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I was standing just down the slope a bit on a path behind St. Mark's Cathedral when I took yesterday's photo. St. Mark's is a huge, spare concrete structure visible from all over the city. It boasts not only a lively and welcoming faith community, a splendid organ, a labyrinth, a small prayer chapel, and a bookstore, but is much beloved for its 53 year tradition of a Sunday evening Gregorian chant service from 9:30 to 10:00 PM called Compline. The Office of Compline has been wildly popular, especially with high school and university students, some 400 to 600 or so gathering informally in pews, sitting or reclining on the alter steps and in the isles. The beautifully sung service has served as a favorite cheap date night destination for three generations now. Wherever you are on the planet, you can listen live every Sunday at 9:30 PM Pacific Time by clicking here to hear why this little bedtime service sung by 15 guys in a big concrete cathedral on a hill in Seattle became a local tradition that has spread to many other choirs in far flung places.
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4 comments:
The weather looks gloomy. Nice shot of the building!
Helen, It WAS gloomy, but today we had puffy clouds and lots of sun spots and tomorrow they promise sunshine! And, thank you!
-Kim
Wow, what an awesome story. Do they have archives of the singing? I am on the east coast and in bed by that time. ps:mona sent me :) Laurie
Anon, The classical radio station has been broadcasting Compline live for many years, and I don't know if past broadcasts are available. You might inquire at the link. I understand the Compline Choir has some recordings of non-Compline service selections that can be purchased from the choir's or St. Mark's website.
-Kim
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