Building a New Cathedral

I was fascinated to to listen Ron Weeks' history of the planning and building of Clifton Cathedral. Much of what he said was familiar to me but it was wonderful to hear it first hand from someone who was so cenrtal to the planning from the outset.

Ron named a few priests who were on the original committee with Bishop Rudderham. My guess is that Canon Richard Norris was another, as was, I feel sure, Father (later Monsignor) William Mitchell.

I was in charge at Clifton Cathedral (1987 - 1997) when the heavy fibreglass doors were replaced. The theory of increasing of light from the entrance towards the Baptistry and Sanctuary / Altar areas is understandable, but the reason for the doors change was the fact that it became (almost) impossible to open two of the doors and the third one (St Paul's Door) could be opened only with great effort. This was a cause for concern in the event of an emergency. How could, say 1,000 people, be exited from the building in a panic situation ? Hence, the installation of the glass doors (which were donated by Bristol City Council).

Ron didn't mention the bare wall at the back of the Sanctuary. Like him, it would be my hope that this should always remain as it is, thereby drawing one's eye to the Altar. Nothing should distract from the Altar.

I hope that these comments are useful. Thanks to Ron for his superb talk iPod. It was a pleasure to listen to him.