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| 1965: Spital
Street Methodist, Dartford, Kent, England |
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Photo: Matt Bembridge |
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Mystery Worshipper:
The Revelator.
The church:
Spital Street Methodist, Dartford, Kent, England.
Denomination:
Methodist
Church of Great Britain, Kent
Thameside Circuit.
The building:
Built in 1884 to replace an older structure, it has a castle
like exterior and some very pretty art nouveau stained glass
windows. The inside is painted white. There is a balcony and
an impressive set of organ pipes. It is quite a small church
but incredibly efficient in design. At the front is a smaller
lectern and a larger one for the preacher, both flanking a smallish
communion table. This area is sectioned off by a communion rail.
To one side is a small baptismal font. At the back is a notice
board. There were also five small round tables set for the coffee
hour.
The church:
They support the Rainbow Centre, a voluntary organisation run
by the churches of the Ebbsfleet Covenant that hosts a variety
of activities ranging from mother and toddler groups to a brass
band. The church hall is hirable (as long as you don't require
alcohol). Members are also encouraged to take an interest in
local politics.
The neighbourhood:
Dartford is situated in the northwest corner of Kent, 16 miles
east-southeast of central London. Once a market town, today's
Dartford is primarily a commuter community but is home to some
important industries, including Mazda Motors, although many
once-prosperous industrial facilities have suffered decline
or have closed. A large power station on the Thames at Littlebrook,
to the north of the town, boasts one of the tallest chimneys
in the UK. Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger attended Dartford
Grammar School. The church is near the town centre and is one
of the more interesting buildings in Dartford.
The cast:
The participants were not greatly forthcoming with names, but
the sermon was given by Dorothy Hulme, a preacher associated
with the Kent Thameside Circuit. All were smartly dressed in
street clothes.
The date & time:
Sunday, 18 April 2010, 10.30am.
What was the name of the service?
Sunday Worship.
How full was the building?
I counted approximately 60 seats and there were about 45 people
in total. They all appeared to have known each other a long
time, but not in an unwelcoming or stand-offish way.
Did anyone welcome you
personally?
A gentlemen smiled, shook my hand, and handed me two hymn books.
Was your pew comfortable?
Rows of incredibly robust red padded chairs that were purpose
built and very comfortable. They included a shelf to put books
on.
How would you describe the pre-service
atmosphere?
Lively banter but in a quiet way.
What were the exact opening words of the
service?
"Good morning, everyone. We are very pleased to welcome
Dorothy Hulme to preach today."
What books did the congregation use during the
service?
Two hymn books, the Methodist Hymnal and Songs
of Worship. Bibles (New International Version) were on
the backs of the chairs. There was no order of service. It did
not really need one, as the service was very straightforward
and the ministers announced what was going to happen.
What musical instruments were played?
A big pipe organ.
Did anything distract you?
One of the ministers who sat at the side kept giving me sideways
looks as I was taking notes. The preacher sat down for the sermon,
which was not a problem in itself, but due to her small stature
she looked like she was hiding behind the lectern.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip,
happy clappy, or what?
Happy in a dignified hymn sandwich sort of way. The congregation
seemed happy to be there and maintained their interest throughout.
The readings were John 21:1-14 (the risen Jesus brings about
a miraculous catch of fish) and Acts 9:1-15 (Paul's conversion
on the road to Damascus). The hymns were all traditional. There
was no choir, as it is quite a small church. While the congregation
didn't raise the roof, they sang like they were enjoying it
and collectivley held a good tune. There was no communion. We
were not dismissed with a blessing; rather, the minister closed
by thanking Mrs Hulme for her contribution and us all for coming.
Exactly how long was the
sermon?
34 minutes (it was a Methodist service).
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
8 – Mrs Hulme began her sermon in a measured and assertive
way, although as it went on I thought she became somewhat rambling
and tongue-tied. However, she did manage to pull it back together
for the conclusion. She apparently enjoys a long-standing relationship
with the church and certainly commanded the respect of the congregation.
In a nutshell, what was
the sermon about?
She began by describing how Jesus turned things around. First
the apostles – having fished in vain all night, they suddenly
caught more than their nets could hold – and then St Paul.
Christ had that power. But then she digressed into a discussion
of decreasing church attendance and aging congregations (this
congregation was approximately 70 per cent over 65). She quoted
from TV documentaries such as the BBC's History of Christianity
and Wonders of the Solar System. Finally she turned
to the power of prayer and the need to keep praying whilst maintaining
hope. She concluded with a quote from Revelation.
Which part of the service
was like being in heaven?
The wonderful details, such as the correct hymn numbers on the
hymn board, the lovely coffee tables at the back complete with
tablecloths, flowers, and plates of biscuits. Also the light
simplicity of the building. Mostly, though, it was the warm
friendliness of the congregation that won me over.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
I began to feel somewhat guilty about being there under false
pretences, as it were. I especially felt this at the end, when
I was quizzed about why I was there. There was also mention
of the Lord having delivered a small family to an ailing church
in Kent. Who was it who delivered me there, it could be asked.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
No time for that. One of the ministers took me by the arm and
sat me down at a table with four other ladies. They all engaged
me in very friendly conversation. They seemed genuinely interested
in talking with me, which was nice.
How would you describe the after-service
coffee?
Probably the most civilised and decorous after-service coffee
I've ever experienced! Tasty, too, and served in real china
cups with proper saucers on tables covered with linen tablecloths.
I did not manage to find out where the coffee was from.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
8 – It would certainly be a consideration. My own tastes
are very high (too high, perhaps). But the people made the church.
I would not hesitate recommending it to anyone.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a
Christian?
Yes, it did.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
The friendly welcome from the congregation. |
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| The Mystery Pilgrim |
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| One of our most seasoned reporters makes the Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Read here. |
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