Chelmsford Cathedral

Chelmsford Cathedral was a parish church until 1914 when the new Essex bishopric was created. Consequently, it is not the oldest episcopal seat, nor as grand as its more established colleagues, but it is airy and light (like Blackburn) and a pleasure to visit. Some of its features are modern and unattractive, like its dark, metallic pulpit which resembles a piece of large, broken plumbing.

It also has some curious stained panes celebrating American symbolism, perhaps in memory of Thomas Hooker, seventeenth-century preacher of this parish who went on to help found Connecticut.

The most beautiful aspect of the place is the ceilings. Skilfully painted and tastefully designed, the internal roof space proved to be more beautiful than some of the modern furnishings and as beautiful as the radiant church beneath.

We, who are involved in church life, especially in leadership, are sometimes so embroiled and bogged down in paper-shuffling, maintaining buildings and general management that we forget the beauty of Christ, for whose glory we exist and minister. However erudite the preacher, however generous the deacon, however welcoming the congregation, the real beauty is found up and beyond, in the face, person and character of Jesus Christ.

So look up.