Sunday, April 13, 2008

Bryn Athyn Cathedral

Bryn Athyn, PA

Grade: B

The Bryn Athyn Cathedral is a beautiful building, inside and outside. Photos do not capture how magnificent the sanctuary is.

The Cathedral is across the street from the Bryn Athyn College in Bryn Athyn, PA, just outside of Philadelphia.

You will not feel out of place if you wear your Sunday best. Most of the men wore a shirt and tie or a suit; the ladies wore dresses or skirts. Business dress casual would also be okay. Everyone I encountered on my way to the sanctuary was friendly and polite.

Most of the folks in attendance were white, some version of middle class. The cathedral was four fifths full.

The service was traditional and somber.

11:00 a.m. – We stand, hymns are sung. Organ music plays as we sing.

11:03 a.m. - The Pastor prays, the congregation prays along.

11:10 a.m. - The Pastor reads from the bible.

11:15 a.m. - The organ plays as we sing traditional hymns.

11:20 a.m. - The Pastor gives a traditional sermon.

11:45 a.m. - The sermon is over. We stand and sing, than we sit and pray.

11:51 a.m. - Organ music plays and some of the folks leave the Cathedral.

11:55 a.m. - The music continues to play, and most of the folks leave the Cathedral.

No one announced that the service was over. A collection was not taken. No general announcements were made.