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Part 2 On June 16th, our first Sunday in Ghana, I, along with several people from the Petersfield Deanery, attended the 9.00am. Eucharist at Cape Coast Cathedral, which is the oldest church in Ghana. On arrival we were met by the Dean, the Very Rev. Emmanuel Williams. The Sunday School, led by members of the Mothers' Union, was in progress in the nave, and I was fascinated to see a little boy of about 4 or 5 years old accompanying their singing on the drums. Elaborate decorations were in place, provided for the previous day's wedding, and there was a lot of bunting in the M.U. colours of blue, white and gold. The Rev. Andrew Ashdown (Chairman of IDWAL) and the Rev. Felicity Heal (a deacon) were invited to robe and join in the procession. The Anglo-Catholic liturgy was supported by two servers, a crucifer and four acolytes (servers undergoing 6 months training in the cathedral). The Dean presided. The Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Daniel Allotey, was present and the Rev. Andrew Ashdown preached a fine sermon, using a Fante speaking interpreter. Fante is the local language, but there are many different languages in use in Ghana. A large choir wearing red cassocks, sang from a balcony at the west end, whilst a small non-robed youth group, using drum and guitar accompaniment, sang at one stage during the service. The hymns were sung in English from the Ancient and Modern Hymnal. During the service, 2 or 3 rituals which were unfamiliar to us occurred. Firstly, a wedding party, all dressed in their finery, were seated in the front of the nave across the aisle from the M.U. members, all of whom were recognisable by their distinctive uniforms. At the Peace baskets of wine and other good things were presented to the Cathedral by the wedding party. The young couple, who had been married the previous day, then knelt at the altar rail to receive a special blessing on their marriage from the Bishop.
There were three offertories held, to each of which the members of the congregation got up and danced their way to the chancel steps, leaving their gifts. I am not sure what were the intentions of the first two, but the last offertory was for project work undertaken by the Mothers' Union. I was amused to see two M.U. members speedily remove it, presumably to make sure that the proceeds did not get added to the Cathedral's collection. Towards the end of the service the Admission of five new M.U. members took place. They were wearing white, and I was asked to present them with their membership cards. The Cathedral M.U. honoured me by presenting me with a large and heavy picture which they had made and had framed. A large brown dog is depicted, and it bears the words "Welcome! Mother Symonds, to Cape Coast Diocese. Behold the handmaid of the Lord." Later, the Deanery Presiding member made a strong bag to enable me to transport the picture back to the UK, which I accomplished with great difficulty. Finally, a recently bereaved family wearing the black and white robes of mourning assembled in front of the chancel. They stood in a circle, prayers were said, and they were sprinkled with holy water. Finally the Dean and senior representatives of the Cathedral shook hands with them all. The service lasted for three and a half hours, after which we walked to a nearby Parish hall where we were provided with soft drinks and lunch. The M.U. held an Executive Meeting in the yard outside after serving us. In spite of the unfamiliar traditions which I have mentioned, it is very comforting and reassuring to find that one can attend a church in a different part of the world and yet find the familiar liturgy and the same lectionary in use. It really gives one a feeling of the brotherhood of mankind and the universality of our faith. MARGARET SYMONDS |
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