When Daleks patrol Trafalgar Square, churchgoers had better beware. Or at least that seems to be the underlying message behind one shot in the Doctor Who story “The Dalek Invasion of Earth.” A Dalek rolls forward toward the camera, and in the background can be glimpsed St. Martins in the Fields, one of the more famous non-cathedral churches in London. But no Daleks patrolled the Square today, so we did not worry as we made our leisurely way to the one o’clock worship service.
Unlike Westminster Abbey, the interior is not covered with remembrances of famous personalities who are buried there. No statues of famous politicians or saints tower above the visitor. No priests herded us to our seats and warned us to keep our cameras in their cases. Instead, we were welcomed warmly by a parishioner, found a place in one of the pews, and knelt comfortably to pray. Outside all might be hustle-and-bustle, the noises of cars and conversations, and myriad distractions that could dilute one’s focus. Inside St Martins in the Fields, we could compose our minds (and hearts) in silence, and look forward to an hour in which we could focus upon the one who is greater than all of us. (No, I’m not referring to Lady Gaga).
Normally I’m not big on choral music, particularly not when sung in another language. But I appreciated the efforts of the organist and the four-person choir, (even if I couldn’t understand the Latin lyrics), as well as the fact that they had given of their time this afternoon. The pastor’s message--that the Church was a place for anyone, regardless of his or her economic or social status--came as a tonic after the rigid formality of Westminster Abbey.
I cannot state that any particular story brought me to St. Martins in the Fields. Nor is it a secret that churches in England are less well attended than those in the States. What I can say (regardless of the varying ways in which Church and Religion are presented) is that such elements of corporate and individual faith keep cropping up in the British TV shows I enjoy. “Lovejoy” may not be a churchgoer, but in many of his mysteries, he ends up visiting one, talking with a priest, or even attempting to acquire a rare Bible. The Reverend Dennis of “Waiting For God” has lost his faith, and consequently his mind. (He accidently christens one child “ugly little bastard Jones”). In “All Creatures Great and Small,” James Herriot may not attend services regularly, but his wife and children do. The kindly old Rector in “To The Manor Born” might have been hen-pecked by Audrey during his career, but he remains devout, collects alms for good causes, is involved in his community, and takes nearly everything in stride. Sergeant Hathaway in “Lewis” attended seminary before he opted for a career in law enforcement. And then there is “The Vicar of Dibley,” where Geraldine is sent to a rural village filled with the wackiest parishioners imaginable. Although they had expected a male priest, she soon wins them over. Their bizarre weaknesses highlight her own foibles, and no matter how irreverent the situation becomes, she always yanks everyone back into line by relating a scriptural story that underpins a spiritual truth. Clearly many differing views on Christianity and Faith exist in England. That nearly every series I have watched touches upon such matters reveals how deeply embedded they are in English culture and everyday life.
I cannot say that I found anything about St. Martin’s in the Fields to be remarkable, spectacular, or mind-blowing. (Believe me, you haven’t had your mind-blown, until it’s been blown in…oh, never mind). But it was a comfortable and calming place to spend an hour after our continent-and-ocean-spanning journey, our short night of sleep, and our nonstop sightseeing. We left refreshed, recharged, and ready for more adventures.
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