Durham - 6

Durham is a hilly city, claiming to be built upon the symbolic seven hills. Upon the most central and prominent position high above the Wear, the cathedral dominates the skyline. The steep riverbanks are densely wooded, adding to the picturesque beauty of the city.



Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?

Refrain

Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.

On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will talk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.

Refrain

Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.

Refrain

At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Saviour’s face,
Saints, whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.

Refrain

Soon we’ll reach the silver river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.

Refrain

Robert Lowry (1826-99)

Durham - 5

Durham Cathedral is the greatest Norman building in England, perhaps even in Europe. It is cherished not only for its architecture but also for its incomparable setting. For this reason it was inscribed together with the Castle as one of Britain's first World Heritage Sites. In a nationwide BBC poll held in 2001 it was voted the nation's best-loved building. Like Hadrian's Wall and the Angel of the North, it is an icon of north-east England, its image is instantly recognisable to people who love this part of Britain.



As an enduring monument to human skill and inventiveness, the Cathedral speaks powerfully of heritage and history. Its sheer size and splendour testify to the power of Norman overlords establishing their authority in the land they had conquered. Yet it was primarily built as a religious building: as the shrine of a humble saint, as a destination for pilgrims and as home for a community of worship, learning and practical care. It was built for the glory of God.

Let us build a house where love can dwell
And all can safely live,
A place where saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions;
Rock of faith and vault of grace;
Here the love of all shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where hands will reach
Beyond the wood and stone
To heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
And live the word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
Bear the image of love’s face;
Let us bring an end to fear and danger:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where all are named,
Their songs and visions heard
And loved and treasured, taught and claimed
As words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
Prayers of faith and songs of grace;
Let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.

Marty Haughen (b.1952)



Unlike so many of our English Cathedrals, there is no admission charge for entering this Cathedral. All are welcome in this place!

Durham - 4

Between the Cathedral and the Castle is a lovely grassy area called Palace Green. The gentleman with his back to my camera who is taking a photo of the Cathedral is none other than Bishop Edward Darling - the Executive President of The Hymn Society of Great Britain & Ireland. It is almost 25 years since I last saw Edward at his Episcopal Ordination in Christ Church Cathedral Dublin on 30 November 1986. We both walked to the Cathedral from Collingwood College and had a great time reminiscing on the good old days!



One of my favourite hymn tunes is 'Palace Green' by Michael Fleming. I am used to singing it to the words of the hymn 'Sing praise to God who reigns above', but at the conference we used the tune for the hymn 'Let all creation bless the Lord' by Carl P Daw Jr. I had breakfast with Carl before leaving Durham to catch the train back to Inverness. I do so enjoy mixing with famous people!

Michael Fleming wrote the splendid hymn tune whilst still an undergraduate student at Durham.

Durham - 3

Here we see Collingwood College - the setting for the Annual Conference of The Hymn Society.



Whether you are planning a week stay or a short break Collingwood is the ideal base for your group visit to the North East. The accommodation offered by Collingwood is of a high quality with a three diamond English Tourism Council rating. The accommodation is value for money, with rooms available to suit all budgets. Collingwood is located one mile from the centre of Durham. All rooms are situated within the college and offer a peaceful setting.

There is a variety of accommodation, with over 200 en-suite rooms available, each with a private shower, toilet and hand basin, built-in wardrobe and tea/coffee making facilities and radio alarm clocks. Sixteen of these en-suite rooms are twin occupancy and a further nine are adapted for wheelchair users. All rooms have bed linen (duvets) and towels provided in all rooms throughout your stay, and the rooms are serviced daily.

Accommodation is available during university vacations, which are around Easter and throughout July, August and September.

Our conference sessions were held in the Penthouse Suite with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the spacious dining room. The choice of food was excellent and after Night Prayer it was possible for sneak down to the pleasant bar for a drink (or two!) before retiring to bed.

Durham - 2

Durham is a truly wonderful city. To the North of the Norman Cathedral lies the Norman Castle.



In addition to the Cathedral and Castle, Durham is now also famous for its University. Like Oxford and Cambridge, Durham is arranged on a collegiate system, and Collingwood College is now the largest College in the University.

Durham - 1

I recently attended the Annual Conference of The Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland which was held at Collingwood College in Durham.



Here we see the magnificent Norman Cathedral which dominates the city.

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In the Gospel today we hear the encouraging words of Jesus, 'There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.'



Christ is the King, O friends rejoice!
Brothers and sisters, with one voice
Make all men know he is your choice:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

O magnify the Lord, and raise
Anthems of joy and holy praise
For Christ's brave saints of ancient days.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

They with a faith for ever new
Followed the King, and round them drew
Thousands of faithful servants true.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

O Christian women, Christian men,
All the world over, seek again
The Way disciples followed then.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Christ through all ages is the same;
Place the same hope in his great name,
With the same faith his word proclaim:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Let Love's unconquerable might
God's people everywhere unite
In service to the Lord of light:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

So shall God's will on earth be done,
New lamps be lit, new tasks begun,
and the whole Church at last be one.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

G K A Bell (1883-1958)



Happy Sunday!