Early in the day, we divide into two groups to enjoy another cool but dry day being guided around the city of Lincoln. My group’s tour guide, a delightful Englishman, Simon, shares the Roman origins and history of Lincoln all the while keeping us entertained with wry British humour and more recommendations for local watering holes. Little did we know that the building work continues at the cathedral: Simon points out intricate recent additions like the golden crown created to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
After lunch we switch rehearsal rooms and are delighted to be welcomed to rehearse in a nearby church ‘St. Mary Magdalene’ a mere three minutes’ walk from the cathedral.
Being welcomed warmly and wholeheartedly is now a very familiar feeling that I have experienced on this pilgrimage in Lincoln. Whether by the vergers in the cathedral or while browsing unique small shops on Steep Hill. It never grows old and seems to build upon itself. As I hear snippets of conversations as my choir mates share conversations about inviting new friends to Evensong, it inspires me to do the same.
We return to the Cathedral to robe up and rehearse further. Each and every time I walk through the nave my heart soars as high as the arches above me. We are truly blessed to be part of worship for seven days in this glorious place. We’re delighted to hear that our very own Andrew Eastman will be leading us as Verger as we process into the Quire Stalls
Finally it is time: we debut David’s ‘Preces and Responses in G’ internationally. We fervently hope that we were able to give his composition the rendition it so richly deserves. Melissa’s exquisite solo in ‘There is a Balm in Gilead ‘ moves us and the congregation to tears.
We retreat for dinner and a celebration of Steve’s birthday to a different local pub. Hopefully our four part harmonisation of ‘Happy Birthday’ will attract even more participants to Evensong tomorrow!
–Harriet Church
Pictured below: The Roman Basilica Wall
