Cathedral service returns - but like no other before

Iconic images show impact of restrictions

Gone are the pews that until the Covid-19 pandemic struck traversed the Nave at Canterbury Cathedral.

And in their place are chairs spaced metres apart in an iconic image taken as the city landmark hosted its first Sunday Eucharist since lockdown began. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby led the service to a congregation of 200 - far fewer than the 2,000 he typically attracts, with seating restricted to those who had booked. Hand sanitiser stations were positioned throughout, with a card machine replacing the traditional cash collection pot. Worshippers also had to give their details to the Cathedral to comply with government guidance on NHS Test and Trace. There were also changes to the service - no singing was allowed and the choir was not present. Instead, recordings were played and organ music filled the Cathedral throughout the 80-minute service. Communion was still carried out but in one kind only - the bread - and extra hygiene precautions were taken during the distribution.

This saw the communion servers don gloves and visors and place the bread onto the receivers’ out-stretched hand. Between prayers, one of which was read by the Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-wilkin, Archbishop Welby reflected on the pandemic during his sermon. He touched upon how people have pulled together over the last three months, and the struggles too.

Hannah Stewart, a member of the congregation, was delighted to be back in church.

She said: “It was extraordinary seeing it; I am used to a packed service. But I think it was very sensibly done. I felt safe.

“It was hard not kneeling for communion and not having the wine, and you usually shake hands after the peace. But it is great to see people smiling today and to be back together.” Another guest said: “It was done brilliantly. I have missed it very much. It had such a lovely atmosphere and was very special.”

Elsewhere in the county, Rochester Cathedral has opened for private prayer and to light a candle.

The Dean, the Very Rev Philip Hesketh, gave a short prayer welcoming visitors on Tuesday last week. Presently, the cathedral will be open from 10am to 1pm from Tuesdays to Sundays. Certain areas remain closed, including the crypt, cafe, shop and exhibition area.

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‘It was hard not kneeling for communion and not having the wine, and you usually shake hands after the peace’

Communion - with bread only - was carried out by servers