Sunday Morning at Grace Cathedral

This morning a group of us decided to drive into San Francisco and attend church at Grace Cathedral, the seat of the Diocese of California.  For those of you not familiar with Grace.  It is the third largest Episcopal Cathedral in North America.  The two larger cathedrals are St John the Divine in New York City and the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.  Grace Cathedral sits on the top of Nob Hill across the street from the Fairmont Hotel.  It is an impressive building from the outside and even more impressive from the inside.  We were not sure how bad traffic was going to be so we decided to leave CDSP at 9:45 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. church service.  Of course there was no traffic so we arrived at the cathedral parking garage early.  It was nice to arrive early as it gave us time to explore the cathedral before the service.  This cathedral, unlike the National Cathedral or St John the Divine, really had an impact on me.  When I walked inside, I felt as if I had stepped into the Holy. In the background, you could hear the men's choir rehearsing their music for the service.  It was an awe some experience.   I am still processing what was different about this building that caused me to feel this way but it was a very calming effect.  

As I walked around looking at the stained glass and murals, I quickly became aware of the reverence that was shown by everyone in this building.  It was different than I had experienced at the other cathedrals.  It may have been that service was about to begin, but I'm not sure.  

Having never attended a Sunday service at a cathedral, I wasn't sure what to expect.  Promptly at 11:00 am.  the organ began playing Hymn 400, All Creatures of Our God and King.  The procession began from the right side of the altar with a verger, a crucifer, 2 acolytes and the choir, then another verger, the altar assistants and readers, followed by another verger,  the diocesan banner, the thurifer, the deacon, and then the celebrant and presider.  Overall, it was an impressive procession.  

After having attended two different Sunday services in California and also the services here at CDSP in the chapel, I have come to realize that chanting the service is very popular out here.  Chanting, as well as, remembering how to read music are two of the jobs that I am going to have to learn relatively quickly.  

Grace Cathedral as viewed from California St

The view from the courtyard

The main entrance 

Another view of the main entrance

looking toward the front of the church

A mural depicting the great fire

After the service, we walked down the street to Chinatown, had a great lunch and headed back to Berkeley, but not before get a great picture of the Transamerica building.

I will leave you with one last thought as written by The Very Rev. Dr. Jane Shaw, Dean of Grace Cathedral.  This is the welcome printed on the front of every service booklet.  To me her words sum up what we all should be striving for in our churches, whether that church is a large inner city cathedral or a small rural parish. 

"Welcome to Grace Cathedral.  We hope you will glimpse the glory of God here, not only in the beauty of this sacred space but also in the people you meet.  Cathedrals have long been places of pilgrimage and we, a group of believers and seekers, welcome you amongst us and hope you return.

Since its foundation this cathedral has been a house of prayer for all people.  This mean stat whoever you are, and wherever you have come from, this cathedral is for you.  May you find solace here if you need it, and may you know God's generous love.  The message of Jesus is simple: God loves everyone without exception or reservation."