NaveA friend of mine sent me information that a house-that-was-a-church is for sale in Hobart, Tasmania. It is only $Aus1,450,000! It seems to me the ideal retirement home for a liturgist! I’ve even worked out a way to finance it. Simple. If each of my appreciative followers on twitter and facebook donates only $Aus60 each (surely you can spare that!) I get the liturgist’s dream home completely paid off 🙂 [Of course you’d realised from the start the twitter & facebook pages were just money-making scams LOL!]
Built in 1852, it was formerly known as St John the Baptist Church. Now called “Pendragon Hall” it “effortlessly combines modern luxury with old world charm.”
sitting room - side chapel“Inside, the former church built in 1852 has been adapted for private living, though still retaining charming ecclesiastical detail. Today, standing in the nave of the former St John the Baptist with its soaring ceiling and colonnade of interior arches you have a feeling of space, light and air. It’s not at all overpowering, despite the spaciousness and traces of ecclesiastical grandeur.
bed detailThe master bed, at one end of the nave, is lit by a four-panel stained glass of historic importance, under which is the Reredos, which was gifted by Richard Patterson to the congregation in 1873 its inspiration was a drawing of the Mosaic picture of the Last Supper that formed part of the Reredos in Westminster Abbey. It has been the scene of elegant dinners, of relaxing days while the warm spring sunshine streams in confetti-like colours through the stained glass windows, and as a peaceful spot for visitors (usually a couple) to come back to, after exploring what southern Tasmania has to offer, in one of its latter-day guises as accommodation for tourists.”
All who contribute to the purchasing fund will, of course, be welcome any time they are visiting Hobart for a coffee or glass of wine. And should I not be home at Pendragon Hall/St John the Baptist Church, expect to find me on holiday in one of the many monasteries now “converted” into luxury hotels.
Parador de Santo Estevo - SpainHotel Monasterio - Cusco Peru
The Anglican bishops meeting for the Lambeth Conference are following a consultative process called Indaba. This is reminiscent of Benedictine and other styles of meeting.
July 25 1968 Pope Paul VI published his Encyclical letter Humanae Vitae. His commissions, set up in response to the development of oral contraceptives in…
Lambeth Bible Study with Joanna Clegg A famous poet representing the other party (Alexander Pope), once said ‘know thyself, presume not God to scan; the…
I know that you have written this up as a light-hearted joke – and it is well put – however I cannot help feeling sad both at the way in which the symbols and traditions of western Christianity are being used as chic decor for a home.
Just think of the time and dedication behind those stained glass windows; an offering of artistic ability and craftsmanship to the Lord. Look at the placement of the altar, I mean, bed. It may not be a breach of strict protestant doctrine, but it is clearly designed as an insult to ecclesiastical tradition.
I’ll make the pledge to contribute – with the caveat that you’ll get the money when the others have similarly pledged – and contributed – then I’ll send in the final bit. First in, last out.
As is so often the case, in amongst the humour (sorry “humor”) and the writing with tongue in cheek, are some serious points for reflection. Vincent has highlighted some of these. What is the place of signs and symbols within our Christian tradition? What is our understanding of sacred space? Would other religious traditions allow this to happen (eg. please place a link in comments to any mosques you find on sale as houses)? Why do Christians? What is our attitude to the use of religious symbolism removed from its context (eg. non-Christians wearing a cross as jewellery)? Might symbols outside their context still address those who encounter them (eg. non-Christians wearing a cross as jewellery)? How can we enhance symbols within our worship – how do we devalue them eg. by overuse?
I stayed at the Monasterio in Cusco. The hotel is run by a chain but still has financial ties back to the diocese and allegedly funds good works.
Some of these things do not bother me – I can tell you that the atmosphere at the Monasterio is quite spiritual. That said, I have seen all manner of religious items misused once sold for private use. That does bother me.
Oh, I think you’ll have a bit of competition for it–I might even invest in a lottery ticket or two. I could probably adjust to Christmas in the summer.
Better that someone who will properly appreciate the windows, etc., buy it than someone who doesn’t. But then my guess is that people who wouldn’t appreciate all the place has to offer wouldn’t be too interested in buying it to begin with.
I know that you have written this up as a light-hearted joke – and it is well put – however I cannot help feeling sad both at the way in which the symbols and traditions of western Christianity are being used as chic decor for a home.
Just think of the time and dedication behind those stained glass windows; an offering of artistic ability and craftsmanship to the Lord. Look at the placement of the altar, I mean, bed. It may not be a breach of strict protestant doctrine, but it is clearly designed as an insult to ecclesiastical tradition.
If this was a baptist church, I’d love to see what they’ve done with the bathroom. I’d wager that’s one really big jacuzzi!
Will joyfully kick in (how much is that in USD?) IF the choir loft is the guest bedroom. Must have it’s own loo.
Why not take up a collection and buy one of the Monastery Hotels? That way at least we can share in the spoils!
Tasmania? Oh, well, each to their tastes in liturgy and geography!
Gosh almighty hhehehhehehe … looks like heaven on earth !!! 😉
I’ll make the pledge to contribute – with the caveat that you’ll get the money when the others have similarly pledged – and contributed – then I’ll send in the final bit. First in, last out.
In His Service,
Amsel
As is so often the case, in amongst the humour (sorry “humor”) and the writing with tongue in cheek, are some serious points for reflection. Vincent has highlighted some of these. What is the place of signs and symbols within our Christian tradition? What is our understanding of sacred space? Would other religious traditions allow this to happen (eg. please place a link in comments to any mosques you find on sale as houses)? Why do Christians? What is our attitude to the use of religious symbolism removed from its context (eg. non-Christians wearing a cross as jewellery)? Might symbols outside their context still address those who encounter them (eg. non-Christians wearing a cross as jewellery)? How can we enhance symbols within our worship – how do we devalue them eg. by overuse?
I stayed at the Monasterio in Cusco. The hotel is run by a chain but still has financial ties back to the diocese and allegedly funds good works.
Some of these things do not bother me – I can tell you that the atmosphere at the Monasterio is quite spiritual. That said, I have seen all manner of religious items misused once sold for private use. That does bother me.
Oh, I think you’ll have a bit of competition for it–I might even invest in a lottery ticket or two. I could probably adjust to Christmas in the summer.
Better that someone who will properly appreciate the windows, etc., buy it than someone who doesn’t. But then my guess is that people who wouldn’t appreciate all the place has to offer wouldn’t be too interested in buying it to begin with.