Becoming Part of History

York, England is an intriguing city. Everywhere you turn, there is
some piece of history that murmurs with the past: the column that
stood in the Roman fortress, the ancient Monk Gate and the walls of
the city of York, the famous Shambles street, as well as streets made
with cobblestones.

York Minster Cathedral has its own history and secrets. Built in the
13th century on top of the ruins of the ancient Roman fortress, the
Cathedral houses Medieval stained glass windows, the vaults of past
Archbishops, and the beautiful painted organ pipes. Few musicians in
the world have conducted, sung, or played the organ in the Minster. To
be able to become part of the Minster's musical history is utterly
incomprehensible.

Erich, Kathleen, and I got the rare chance of being alone in the
Cathedral on Tuesday night. After finishing our practice and
preparation for Evensong the next day, we stood in the Nave of the
Cathedral at 10:50pm and were silent, looking up at the tower. You
could sense the walls, the artifacts, the windows, even the air around
you whispering history, expressing stories of the past. Over the
hundreds of years that the Cathedral has stood, many people have
worshiped God, have come to know Christ, have heard heaven-like music,
and have been laid to rest in this sacred space. To hear the silence
of the York Minster spoke volumes. To now have our God-given talent
and gifts to be a part of the Minster's musical history is truly an
honor and a blessing from God.

                                       Soli Deo Gloria

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father
of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ~
James 1:17

Lisa Hall, Assistant Cathedral Organist