Behind These Red Doors Stories a Cathedral Could Tell

By Paul TN Chapman

The Church watches over her children and knows their joys, sorrows, and triumphs. Like a great mother, she opens her arms to welcome and embrace, to comfort and to restore her children.

Think of the stories a Cathedral could tell if it had a voice!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul TN Chapman
• Release date: Mar 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393642596

Paul TN Chapman

Paul TN Chapman is a freelance writer and authors, living the the US East Coast. He maintains a monthly website of his essays, edits publications, and spends most of his time writing novels.  

Book preview

Behind These Red Doors:

Stories A Cathedral Could Tell

Single Volume Edition

by

Paul TN Chapman

Behind These Red Doors: Stories A Cathedral Could Tell

Single-volume edition

Copyright © 2016

Paul TN Chapman

[e-mail]

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Books by Paul TN Chapman

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Behind These Red Doors: Stories A Cathedral Could Tell

The Lives of the Ain’ts: Comedic Biographies of Directors Errant

The Inn of Souls

The Shadow and Its Reflection:  

An Essay on Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason

Introduction

This book was originally published in two volumes, and has been integrated into this single volume edition.  The title ‘Fire’ in Volume One was changed to ‘Fire Part I’ for clarity; the inconsistencies in the spelling of character names between volumes have been corrected.

The stories that comprise Volume One are:

Consecration and Baptism (1904)

Christmas (1910)

Drink (1924)

Liminality Part One (1926)

Liminality Part Two (1926)

Wedding (1928)

Fire Part One (originally ‘Fire’) (1936)

Confession (1946)

Ecumenical Service (1956)

Be Still and Know that I am God (1973)

Funeral (1981)

Not a Shout But A Whisper (2001)

Jesus 2.0 (2004)

Volume Two contains the following:

Lead Us Not Into Temptation (1922)

Fire Part II (1936)

The Thief and the Priest (1952)

The Thief and Another Priest (1964)

Pertwee Immemorial (1968)

Dancing before the Lord (1970)

Forgiveness Sunday (1986)

Feast of All Fools (1996)

Not a Whisper but a Sigh (2002)

He Came on a Cloud (2011)

A Child’s Prayer (2013)

Passion (2015)

Afterword.

The intention of these stories and story lines is to provide reminders and encouragement.  As I have grown older and been exposed to a variety of ‘styles’ of Christianity, I have become increasingly aware (and wary) of people’s ideas about God, their responsibilities in their relationships with God, or that they have a relationship with God at all.  So many rigid points of view have been advanced, and so many unyielding postures have been taken, that I wonder if they and I worship the same God.

Many of us are acquainted with people who only see things in terms of black-and-white; everything is either right or wrong, good or bad, and no grey areas or special circumstances are allowed.  Some people really do set out the rules, based on their limited understanding, and expect God to follow them, as is mentioned in the story ‘Ecumenical Service’.  The Bible for them is a book of laws, and if you err, the self-appointed prosecution will cite chapter and verse, advise you of your sin and your future destination, and take great satisfaction in doing so—it is their Christian duty. What then of Jesus’ injunction, ‘Judge not lest ye also be judged’? 

Then, there are people who are so reverent and so formal in their interactions with God that they lack a lively, loving relationship with the Divine.  God is someone they respect out of fear and a pervasive sense of unworthiness.  Their worship resembles theatre rather than life.  These people are so aware of their ‘unworthiness’ that they overlook their innate merit.  Cloaked in ritual and formality (appropriate some of the time, but not as a way of life) they maintain distance between their Maker and themselves.  How can you have a ‘closer walk with God’ when you are constantly grovelling and deploring your sinful nature? God accepts, and we must accept, that we are all sinners.  Confess, and move on! He created you for much better and more loving things.

Remembering that a relationship is also a celebration, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that the grandest festivities are those in which everyone is celebrating the same thing.  Celebrate your relationship with God as you are, because that’s exactly what He’s doing.

During the preparation of this single-volume edition, I had the opportunity to observe practices of faith among various people with varying styles.  I was reminded that while we are all equal in the sight of God, we are all different.  We don’t all worship the same way, we don’t all relate the same way, and there is no right or wrong way to go about it.  I may seem to be contradicting myself, but actually, I am suggesting that in whatever way you relate, your relationship with God must regularly undergo a certain amount of evaluation, adjustment, adaptation and renewal in order to remain a living thing, as would any other important relationship.

So, here are my thoughts, which I offer you after much prayer and contemplation.  I hope you will find them stimulating and attractive, as well as entertaining, as you move on in your relationship with God.

Paul TN Chapman

[e-mail]

January 2016

Preface to Volume One

The Peculiarity of Churches

It is the peculiarity of churches that while they are the centre of activity in a religious community, most of their existence is spent in silence and emptiness. 

The Church is more than a building; it is a symbol, a bulwark standing against evil and sin.  It is also a haven and refuge for the sick, the weary, the burdened, and the sorrowful.

Many church doors are painted red—dating back to a much earlier time, this signifies a place of sanctuary.  In those days, it was sanctuary against temporal law (among other things); now many people do not remember the significance.

The doors open to invite, to embrace all who come to her.  The doors close to protect those within from those without.

In this place, people celebrate life, love, and renewal.  They acknowledge sin and death.  They come together to discuss, to learn, and to grow in the Spirit.

The Church is more than a building, it is a community.  It is the family of Christ.

This church, Trinity Cathedral, has been home to people beginning, continuing, and ending their temporal journey.  She has seen much, and kept all stories and secrets within the sanctuary of her walls.

If this church had speech, imagine what wonderful and terrible stories she could tell!

Preface to Volume Two

Dear Child of God:

She has often been referred to as ‘Holy Mother Church’, and like any mother, she cares for her children.  She seeks to protect them, help them grow,   soothe their sorrows, and share their joys.

She seems a great, impassive edifice, her exterior ornamented perhaps with statues of the saints mounted around spire and cornice; enormous rose windows like stained glass eyes, peer out into the dark of night, and glisten reflectively in the light of day; great wooden doors, painted red and offering sanctuary, closed like massive arms folded protectively, or opened wide in an embrace of welcome. 

Within, soothing light filters through those stained glass eyes, moving slowly and gracefully across the floor each day.  There is a whisper of the world outside, a whisper of the air moving inside, a comforting caress to the ears.  Organ pipes line the walls and fill the chambers around the chancel, a chorus ready to sing to God.  Row upon row of pews fill the nave; kneeling cushions wait patiently for the supplicant; down the middle, a wide pace expectant of processions majestic, both joyous and mournful.

Yet, Holy Mother Church is quite alive!  She gathers her young.  She embraces them, protects them, adores them, gazing lovingly upon them, as the Madonna does her Holy Child.  Her young rest in her arms, perhaps unaware of the profound depths of her love.  And like the Holy Mother, the Church sees and keeps all these things, and ponders them in her heart.

She is a Home—a nursery to the young, a refuge for the lost, a haven for the troubled, oasis for the penitent, and banquet hall for the jubilant.  She has witnessed much in the ever-rolling stream of years!  She is filled with the spirits of the saints, the souls of the departed, and the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

If this church had speech, imagine what wonderful and terrible stories she could tell!

Celestine Laurent,

Dean Emeritus

Trinity Cathedral

Consecration and Baptism

1904

Sermon by the Right Reverend H B V Glenross at the Service of Consecration of Trinity Cathedral, 4 April 1904.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.

I am very excited to be here to-day.  It is always a joy to celebrate anything in the Lord, and after so much adversity and struggle, to arrive finally at that place of safety which the Lord gives us.

My personal spirituality has always focused on renewal; in essence, starting again, trying again, striking out again to walk the path the Lord has given me.  I hope and trust this has been reflected in my ministry as a priest and as a bishop.  Usually, this focus on renewal is personal—how can I minister to others if I am not renewed daily in the Lord?  When the opportunity arises for renewal to be more global, it is an invitation I accept with enthusiasm, and I hope the Lord has similarly filled you with this spirit.

You may know something of the history of this building.  It was constructed in 1864, and was first the Church of Saint Saviour.  It was well known for its magnificent architecture and appointments, and in 1895, was gifted the wonderful pipe organ we enjoy to-day.  Artists and artisans poured in from every corner of Europe, giving us our beautiful rose windows, the intricate carvings you see around the church, including the pews, lectern and pulpit; and the sonorous bells in the tower. 

I remember visiting this church when I was a child.  In the 1880s, a small Serbian parish made use of the church facilities on Sunday afternoons, erecting a portable altar in the Lady Chapel, ornamenting it with icons, lamps, and shrines.  I had a school friend in those days whose family had emigrated from Serbia.  My friend wanted me to see how his people worshipped, celebrated and honoured God, and he was excited to share this part of his life with me.  The music was different from anything I’d ever heard, and I felt awed by the mystical atmosphere.  The incense was like nothing I have ever known.  I was enthralled by the ornamenture of the chapel as they’d decorated it.  Every shrine was illuminated by candles and oil lamps.  Many of the icons were decorated with gold leaf, jewels, and intricately detailed; I could see how God and His saints were honoured and revered by the Orthodox people.  I loved the music, the passion of the liturgy, and the obvious reverence of the people.  In my youth, I even considered converting to Orthodoxy. 

Old Saint Damian’s Cathedral, the original cathedral of this diocese, burnt to the ground in 1901.  Everything was lost!  We begin our life renewed, adopting the name Trinity Cathedral, in this holy place.

In consecrating this building, we set it aside and separate from the world, that in this place, holy undertakings will be pursued.  Here we will preach and hear the word of God, receive new members into the Body of Christ through baptism and conversion, celebrate their spiritual maturity through confirmation, hear and absolve those who truly and earnestly repent them of their sins, join together in matrimony those who seek to make a life together.  Here we will celebrate the Body and Blood of Christ in the holy Eucharist, ordain deacons and priests, and consecrate bishops.  Here we will bless those departed, and comfort those who mourn.  In this holy place, the house of the Lord.  We are alive in the Lord!

This is an exhilarating time! With renewed life, the possibilities are infinite.  The destruction of the old cathedral was devastating, but as with many things, a tragic end may usher in a glorious beginning.  As this city grows, so does its spiritual need, and we are here to meet and serve that need as best we can, by the Grace of God. 

This is a wonderful time!  We have recently entered a new century, and many of us, within our lifetimes, have seen the development of new technologies, and even better, the fruits of those technological advances have been made available to the world.  Some among us will witness even greater discoveries and developments in the future.  Discoveries in science, development in the arts, dialogues between nations and cultures—these are stepping stones to a new and richer life.  We have not only a new episcopal home, a new century and new resources, but new hope, and with that, new potential.  We can accomplish anything, with God’s help.

To that end, we have a very special opportunity, entirely consistent with the new life we are celebrating to-day.  Six weeks ago, the Montcrieff Family welcomed their first child into the world, Harriet Marie, and to-day we welcome Harriet into the family of Christ by baptism.  Isn’t it magnificent!  Literally, we are able to celebrate a new life as we celebrate the new life of the cathedral parish and the renewed life of the Diocese and the Episcopal See.

Let’s consider Harriet Marie for a moment.  Remembering my own children as babes, I can easily envision Harriet’s first experiences.  I envision the excitement that awaits her as she explores ideas for the first time, and develops new understandings.  The world will be a marvel to her infant eyes!  It will be a pleasure and a privilege to see this baby grow from infancy to childhood, to adolescence and finally to adulthood, brought up in the world of the Lord.  Just as the Diocese is responsible for overseeing the life of the individual parishes, it is the responsibility of the Family of Christ to oversee the spiritual growth and development of our children.  You who are to be godparents will soon be called upon, on behalf of this child, to be released from sin, to renounce the Devil and all his works, vain pomp and glory of the world, and to receive the sanctification by the Holy Ghost.  You who are witnesses are implicitly called upon to do the same.  We all, by word and example, are called upon to lead Harriet Marie in the way of righteous life.  We will do so with God’s help.

Can you feel the joy?  Are you excited?  I am excited!  It is true that we stand, as it were, on the brink of discovery, the horizon of potential, and it can be worrisome, for we do not know where that road will lead.  Take heart, then, that we were brought here by God, and He will carry us through in fulfilment of His promises and to His glory. 

Let us pray:  Lord, thou hast vouchsafed unto us a new home, and given to us a renewed life.  This we consecrate in thy holy Name, revering this as thy house, though thou art in all places.  Thou hast vouchsafed unto us a beautiful child to begin her life in the world and her life in Christ in this holy place.  Please be gentle and compassionate to us in our innocence, understanding of us in our wilfulness, forgiving of us in our sinfulness, and make us, together and severally, living members of thy sacred family.  To Christ, to the Holy Ghost, and to Thee be all honour and glory!  Amen.

Christmas

1910

Harriet was six years old.  One afternoon at the end of November, she and her mother were walking along a city street to the building where her father had his office.  On the ground floor of this building was a toy store with large windows and lavish displays. 

Glancing in one of the windows, Harriet saw the most beautiful doll imaginable, and stopped where she stood, eyes wide with amazement.  Her mother (remembering similar attractions when she was a little girl) stood with Harriet while the little girl gazed at the doll for almost ten minutes.

Such a doll!  Her head and hands were of bisque; she had a cupid-bow mouth and pinkish cheeks.  Her clothes were made of silk, and looked very fashionable for the day.  There was a bright red ribbon in her hair, and the hair looked real.  Harriet imagined holding this doll—her baby.  She would love it and kiss it and hug it and take care of it, and it would be the most precious thing in her life!  She imagined herself sitting across the playroom table from the doll, sharing ‘tea’.  She saw herself cuddling the doll late, at night when she could not sleep, or when she felt lonely.  She would take that doll everywhere with her, and she would never let her go!

‘That’s very pretty, isn’t it Harriet?’ her mother said.

‘Oh yes!’ Harriet replied.  She loved that doll and wanted it so much she almost cried.  ‘Yes, mama, it is the most beautiful doll!  I love it!’ 

At dinner that evening, her daddy asked her about her day, and Harriet started talking about the doll in the toy store window.  ‘She has big eyes and real hair, and beautiful clothes, and everything!’  She chattered on and on about the doll, and the words flowed from her like a river.  Looking at her father with the biggest eyes she could manage, she dared to say, ‘I’d really like to have that dolly!’

Her father shrugged, feigning indifference.  ‘Christmas is in a month.  Perhaps Saint Nicholas will bring her for you.’  He didn’t seem too interested.  Mother was in the kitchen rattling dishes.  Harriet didn’t know what to think.

The doll became the focal point of Harriet’s six-year-old attention, and she talked about it every day.  Whenever her mother and she visited her father in his office, Harriet looked eagerly yet fearfully in the window,