Christ Church Cathedral

Stop number two...Christ Church Cathedral. This is probably the most beautiful cathedral in all of Nashville. This church is probably the closest to the European-style Episcopal churches in the area.

Nathan's view:  This was a gorgeous church and is known for its European architecture.  This was a church that bled pomp and circumstance.  The irony was I grew up in an Episcopal church and should be used to it but I kept waiting for someone to jump out and attack the scripture readers as they were escorted to the pulpit by a guy with a stick.  One of the things that jumped out at me was the power of the worship environment.  We discussed how an environment can direct the way we worship.  C.S Lewis suggested that you need to be careful where you look for god...that the church brings value to your relationship...however this gorgeous location brought an untouchable reverence to the experience for me.  Patrons quietly lowered their heads in the fear of god and it seemed to create an untouchable relationship.  If you are into an environment that promotes a quiet reverence for the almighty then this is the church for you...and if you enjoy gorgeous architecture then this is perfect...however I became frustrated by the level of pompous reverence that this environment fostered.  Give me wide open spaces or give me death...and then I will ask the "man" or woman his/her thoughts when I see em. : )

Ashley's view: First off, as stated above, the church is absolutely beautiful. We ended up talking, though, about how we think your surroundings can affect the atmosphere. I guess that's a given, but we saw it here, especially. Going into this incredible artistic structure creates a sense of awe and respect. It permeated the sanctuary and you didn't see people just visiting and making idle chit-chat. The service was very serious--no joking around, kids weren't making lots of noise, and it was very, very, steeped in traditional Episcopal ways. Many people genuflected and the parade of children in robes singing was so sweet, and reminded me of Catholic choir children...maybe it was the same thing?
It's funny--although the service was very traditional and serious, on the website, they are very technologically savvy. They even have an option for the youth to sign up for text messages to stay up to date! Additionally, I saw they have pilgrimages for children...what a great term instead of "missions" trips! Instead of the goal being evangelism, the focus is on serving others, and just showing love. Which, in my book, is what ministry and evangelism should really be about.
I don't think this church is the perfect fit for me...it's a little too serious for me. But...I think they've done a great job of hanging on the the traditions of their denomination without stubbornly watching the modern day pass them by.

Melissa’s View:
This church was BEAUTIFUL!!! Although beautiful, it felt and sounded like a museum. I think Ashley summed up the experience best once we got back in the car, “Awkward, party of 1” (although her reasons for this statement had to do with a particular situation when her and Clara got left at the alter with no bread to dip in the wine for communion and they had to hunt down bread man to be able to take communion…so yes, awkward!)

I’m finding that you can tell a lot about a church before it even starts…this one was so quiet as people were coming in and finding a seat. I was holding Ellie and felt like every whimper she made that someone might say “umm, you might want to take her outside, she is disrupting the stale museum feel in here.” OK, not really, but she was the only one you could hear with a 1/2 full Cathedral. I’m sure our “threesome circus act” only added to the confusion of why people might have been staring at us. Nathan and I were talking and sharing a hymnal while I was holding his child, only then to lean over and kiss Ashley…so yes, we probably drew some extra attention to ourselves with the confusion of who is he married to and who do all these children belong to!
Once again, I enjoyed the experience, but never felt spiritually fed through the whole hour we were there. Lots of readings, a 10 second “sermon” (which I thought was just an intro to the Baptism until Nate told me differently), some songs, stand up, sit down, cross your arms, shake hands, peace be with you and go home! The setting overall was pretty stale and boring. I guess I am really understanding more about myself and how I crave community in a church. Not that I want church just for another “social outlet,” but I really rely on that community to challenge me and keep me accountable. With Christ Church Cathedral, it was so quiet and ritual that I am assuming they use church on Sundays for more of an alone personal experience. As a visitor, I felt very out of place and hate having to be cautious of every move I make not to disturb someone around me. I would defiantly recommend anyone to take a fieldtrip sometime to experience the architecture, but don’t talk while you are there :)