St Stephen's on the Cliffs, Blackpool, England

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Mystery Worshipper:
Church: St Stephen's on the Cliffs
Location: Blackpool, England
Date of visit: Sunday, 15 September 2019, 10:30am

The building

Photo: © Blackpool Lee and used under license A modern building (1920s) with the original church from a few years earlier transformed into a church hall. It is the only church I have visited in England with a columbarium for the repose of ashes of deceased parishioners (the only previous one I have encountered being at St Ninian's in Glasgow).

The church

There is a strong connection with the actors’ community. The northwest chapel is known as the Actors’ Chapel, paid for by a number of members of the theatrical community including George Formby, Noel Coward and Gracie Fields.

The neighborhood

Blackpool, in northwest England on the Irish Sea, became a fashionable seaside resort in the 18th century and remained so well into modern times. Legend has it that Blackpool escaped major damage during the Blitz of World War II because Adolf Hitler intended to transform it into a leisure attraction for the Master Race after he won the war. Of course that never happened, and as tastes changed and travel to more exotic holiday destinations became easier and cheaper, Blackpool lost some of its lustre and appeal, although it continues to attract millions of visitors each year. The church is a few yards from the sea front, with the famous Blackpool trams running past every ten minutes or so. During the annual Illuminations Festival (September till early November), featuring an assortment of illuminated displays, the lights are visible from the church property.

The cast

The vicar was away at another church so the service was led by a local retired priest, who also preached.

What was the name of the service?

Solemn Mass.

How full was the building?

Not at all, really. Sadly, the rows in front of us held two people – but of course, being Anglican, there were more at the back.

Did anyone welcome you personally?

A keen sidesman greeted us warmly at the door with hymn book, service sheet and newsletter. Another sidesman greeted us again as we entered the church.

Was your pew comfortable?

It was a pew, much to our relief, and with room to kneel down.

How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?

There was a lot of gossiping and the occasional cry from a youngster, but this quietened when the organ started playing. Unfortunately, during this, the bell was rung – I think for the standard 33 but not entirely certain as I lost count. I was rather distracted by the organ!

What were the exact opening words of the service?

We started with a hymn, and then the traditional 'In the name of the Father...'

What books did the congregation use during the service?

New English Hymnal and their own service leaflet.

What musical instruments were played?

A nice Willis organ, sensitively played.

Did anything distract you?

I was particularly struck by the rood cross in the shape of an anchor, which I spent a long time looking at beforehand, and my eyes kept straying back to it throughout the service. There was a wonderful moment after communion when the priest was about to start the post-communion prayer and the choir launched into an anthem! And it was very nice to see the candles being lit and extinguished in the right order – well done to the servers, and especially the young thurifer with a very well trained and even younger boat boy.

Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?

Formal Anglican worship, as indicated by the title, and very well done.

Exactly how long was the sermon?

12 minutes.

On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?

8 — A fairly standard technique of ‘make them laugh, then make them listen,’ but the priest held our attention throughout.

In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?

His text was Luke 15:1-32 (the ninety and nine, the lost coin, the Prodigal Son). Being unable to find things: keys, shopping lists, etc. We will turn the place upside down looking for them! When a person is lost, it's search and rescue, with everyone anxiously helping to find them, and searchers possibly risking their lives. God is the searcher. Shepherds, in those days, were third class citizens and were thought of as unreliable. People would think leaving ninety-nine sheep to find one was stupid. But Jesus will search for us until he finds us. God's search and rescue mission goes on, and, as God's mouthpiece, we are part of it. Let us thank him for finding us.

Which part of the service was like being in heaven?

It was wonderful to see a large Sunday school leaving after the gospel …

And which part was like being in... er... the other place?

… although the joy was somewhat marred by not seeing them all at the communion rail later. Where did they disappear to?

What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?

I wish we had had the opportunity! One person after another came up and asked us if we were on holiday. Everyone was very welcoming and helpful.

How would you describe the after-service coffee?

There was a notice in the newsletter about sherry being served in the narthex, so we headed in that direction – but slowly, with all the interruptions. Then we met the priest at the doorway, who chatted a bit and then gently (oh so gently) ushered us toward the door. So we left; sherry-less – but to be fair, we were driving so wouldn't have partaken anyway!

How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?

8 — I would certainly go back if we found ourselves visiting again.

Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?

Indubitably.

What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time ?

The rood cross.

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