SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN

I like Sunday mornings in the city. There's something special about the lack of traffic and there being few people around particularly if it's early.

Another thing I like is that many of the churches that are usually closed up have their doors open in a welcoming way.

The casual reader might gasp at that, given that Robert says that I'm an Anti-Christ and I myself have described myself as an atheist but, the more discerning reader who has actually bothered to read my posts over the years will know that I like churches - the architecture, the history and their value in society as meeting points and as places of sanctuary.

This morning, early. I walked up Aro Street to where it gets really steep and back down Willis Street to the harbour and along the wharves to the Sunday market to buy fresh vegetables. On the way I passed and went into, three churches.

The first I entered was St Peter's Anglican church on Willis Street.

This is a great Gothic-style church with beautiful stained glass windows and nicely carved chancel and ornamental railings. The high ceilings give an impression of majesty and serenity combined. When I was in there a pianist was playing something classical- concert-style and I sat and listened for 5 minutes. I noticed the church organ that seems to be in excellent condition so must find out if they have organ recitals.

Futher down Willis Street is St John's Presbyterian church.

Also built in Gothic Revival style this is a landmark known for its spire. Inside it's more muted than the Anglican church and not as grandiose as old Catholic ones in keeping with the 'Press Buttons'' more dour and practical view of Christianity. I was the only one in the building when I popped in so didn't see or hear a service.

I continued down Willis Street and decided to balance things up by visiting one of my favourite churches - St Mary of the Angels in Boulcott Street.

I was christened in this church as, when I was born, my parents lived close by in Taranaki Street. I've attended many family weddings there and my brother's funeral so I feel that I have a connection even though I'm an 'anti-Christ' (small 'a' provided by Robert). This is 'Grand' Gothic Revival style with swoopings and sweepings in the architecture worth of any of the grand European Catholic churches. The magnificence, like the Anglican one has, creates a serene atmosphere which adds to its function as a sanctuary.

Long may these types of churches remain and hopefully are well-looked after and patronised. This is the side of religion I like not the pap and nonsense contained in the missals, bibles and the Catechism.

In St Mary's when I called in, there was a Mass underway. I walked down a side aisle to the annexe on the left and sat down with a view of the priest giving a sermon. He waffled on for a bit about Jesus's love and Christ knows what. I didn't want to disturb him or the numerous people in the ccongregation so sat it out which was luckily only for a few more minutes. When he had finished he moved to the other side of the altar and sat down in silence. I assumed that he was shagged out after a good bit of Gospelling. After a minute he got up and he and the congregation started up some kind of prayer. I used this as cover for my exit.

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Richard would be disappointed if I didn't include a music clip so here's one from Kris Kristofferson: