Day 8: Harry Potter and the Amazing Experience In Salisbury

19 January 2018

Today began with a visit to Christ Church College of Oxford University. On the bus, we learned from Andy, our tour guide, that this College held some inspiration for the Harry Potter films and there was also a little Easter egg regarding Alice in Wonderland, so I was ready to look for those. Once we arrived, we saw yet another old and beautiful campus. We soon went upstairs and saw the Great Hall. The stairs leading to the Hall were actually used to film a scene in the first Harry Potter movie, but the Great Hall was only inspiration for the iconic dining hall scenes in the movies. We also saw a field that was inspiration for Harry Potter’s famous Quidditch scenes.  In the Hall, we also saw a stained-glass window with Alice and the White Rabbit! The author, Lewis Carroll, attended the College, so it was cool to see this little feature.











We also took some time to go to the cathedral that was on campus. It was yet another beautiful with many different structures including a shrine. We also saw some old British flags, which was very interesting to see because it is not often that you see state flags in churches. Before we left, we decided to sing out benediction and our Alma Mater. After we sang, we saw that students from another travel course heard us singing and wanted to see us. We didn’t even know that they were supposed to be there! It truly is a small world after all. 









After our tour, we headed to lunch and then back on the bus. It was finally my turn to give a presentation, so Tori, Dustin, and I gave our presentation on Women in Anglican Church Music. First, we went over the history of women in Christian music in which they were more prominent as time went on. It was not until 1992, however, that female choristers were hired into the church. We then talked about the recent trends of women in Christian music, using examples such as Salisbury Cathedral, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Sarah MacDonald as examples. We then did a case study on Salisbury Cathedral in particular and how it was the first cathedral to have an all women’s choir. Our challenge that we gave was that everyone had to find some sort of recognition for having women in the choir, whether it may be a plague, a sign, or anything else. 

We then arrived at Salisbury Cathedral. We took a tour of the place, where we learned about the multiple tombs, the history behind the cathedral, and many other things. We also got to see the Magna Carta, which was significant because it was the document that said that the kings have to follow the same laws as the people. I also was able to complete the challenge from my presentation because I found a plaque celebrating the 20th anniversary of female choristers! 

A little later, we participated in the cathedral’s evensong service. Before the service, I and some other R-MC students had a hard time following along with the British choristers and I was worried about how the performance was going to be. But once the service began, we somehow miraculously were able to sing well and the experience was amazing to a point where it is hard to describe it in words. 

During the evensong service, we processed into the quire in a military style. Once we did that, we bowed to the right and the British choristers began to sing psalms after prayers were read. Once these ended, there was a reading from the Old Testament, then the choir sang “Magnificat in C.” Then there was a reading from the New Testament followed by the reciting of the Apostles Creed. The Lord’s Prayer was then sung by the British choristers, which was then followed by the anthem “Bethlehem Down.” After we all sang the anthem, the final prayers were sung and then we processed out of the quire. 

This experience was unlike any other. Ever since I was little, music has spoken to me in a way that is hard to explain. I feel a stronger connection to God through hymns and sung responses, which is why I am a part of the chancel choir back at school. Because most of the service was sung in four part harmonies, the service spoke to me in a different way than I have ever experienced. It was amazing to hear how all of the British choristers were able to switch keys and sing all of these different pieces without any notice of error. Other choir friends have told me that they teared up or that they felt the strongest connection to God through this service. I cannot wait to participate in more services while I am here in England. 











After such an eventful day, I am ready to have a slightly calmer day tomorrow with our visit to Stonehenge! 

- Jacob Stech 

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