Ship of Fools: Holy Spirit, Southsea, Hampshire, England

The Mystery Worshipper

Ship of Fools: Holy Spirit, Southsea, Hampshire, England

A floating sculpture of Christ distracts at a service marking 75 years of priestly ministry

Read the full Mystery Worshipper report here

Bishops Finger

What a stunningly beautiful interior this church has! White walls, not too much *tat*, and those four pieces of marble forming the main items of furniture - O, and the Christus regnans, as well...

Bishops Finger

ETA: the parish website is worth a look, for more pictures of the interior (including the side chapels).

Not all servers belong to the GSS*, but yes, I should have thought that they would have a Chapter here, as this is a parish of the Society of St Wilfrid & St Hilda.

(*known at Our Place as the Guild of Serpents of the Sanctuary )

Box Pew

The lofty but but plain exterior and the dignified uplifing interior are such a winning combination. After severe wartime damage restoration was under the direction of the architect Stephen Dykes Bower, the last of the gothic revivalist who died as late as 1994. According to Historic England, the capitals of the nave arcade were removed in the restoration, increasing the soaring upwards movement of the arches. Note to self: a visit to this beautiful church is called for.

Bishops Finger

It is indeed a beautiful church, and I only wish I could be let loose on Our Place - similar, albeit slightly smaller, but filled with awful tat-shop religious Junk, rapidly passing its use-by date...

The marble liturgical furnishings must have cost a pretty penny, and maybe are not to everyone's taste, but they really add up to a most remarkable set IYSWIM.

Worth a visit, indeed, and there are services on at least four days during the week, in addition to Sundays!