We met Eril, our black bus driver for the day. Our devotion leader for the morning asked Patrick to read a devotional writing by Charles Spurgeon. Patrick’s accent made us feel that it was Spurgeon himself talking and the devotion was very meaningful. It was based on Romans 1:7. The message pointed out that we all are saints whom god has called. The closer I lie to God, the more I mourn my shortcomings. Paul had the same trials and called us to be saints – to emulate them 0 that we would have the same light and grace – looking to Jesus.
As we neared the St. Paul’s Cathedral (Protestant), Patrick handed out little speakers to each of us and practiced using them with us. At the church, Patrick introduced us to our guide who spoke to us through the speakers throughout the tour. This worked marvelously, because we could always hear everything he said, and his speaking didn’t disturb the others there and the sacredness of the church.
The ticket for the church states, “Every year over a million people from around the world visit and pray here where Christians have worshipped for fourteen centuries, and in this very building for over three hundred years. We pray that you too may find God’s peace and presence in the time you spend with us.”
Services are held here morning, noon, and evening each day 8 a.m., 10:15, 11:30, 3:15, and 6 p.m. on Sunday. Moving for me was a huge book of 28,000 handwritten names of Americans who died in the war for England. A page is turned each day – it was on the S’s on page 391 today, but I didn’t see any Stahrs.
Our guide had to keep reminding other visitors that photography was not allowed in the building.
St. Paul’s Cathedral has been damaged by lightning and fires, and was bombed and damaged in WW II, but volunteer men and women of the city worked to save the building, many from the rooftop.
Christopher Wren was the architect for the present church and is buried there along with the words, “If you seek my memorial, just look around you.” Many objected to the new style – the former church was built to a totally different style than the present one.
The nave is in the shape of a cross.
In 1666 the city and the church were destroyed by fire.
The top is a dome in a dome.
Main floor is large black and white tiles
Tour members asked to see the painting of Jesus knocking on our door. Patrick commended those who asked about this – tour guides appreciate this.
The cathedral took 35 years to build.
I made a hollyhock doll for Marian sometime during these days.
Following our tour we took a 40-minute tour boat ride along the Thames River. I had left my sunglasses in my purse on the bus, and the bright sunlight and heat on the ride made it unpleasant for me. It helped when I realized that I could go downstairs to the main level of the boat where it wasn’t so bright.
Next we boarded the British Airways London Eye, the world’s highest observation wheel offering an amazing panoramic view of the capital city.
The rest of the day was free for shopping and sightseeing on our own.
Some tidbits:
A sign spells tires as tyres
Elephant and Castle stores – a funny combination
London is the financial center of Europe
The USA has more big banks in London than in New York City
Cars must pay $11.50 per day to drive in downtown London. Motorcycles free
Ornate plaster decorations on downtown buildings