Today I took a half day from work and ventured into the city centre. I needed a bit of a re-charge, so I went into St Giles for the lunchtime service.
Arriving early I sat in the east end and observed those around me. St Giles is a busy place, with tourists wandering in all directions. An excited gaggle gathered around the Thistle Chapel, although it was going to be a tight squeeze if they all went in. Work is underway to replace the floor at the west end, so a poly-tunnel covers part of that end, keeping the dust in and the tourists out.
Two workmen were fighing a race against time to dismantle a scaffolding tower in front of the pulpit before the noon service started. The scaffolding tower took exception to this, and every component resisted removal.
The servicce starts as the twelfth noon day bell dies down. It's a 15 minute service of readings, prayers and a short homily. While a kirk on the Royal Mile will rarely fall completely silent, there was a stillness fell as the minister ascended the pulpit stairs. One of the workmen retreated off to one side, a scaffolding pole under his arm, 1/4 of the tower resisting demolition. Half time score, Tower 1, workmen 0, game to resume in 15 minutes.
15 minutes isn't a vast amount of time, but it's how you use it that matters. The minister delivered a service that was very compact, yet it wasn't rushed. There was certainly much to be learned from his delivery.
It's just a shame that my office is currently too far from the city centre or I'd drop in more often.
Secret tip (not that secret, it's in the tour guide.) Go round the back of the organ and there's a large window. To the right of the window, up high there's a button. Press it and the insides of the organ light up. While it's a joy to hear that organ played, it's amazing to look at the craftsmanship of the workings.
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