Christ Church Cathedral has recently had a new hall and facilities built adjoining the church, and it was part of the Doors Open presentation. It happens to include a labyrinth, based on the one at Chartres in France. Of the Protestant denominations, I'm only aware of Anglican churches occasionally having these, while they're more common in Catholic churches, particularly in Europe. I spent time walking the path towards the core- and felt quite refreshed and centered after doing so- all the more so since being out in the rain that day for a good while had left me feeling knackered.
Below the cathedral is a smaller chapel, which includes a model.
It also includes a wide passageway called a columbarium, a place where cremated ashes in urns can be interred. I liked the dignity of the place.
Looks as if those are stones for curling on that shiny labyrinth floor. Sorry, too irreverent for a post that actually conveyed a whiff of Spiritual energy I think. Always a good visit with you William. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI especially love the model and your last photo!
ReplyDeleteI've been to the original one in Chartres. I love all the Open Doors events in Ontario. It's so nice to let the public in to see these places. :)
ReplyDeleteThe stone of the Cathedral is impressive and I really like the look of the model.
ReplyDeleteI like the design of the windows and stone wall of the church. Have a happy day!
ReplyDelete@Cloudia: they look like stones, but I believe they were cushions.
ReplyDelete@Linda: thanks!
@Halcyon: it is a wonderful program- from big cities to small towns.
@Bill: the model is new from the last time I was here.
@Nancy: thanks!
A stunning place. I'd love to visit. I've never seen such a labyrinth in a church. When I first glanced at the thumbnail I thought it was a pond with little ducks swimming around. Maybe I need glasses?
ReplyDeleteThe labyrinth is intriguing...unusual for a church.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. And that 'columbarium' does look dignified. I didn't realise 'knackered' was a term in use over there..!
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by labyrinths William and yet I've never walked in one.. I like the idea of it making you feel peaceful and centered!
ReplyDeleteThat labyrinth floor is beautiful, and once again: I love those stones that are used to built this cathedral.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot to this church. I like the labyrinth.
ReplyDeleteA Columbarium in a church I have never seen that before.
ReplyDeleteoh, that is just awe inspiring!
ReplyDelete@Lowell: thumbnails can be deceiving!
ReplyDelete@Norma: there is another Anglican church perhaps a fifteen minute walk from here that also has one.
@Mike: I first heard the term in a documentary, and rather liked it! Anyway, I certainly felt that way that day.
@Grace: I'd walked in hedge mazes before, but this is a completely different mindset. Yes, you could just walk straight through- that's how I walked out- but walking in the paths does wonders to calm the mind.
@Jan: I do as well.
@Sharon: it impressed me.
@Marianne: this is the only one I know of.
@Karen: it is!
They've done a good job of modernizing and keeping it compatible with the old.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite the Church harking back to olden times. Very beautiful with a hushed feeling.
ReplyDeleteMB
I appreciate your every post--the details to go along with the photos. Brilliant! By the way, I made up the term food noise, as far as I am aware.
ReplyDeleteA nice plce to be interred indeed.
ReplyDeletelove the arched windows. don't wanna get lost? aren't labyrinths places to get totally lost and confused?
ReplyDeleteAn interesting place!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! You had the place to yourself again!
ReplyDelete@Red: indeed they have.
ReplyDelete@MB: it's a lovely space.
@Lynette: thank you!
@Janey: it feels dignified. I seem to recall there's a general interred there.
@Beth: maybe hedge mazes, but not this sort of labyrinth!
@Marleen: it was.
@RedPat: in this case it was judicious photography. I was taking pics when other visitors were not in the frame.
Oh, no! Labyrinths are quite popular among several mainline denominational churches in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the Anglicans in North America had mazes.
ReplyDeleteI love labyrinths. I wish they were more common. I walked one at a cathedral in San Francisco; I think it was St. Mary's, a Catholic church. It's a wonderful form of walking meditation.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos !!!! And I love the labyrinth.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've walked a labyrinth in a Unitarian church (Arlington, VA) and at an Episcopal camp (Orkney Springs, VA).
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I have never got the appeal of labyrinths.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this. I love your comment, 'dignity' of the space. I keep wondering what we will do with all these old churches. The rural ones are going bankrupt. You'd like the newly reno'd one in Franktown! Sadly, people don't really do their homework. They created an 'Emporium' right next to an antique store. sigh.
ReplyDelete@Revrunner: it wasn't done in the denominations I'm used to.
ReplyDelete@Mari: this one does.
@Kay: there's another church here that has one, but I've not been inside.
@Orvokki: thank you!
@Linda: this one's the only one I've done.
@Jack: I guess it appeals to you or not.
@Jennifer: oops!