Elgin Cathedral - 3

Here we see the East End of the cathedral and the steps leading up to the former High Altar.



One can only imagine how beautiful the liturgy must have been when it was celebrated within these sacred walls.

O thou not made with hands,
not throned above the skies,
nor walled with shining walls,
nor framed with stones of price,
more bright than gold or gem,
God's own Jerusalem!

Where'er the gentle heart
finds courage from above;
where'er the heart forsook
warms with the breath of love;
where faith bids fear depart,
City of God, thou art.

Thou art where'er the proud
in humbleness melts down;
where self itself yields up;
where martyrs win their crown;
where faithful souls possess
themselves in perfect peace.

Where in life's common ways
with cheerful feet we go;
where in his steps we tread,
who trod the way of woe;
where he is in the heart,
City of God, thou art.

Not throned above the skies,
nor golden-walled afar,
but where Christ's two or three
in his Name gathered are,
be in the midst of them,
God's own Jerusalem!

Of your charity, please pray for my Mother (Jean) who is celebrating her 89th birthday today.