I hope this is the beginning of a series. Brendan took these brilliant shots of the Manchester Cathedral on our first walk around town. There is SO much detail in these things, that it's hard to represent it well. But I think he did a great job. We didn't take any of the inside. The stained glass was not remarkable, and we didn't want to be disrepectful of the tombs. But the choir stalls were SO ornate. We stood and stared at them for a long time.
Gargoyles are always my favorite part of the exterior. Did you know the word "gargle" comes from the sound the rain makes coming through those down-spouts. I hope you can see these. The other two are of saints and angels. There were many empty niches around the outside. I wonder if the statues have been lost or if they've been intentionally left open for generous benefactors to have a chance at putting their likeness there for posterity.
Of course, it's Church of England, very similar to Episcopal in the US. Since it was the closest church, I visited on Sunday morning for the family Eucharist service. They have a small choir, maybe 20-25 children and adults, but they filled the worship area and the tall ceilings with clear, beautiful tones, all in Latin of course. I remembered a few phrases from my choir career, but not much. So I didn't try to follow along. I closed my eyes and just listened. Then, I was doubly blessed by a concert from a South African Youth Choir - WOW! Their short concert included works from Russia, Scandinavia, and finally South Africa, which I enjoyed immensely.
I have to say, there's much more available to do in this size city than there ever was in Northampton. Brendan and I are going to help build the "Carpet of Flowers" in Albert's Square in front of town hall next week. It will be similar to the ones they do in Belgium, on a smaller scale. It's a great chance for us to be outside and useful and meet some locals.
