled ‘Sing Up’. It has proved to be very successful, with
its aim of reinvigorating singing in primary schools. At the start there were
financial incentives, but after these were withdrawn Exeter Cathedral stayed the
course far better than most, thanks to the support of the Chapter, and the
excellent relationship developed with the Devon County Staff. Outreach
concerts in the Cathedral, each term, feature performances from over two
hundred children. These are frequently packed out with parents and relatives,
many of whom are themselves experiencing the Cathedral for the first time. As a
part of the sessions that we offer, three or four of our choristers go out into the
schools to sing alongside their choirs.
Since 2007, Stephen has been an examiner for the ABRSM (Associated Board of
the Royal Schools of Music); serving on the main (classical) and jazz panels. The
major difference in the jazz examinations is the requirement to improvise both
within pieces and tests.
‘It is hard work; fascinating, and gives me a snapshot into what is happening across the
country. Candidates represent a real cross section of society, and ages…the adults
being the most nervous! It was nerve wracking at first- with a Grade V111 bassoon on
my first day! The principal objective is to record the musical result!’
9
Composing is another side to this man’s achievements, and we all have been
privileged to listen to his compositions and arrangements being sung during our
services. He tells me that ‘the words come first’. He now composes directly on to
his computer.
I asked if he had a favourite piece of music. He replied ….
‘I wouldn’t want to name any single piece! I have very broad musical tastes, but, maybe
there is a leaning towards 20th Century music. There is so much power in music;
touching and influencing us across so many aspects of life. Wonderful music is
composed for films, documentaries or drama on TV.’
He likes to read ‘thrillers’ and walk the coastal path, when on holiday in
Cornwall; watch some TV documentaries on BBC4, and concerning hobbies, the
reply was….
‘Music is my hobby as well as my career.’
Stephen has special memories of the choir’s tour in Holland, where they had
received an especially warm welcome. Three of the girls knew that it was their
last time to sing as choristers with the choir.
’They sang with such passion, giving their all in that moment. Another was the
welcoming- back service for men and woman who had served in Afghanistan, in the
presence of the Duke of Edinburgh. The atmosphere, the text of the service, and the
sense of occasion, were all deeply memorable.’
Now the great excitement is all about the return of the organ. It will be heard
publicly for the first time on Advent Sunday. Then, on February 4th, the opening
recital is to be given by John Scott, formerly of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and now of
St. Thomas 5th Avenue, New York, where Canon Carl Turner is now Rector.
Of course, Stephen’s hopes for the future concern the maintenance of the choral
tradition in our cathedrals, especially ours in Exeter. It is not easy to maintain, in
these financially challenging and increasingly secular times. But it would be an
absolute tragedy to lose such a significant part of our British cultural heritage.
Thank you Stephen for taking us on this journey, and for all the input of time,
energy, thought and skill you contribute to the musical and liturgical life at the
Cathedral, the Cathedral School, and elsewhere.
Rosemary Bethell
10
CHURCH OF ENGLAND
DEVON
Solidarity
in serving
overseas
V
OLUNTEERING to serve
overseas with charities and
church projects is important
for many Christians who want
to experience first-hand the
reality of life for people living in other parts
of the world.
Despite dangers, such as the extreme
events in Syria and Iraq and the Ebola
crisis in parts of Africa, many are
undeterred and continue to volunteer on
both short-term and longer term projects.
In our Diocese the Rev Lawrence Braschi
has just been ordained as a deacon. He is
the son of missionaries and lived in the Far
East. He says, “My father went to Ukraine
recently and was aware there of how much
relations with the wider Church mean for
Christians in places where conflict and
danger are very present. Many Christians
go overseas as an expression of solidarity
in the body of Christ, to encourage one
another with spiritual blessing.”
He adds, “The motivation for me to
share the love of Jesus, whether through
words, prayer, or acts of charity are the
same here in Plymouth as it is in Beijing or
Shanghai.”
GOOD NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF EXETER
NOVEMBER 2014
James and Susy Putnam preparing for their trip.
Plymouth teachers James and Susy
Putnum will work with people in the South
Indian Province of Kerala on a six-month
placement with Christian charity US. They
leave in January and will be involved in
supporting the church’s work with children
with disabilities, a women’s support centre,
children’s homes and a hostel for the
homeless. Susy says, “I am looking forward
to gaining a new understanding of cultures
and other expressions of Christianity.”
The Rev Chas Deacon is Overseas
Mission and Development Officer for the
Diocese of Exeter. He says, “We have
several Companion Links, including Cyprus
and the Gulf, Thika in Kenya, the Roman
Catholoc Diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux in
Normandy and Melanesia. These links
teach and inspire us so much. Often
they are living their faith in daily fear of
persecution and poverty and yet they
display a generosity of faith and witness.”
He adds, “An overseas visit can rekindle our faith and stir us up in God’s
mission here. They assist us in lifting our
hearts, minds and imaginations above local
circumstances and current challenges
where we are tempted to falter.”
Rev Mike Partridge, Team Rector in the
Clyst Mission Community, joined with
over 100 other people, aged eight to 88,
in abseiling down the church tower to
raise funds for Broadclyst church. Over
£6,000 was raised for the church with
local charities also beneﬁting from the
event co-ordinated by the Royal Marines.
W
E need
to move
forward
with
confidence
when talking about giving
in the Church. Successfully
addressing the Church’s
need to receive realistic,
long-term giving may
give your parish greater
opportunity to fulfil its call
to mission.
The Parish Giving
Scheme (PGS) was initially
devised in the Diocese
of Gloucester to try and
alleviate the burden of
parish treasurers, whilst
also increasing planned
giving. Donations can
be made on a monthly,
quarterly or annual basis.
They are collected by
Direct Debit on the 1st
of the month. The gift,
plus any related Gift Aid
is then passed back to
the specified church by
Giving with
Confidence
the 10th of the month. A
unique feature of the
scheme is the option to
increase the gift annually in
line with inflation.
The success of the
scheme in Gloucester has
led to it being implemented
in Chichester, Winchester,
and now Exeter. PGS
has been piloted with 10
parishes in the Diocese,
and has had a measurable
impact upon giving. One
treasurer says, “This is
a great project that is
very professional with all
administration handled by
Gloucester and regular
payment of donation plus
reclaimed tax paid direct
into our account. It is highly
recommended.”
Mission work cannot
happen without sacrificial
giving. As it says in
Hebrews 13:16, ‘Do not
neglect to do good and to
share what you have, for
such sacrifices are pleasing
to God.’
For details email Katie.
[email protected].
org or go to ‘Encouraging
Giving’ on the Diocese of
Exeter website.
KATIE ROSCORLA
MISSION RESOURCES ADVISER
ORDINATIONS: The Bishop
of Exeter ordained 19 new
Deacons, and six new
Readers, alongside other
Readers being licensed to
serve in Devon (pictured
left), in special services
at Exeter Cathedral in
September. More details at
www.exeter.anglican.org
Anna
D
IOCESAN
DIRECTOR of
Mission and
Unity Canon
Anna NormanWalker, a familiar face to
many, is to become full-time
Canon Chancellor of Exeter
Cathedral at the end of this
month. Anna has worked
moves on
in mission
in her current role for four
years, with part of her time
spent as Canon Missioner
at the Cathedral.
She has particularly
enjoyed experiencing the
wide variety of church life
offered throughout our
Diocese and says, “I have
had the opportunity to
visit all sorts of churches
and mission communities
throughout the Diocese.
From small tiny, rural
churches to lively, large
city centre churches. I
have seen cafes for the
homeless, been wafted
with incense, attended
pet services, spoken at
big evangelical events and
pub outreach evenings. I
have loved being able
to make a contribution
to these local,
imaginative outreach
initiatives.”
Regarding
the ‘Million for
Mission’ fund
which she
oversaw, she
speaks of the
“excitement
of seeing
parishes
stepping
out and
getting creative. “It was
amazing,” she adds.
In her new role, Anna
will have particular
responsibility for mission
work in the life of the
Cathedral and is looking
forward to continuing with
the monthly Holy Ground
service and the Friday night
soup kitchen, as well as
developing new ideas and
initiatives.
She says, “Holy Ground
is a contemplative, creative
service. There is also a
café and we have speakers
and Q&A sessions.
People from across the
Diocese including people
in parish churches come
to experience something
different.”
She says, “We [Cathedral
staff ] are wanting to take
seriously our desire to grow
and to be a real presence
in the City.”
She finishes, “I have
loved the last four years
but I don’t think I can be an
adviser for too long. I want
to be more hands on and
this role will let me do that.”
Anna will be installed
in her new post during
Evensong on Wednesday
26 November.
MAKE IT A ‘REAL’ ADVENT: This year’s Real Advent
Calendar from The Meaningful Chocolate Company has
undergone a redesign. It is the only Advent calendar to
include an activity story booklet alongside the yummy
Fairtrade chocolate surprises found behind each door. And
there is free delivery for churches and groups if ordered
before 1 November. Visit www.realadvent.co.uk.
B
EFORE you read
on, cover the
next paragraph
with your hand!
Now see if
you can recite the three
priorities that Bishop Robert
has set for the Diocese
at the start of his time as
Bishop of Exeter.
How did you do?!
The three priorities are:
Growing in prayer; Making
new Disciples; Serving the
people of Devon with joy.
I suspect it is not by
chance that growing in
prayer comes first. It may
even be the hardest to
achieve. In our activist age
full of strategies, initiatives
and restless anxieties,
the great desire is to be
doing. There are targets to
meet, diaries to fill, goals
to achieve, all against
a background of the
incessant chatter of news
and social media.
Contrast that with
the way Jesus calls his
disciples to come apart and
CHURCH OF ENGLAND
rest awhile, and himself
spends time alone in prayer
before the great decisions
and events of his ministry.
“Lord, teach us to pray”,
ask the disciples and he
teaches them to pray for
God’s Kingdom to come
and his will to be done. He
uses stories of a widow
pestering a judge and a
father giving gifts to his
children as pictures of the
nature of prayer.
Prayer has all the
ingredients of our everyday
conversation and more:
thanking, sharing, arguing,
asking, apologies, listening,
expressing deep feelings
to another, sitting in silence
together. The church has
rather complicated words
for this (intercession,
adoration, contemplation
et al) but the easiest way to
start, as one saint has said,
is to think of Jesus sitting in
the chair next to you – and
to start talking to him.
Prayer comes first
because it opens us to God
DEVON
“
Think of Jesus sitting
in the chair next to
you - and start talking
to him.
”
in recognition that this is
God’s world, not ours and
his church, not ours. If we
are to make new disciples
and serve our communities
with joy, if we are to work
for justice and stand up for
the downtrodden, it will be
through activity interwoven
and suffused with prayer.
As the Psalm puts it,
“Unless the Lord builds the
house, those who build it
labour in vain”.
+NICK MCKINNEL, BISHOP OF CREDITON
Diocesan Communications Unit
www.exeter.anglican.org
twitter.com/cofedevon
facebook search diocese of exeter
Book Review :The Churches of Medieval Exeter
Described by its author as “the final part of a detailed survey of religion in the
south west of England”, Professor Nicholas Orme's latest book, The Churches of
Medieval Exeter (Impress Books, Exeter; 2014. £14-99), combines deep scholarship
with elegant style, engaging with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Thematic chapters on the development of Exeter's religious institutions, and the
interactions of churches, clergy and laity, are accompanied by a Gazetteer of
religious houses, churches and chapels describing their origin and history up the
Reformation. Maps, plans, photographs, antique depictions and artists'
reconstruction assist the reader and there is a full Bibliography.
Exeter's ancient minster was for several centuries the city's only church. By the
time it became a cathedral, in 1050, a few lesser churches were appearing and
their numbers grew in the twelfth century. These were originally private churches,
becoming parochial only in 1222, when the city was carved up into more than
twenty parishes. In addition to the parish churches, there were other major
players. The Norman castle had its own church. Benedictine monks established St
Nicholas's Priory (and there were other monastic institutions - and one nunnery
- outside the city). Dominican and Franciscan Friars had houses here, and there
were several hospitals. Chapels served guilds, other social groups, or were
connected to almshouses. The cathedral continued, however, to exercise its
ancient status, for example in control of burial rights within the city down to the
1630s.
England's major medieval cities had numerous churches. The variety of religious
life – upon which the Reformation had such an impact – is depicted in this book
with great clarity. Buy it and read it. It is a significant contribution to Exeter's
history and to the wider history of the medieval church.
Bob Higham
What’s on at Sheldon: Quiet Days
Martyn Goss is well known in Christian ecology circles and will be leading a quiet
day at Sheldon on Thursday 27th November. On Ash Wednesday 18th February
2015 the quiet day will be led by former Archdeacon of Totnes, Richard Gilpin.
Quiet Days are held in silence with 4 addresses. £18 including lunch. 20%
ministry discount. Booking essential.
01647- 252752 or email [email protected].
www.sheldon.uk.com
11
We are very grateful to the Andrew Johnson for this photograph of Ann Dunlop (second
left) together with Prebendary Becky Totterdell (Diocesan Director of Ordinands) and
Bishop Richard and Val Hawkins, after the Ordination on 14th September.
News from St Thomas, Fifth Avenue, New York
I arrived in New York for a three week visit to see my family who live here, a
visit arranged before I knew of the date of Carl Turner’s institution as Rector of
St Thomas. Stepping into the Church is breath-taking, and, I felt, a theatre for
their new rector. There are no signs of scaffolding, although plans have been
announced for a new organ, and the inevitable appeal.
The church soon began to fill up, and there was a buzz of excitement and
expectation. At five-thirty the service started with the procession including
Canon Morter and Chapter Canon Jonathan Harris.
There was a resounding response of “We will” to the Bishop's address “Will you
who witness this new beginning, support and uphold Carl in this ministry?”
Alison Turner read the Old Testament lesson. The sermon was given by the
Revd Dr Mark McIntosh professor of Christian Spirituality, Loyola University
Chicago.
Throughout the service the music and choir under the direction of John Scott
was sublime and it was good to see our own Andrew Millington and Madeline in
the congregation.
Stepping out on to 5th Avenue with the bells of St Thomas ringing was a joyful
experience!!
Pat Purchese
12
College of Canons
In the last of this series of articles on members of the College of Canons, those men
and women, lay and ordained, appointed by the Bishop to stalls in the Quire, in
recognition of their service to Christ, his Church and the community of Devon, Giles
King-Smith, one of the newest canons, finds links between the intimacy of our side
chapels and pastoral encounters in his parishes.
I live and work on the North Devon
coast – 3 village parishes (Lee,
Mortehoe & Woolacombe), plus a day
a week as an assistant Diocesan
Director of Ordinands, helping people
on their journey towards possible
ordination, and another chunk of time
as Rural Dean of Barnstaple Deanery.
We moved down from Bristol 18 years
ago and, despite previous mutterings
from me about vicars needing to move
on after 10 years, we're finding it hard
to leave! I'm married to Clare, we have
4 children at home (aged from 10 to
17), and I have 6 adult children (no
longer at home) from my first marriage
to Alison, who died in 1992. So we
have quite a full Vicarage at Christmas!
In July this year, a dozen of us from the Coast & Combe Mission Community (2
parishes in Ilfracombe as well as our 3 villages) had a bit of a pilgrimage to Exeter
Cathedral, as part of our “Exploring Christianity” course. Of course, we are
country bumpkins, and so we were overwhelmed by the bustle of the big city and
the majestic building at its centre. (“Look, Teacher, what large stones and what
large buildings!”) But we also carried with us, down the A377, that distinctive
North Devon chip on the shoulder, which leads (illogically) both to a studied
disdain for edicts emerging from Exeter, and to a simmering resentment at being
ignored by Exeter, and excluded from decisions made there. I exaggerate, but not
much. So we looked at “our” Cathedral (“But is it ours, or theirs?”) with the eye
of insiders to the faith, but outsiders in the big city and its big cathedral.
13
And we saw a lot of wonderful things, and received warm hospitality at Evening
Prayer (thank you, Ian!); and we marvelled at the Cathedral's setting, in so natural
a gathering - and crossing-place, while wishing, no doubt naively, that all those
people milling or lolling around outside could just walk in and out, whenever they
felt like it, freely, to have an everyday experience of God's beauty and glory.
But what struck me most was not the soaring majesty of the Cathedral's inner
space, but the unexpected prayerful intimacy of the side chapels. Smaller spaces,
in which to draw aside for a few moments, and feel that extraordinary weight of
prayer (yet not a burden), rooting you to the spot for a while. Easily overlooked
or passed by, but connecting you to God in stillness.
In a way, I've found ministry has its side-chapels: all those small encounters with
people, which have connected me to God at least as much as the big soaring
occasions – a child's question in a school assembly, visiting a sick person and
receiving far more than I can give, listening to a small group exploring faith... I
hope I don't overlook these valuable side-chapels. And I look forward to coming
to the Cathedral more often, to enjoy both its magnificence and its quiet
corners.
Giles King-Smith
Catering Assistant Vacancy
Salary: Depending on age and experience
Hours: Casual (Zero Hours Contract)
We are looking to recruit Catering Assistants on a casual hours basis. You will
be working in a busy café and kitchen, so need be able to work under pressure
and have good customer service skills. Knowledge of food preparation and
techniques, plus a food hygiene certificate would be advantageous.
For an application pack or further information please contact Amanda Martin on
01392 285977, email [email protected],
www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Closing date: Friday 14 November 2014
14
Explore Your Archive Week 10th-15th November
Monday 10th – Saturday 15th November 9am - 5pm
The Who, Where, Why, When and What of Exeter's Archives!
Information Point. Included in Cathedral Admission
Exeter is home to very diverse archive collections, including those of: Devon
Heritage Services, Exeter Cathedral, the Met Office, the Royal Albert Memorial
Museum, University of Exeter Special Collections and Tucker's Hall. This is your
place to find out about our remarkable collections: what there is, where it is and
how you can access them. Discover some of the stories waiting in the city's
archives! (All welcome)
Monday 10th November, 13.00-16.00
Open afternoon at the Devon Heritage Centre, Sowton
Drop in to the Devon Heritage Centre to find out more about the incredible
range of historic documents kept there relating to the county of Devon and also
the Met Office Archives which is one of the country's most comprehensive
collections on meteorology. (All welcome). Please note the location of this
event.
For more information please contact 01392 380573
Tuesday 11th November at 13.00 (Pearson Education Centre, £3)
Bracton: Making Laws in Medieval Devon
Following on from the recent exhibition at the Cathedral, find out more about
Henry Bracton – notable 13th century jurist and former Chancellor of Exeter
Cathedral – and the making of medieval laws. (All welcome)
Prof. Anthony Musson (Professor of Legal History at the University of Exeter)
Tuesday 11th November, 14.30-16.30 (Library and Archives, £7.50)
Workshop: Have a go at reading Old English
A rare chance to try reading Old English, and see some original Saxon charters.
(Ages 16+, beginners)
Dr Levi Roach (Lecturer in History at the University of Exeter)
Wednesday 12th November, 10.00-13.00 (Library and Archives, £5)
Workshop: Palaeography or Have a go at reading old handwriting
Learn about how and why handwriting styles change, then try reading some of
the documents in the Cathedral Archives. (Ages 16+, beginners)
Ellie Jones (Cathedral Archivist)
15
Wednesday 12th November, 14.00-16.00 (Library and Archives, £3)
Talk: How to care for old documents
Find out what professional conservators do and pick up some tips on how to
care for your own documents and photographs. (Ages 16+)
Deborah Phillips (senior conservator at the Devon Heritage Centre)
Thursday 13th November, 10.00-16.00 (Pearson Education Centre,£50
Your chance to try bookbinding for yourself under the tutelage of an expert
bookbinder. (Adults, beginners) Rebecca Newman (professional bookbinder)
Friday 14th November, 10.00-16.00 (Library and Archives, £3)
Talk: RAMM’s archaeology archives
You might expect a museum to contain plenty of objects, but did you know that
RAMM also holds fascinating archaeological archives? Come along to find out
more… (Ages 16+)
Jenny Durrant (Assistant Curator of Antiquities, Royal Albert Memorial
Museum)
Saturday 14th November at 14.00 (Pearson Education Centre)
Talk: Exeter’s Women in the Great War
The modern role of women during war changed drastically in 1914 and this
lecture explores the many ways in which those in Exeter contributed to the war
effort. (All welcome) Todd Gray (historian and author)
Unless stated to the contrary, for more information about these events, and to
book a place where necessary, please contact 01392 421423
Devon Historic Churches Trust and Deanery Prayer Walk
Many congratulations to all those who took part, by walking, or sponsoring this
event, which raised the magnificent total of £410. A letter of thanks from the
Treasurer of the DHCT is on the Community Notice Board in the Chapter
House. Of the £410 raised, half is returned to the church of each walker’s
choice. Of the balance of £205, £20 was returned to the parish churches of
two of our walkers, with the remaining £185 being donated to the Cathedral,
earmarked for the Fabric Fund. This was a wonderful effort, and a much enjoyed
occasion by those who did the walking. Thank you all again.
Diane Coombes
16
November: a month of Remembrance
Earlier this year the Cathedral marked the outbreak of the First World War
with a solemn, candlelit vigil. In this month of Remembrance, we return our
focus to that conflict with a series of events and activities, whilst of course
remembering all who have departed this life at the Solemn Eucharist for All
Souls.
Throughout November there will be a small exhibition in St James' Chapel,
where the Cathedral's copy of the Devon Roll of Honour will again be on
display. There will also be a chance to examine pages from the music list in 1914
(full listings are still kept in our Library and Archives, and the music list for
November 2014 will be printed in the same style). As usual we host the Royal
British Legion's Field of Remembrance by the Hooker Statue. The RBL have
arranged to decorate part of Cathedral Green with large decorative poppies in
the run-up to Armistice Day.
The Cathedral is a key partner with the 'Devon Remembers' Project. As part of
this project, the Company of Tapisers have made a range of items – each with
a poppy design for remembrance.
Diana Symes, Chairman of the Company of Tapisers writes…..
There are bookmarks, needle cases, pin-cushions, spectacle cases and some
small cushions. Initially these will be on sale after the 10.00am Eucharist Service
on 2nd November – and afterwards in the Cathedral shop or directly from
members of the Company of Tapisers. Each item will be modestly priced – and
half of all the proceeds will go to the British Legion. Please support us! Thank
you.
Other key events include:
Monday 3rd November at 19.30
Solemn Eucharist for All Souls. Duruflé
Requiem (a liturgical performance by the St Peter's Singers and adult members of
the Cathedral Choir)
Thursday 6th November at 17.30 Choral Evensong (a reconstruction of
the service from 6th November 1914, with music by Causton and Wesley as
sung on that day)
Saturday 8th November at 15.00 Dedication of the Field of Remembrance
(a short ceremony on Cathedral Green)
17
Sunday 9th November at 11.30
Remembrance Sunday Service
Tuesday 11th November at 11.00 Armistice Day: Act of Remembrance led
by Canon Morter and Exeter University's Harmonics Choir
Tuesday 11th November at 19.30 Armistice Day: Concert by the
Cathedral Choir (including Fauré Requiem. Some tickets are still available from
www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/boxoffice and 01392 285983)
Lecture: Organs and Organists of Exeter Cathedral
Wednesday 5th November 2014 at 13.00 in the Chapter House
Malcolm Walker
There have been organs in the cathedral since at least 1284. Who built and
maintained them, and who have the organists been? Malcolm Walker's talk will
address these and many other questions and also include information newly
discovered.
This talk will tell the fascinating story of the organs and organists of Exeter
Cathedral, beginning in 1284, when Roger de Ropford and his wife and heirs
were made responsible for making bells for the cathedral and repairing the clock
and organ. Since then, there has always been at least one organ in the cathedral,
except from 1646 to 1660, when the puritanical Parliamentarians, who then
controlled Exeter, banned the use of organs in churches across England and
Wales.
The magnificent case which towers above the pulpitum today was originally
completed in 1665 but has since been enlarged more than once, notably in 1891,
when an extra division of the instrument was added. Who built and repaired the
organs of the cathedral down the centuries. How have the organs evolved, and
why? What really happened to the organ during the English Civil War? How
badly damaged was the organ when a bomb struck the cathedral in 1942? Why
was it necessary to carry out a major renovation of the organ in 2013 and 2014?
The talk addresses these and many other questions, and does not forget the
characters who have been appointed to play the organs down the ages.
£3. Please call 01392 413174 to book.
18
Musical Matters
Elsewhere in this month's News you will read about the involvement of our
Cathedral musicians in a concert and various services in this month of
Remembrance. Outside of these (and their regular duties) our Cathedral choirs
are busier than ever:
On Thursday 20th November the Choristers will take centre stage as the Dean
and Lord Mayor open the third Exeter Christmas Market on Cathedral Green.
Three days later members of the Cathedral Consort along with the Lay Vicars
and Choral Scholars of the Cathedral Choir team up with a stellar line-up of
soloists and instrumentalists from English Touring Opera for a concert of Advent
Cantatas (conducted by Jonathan Peter Kenny, former Choral Scholar).
On the final weekend of November we welcome children to take part in our
Chorister Open Day (Be a Chorister for a Day), which culminates in all the
children singing alongside the current Choristers at the Christingle service in the
Cathedral.
Whilst Christmas will be well and truly underway outside on Cathedral Green, it
is Advent Sunday that once again marks the beginnings of our own spiritual and
musical journey towards Christmas, with a plethora of carol services and
concerts. Advent Sunday also marks the return of the Cathedral Organ, fresh
from its extensive refurbishment.
Our own Christmas with the Cathedral Choir events (13th and 17th December) are
on the way to selling out, so make sure you pop in to the Visitors Office or call
01392 285983 soon to get your tickets.
A New Look
Many thanks for the positive comments on the slightly revised layout of the
News, launched last month. The trigger for the changes was the decision to
download and include the Diocesan News, which is no longer supplied in print,
only online - where you will find the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer.
We took the opportunity of meeting Laurence Blyth (Cathedral Marketing
Manager) to discuss this issue, to persuade him to join the editorial team of the
News, and both his input and technical expertise is invaluable.
The change to white paper and the even greater pressure on space is not easy
for some of our readers. If you would like a large print version, or a copy on
cream paper, please ask the sidesmen, or enquire at the Welcome Desk at the
West End of the Cathedral.
Heather Morgan
19
Summary of Key Dates in November
3rd
5th
6th
7.30pm
1pm
5.30pm
7pm
3pm
9.30pm
11.30am
7pm
Solemn Eucharist for All Souls – Duruflé Requiem
Lecture Organs & Organists of Exeter Cathedral
Evensong to include music sung on this day in 1914
Cathedral Party
th
8
Dedication of the Field of Remembrance
9th
Sung Eucharist; 10.45am Wreath Laying Ceremony
Remembrance Sunday Service
Holy Ground
10th -15th
Explore Your Archive Week
10th
Meeting of the Council of the Friends of the Cathedral
2.30pm
Julian Prayer Group in St Gabriel’s Chapel
7pm
Meeting of the Cathedral Community Committee
11th
11am
Armistice Day Act of Remembrance
7.30pm
Armistice Day Concert to include Fauré Requiem
12th
7.30pm
Hooker Lecture : Professor Richard Bauckham
13th
9.30am
Chapter Meeting
17th
6.30pm
Sidesmen’s Meeting
18th
2.30pm
Chapter Finance Committee Meeting
20th
Opening of the Christmas Market on Cathedral Green
21st
Feast of Dedication
10am
Meeting of the College of Canons;
12 noon
Solemn Eucharist; 5.30pm Evensong
22nd
7.30pm
Concert-English Touring Opera & Cathedral Choir
26th
5.30pm
Evensong & Installation of Canon Anna NormanWalker as Canon Chancellor & Canon Missioner
th
28
Flower Arrangers’ Lunch
29th
Chorister Open Day; 3pm Christingle Service
30th
Advent Sunday
6pm
Advent Procession
Next Month
Please send all articles for December 2014 by Monday 17th November to
both of us; Heather Morgan (01392 877623) [email protected], and Sheila
Atkinson [email protected]. The other members of the editorial team are
Rosemary Bethell, Clive Cohen, Laurence Blyth, and Dagmar Macqueen. The
Cathedral Website can be found at www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
20