A Liturgical Instrument

Not since 1939 have 4 positions at Exeter
Cathedral been filled in one service of installation. An event of this magnitude found its natural home in the Evensong Service yesterday. By combining these two events, the gravity of the installation matched perfectly the familiarity of evening prayer. As is the case at Cathedrals here in the UK, Evensong is a daily service and, by its very nature, takes its place as the core of worship. This solemn atmosphere was given the light of God's love in the choral settings of the prayers and supplications, the words of the Songs of Mary (the Magnificat ) and of Simeon (the Nunc Dimitis ), and in the setting of an evening prayer. Those who attend the handful of Evensong services during the choral season at Christ Church are familiar with the format. At home, these are given the feeling of special offerings, rather than a daily occurrence. Instead of being something reserved for special occasions,  the diocesan celebration was incorporated in the very fabric of worship, and our choirs became the liturgical instrument to deliver that occasion into the life of the Cathedral.
There is a great responsibility attached to role of delivering these prayers and spiritual songs. Speaking to God on behalf of those who attend is something that choirs have done for centuries, and in so doing, allow the listeners to have those words and music wash over them like a gentle shower and the Holy Spirit to fill their hearts. For this service Dean Wade was invited to join the Clergy and was resplendent in an elegant gold cope. The execution of the logistics of a service of this complexity and gravity falls on the shoulders of a host of Cathedral officials, ultimately on the Canon Precentor to fulfill the Bishop's instructions. Martin Shaw, Canon Precentor of the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter discharges his duties with resolute care, and an indefatigable commitment to the pursuit of excellence in the worship God.  This has been evident from our first moments at the Cathedral. Before we began our residence  at Exeter, we attended the services on Sunday. The Evensong Service was in particular an indication of this gentleman's clear an present love of God. His fine voice was spot on in leading the Preces and Responses,  his oratorical abilities made the scripture readings come alive.
It was his sermon that night that told me that this was a man of God. Bringing the focus of the readings to this point: through the study of the Gospels, for him it matters not so much "what you believe", but "what you KNOW in your heart to be true". With that knowledge,  would we recognize our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ if he walked into a service in the form of the poor, the hopeless or the lost?
These lessons, these services and our voices coming together at this time...what will we learn from this?
Thanks be to God!

Richard W. Giles
Member of the Men's Choir
and sometimes Chaperone