Ship of Fools: St Clement, King Square, Finsbury, London

The Mystery Worshipper

Ship of Fools: St Clement, King Square, Finsbury, London

Bright lights and a friendly welcome, but no frills – and no ice cream!

Read the full Mystery Worshipper report here

Bishops Finger

Yet another London church which I've visited!

Many years ago, I worked in an office nearby, and recall a sung Mass - possibly on or around St. Matthew's day (i.e. the patronal festival of one of the former churches in this area). A fair gathering, and lots of incense - which perhaps they now use only on High Days and Holydays.

Anyway, it's pleasing to know that the church is still flourishing today.

Bishops Finger

Just to add that the Church Urban Fund deprivation index shows this parish as one of the poorest in the country.

With a population of just under 7000, a congregation of 55 on a 'normal' Sunday is not bad going by today's C of E standard - Our Place (somewhat smaller, and a little poorer) would put out flags and blow trumpets if we had as good a crowd as that!

LittleGeordie

I was there on that Sunday and there was incense.
There was also a choice of drinks. I can only think that they weren't easy to spot as the vestibule they are served in was very full and the space reduced while the new kitchen was being built within the vestibule.

Bishops Finger

Perhaps the thurifer was being rather restrained with the Holy Smoke?

One of our former thurifers used to stand in the sanctuary, swinging the thurible energetically, and gazing beatifically into the rafters. If he could still see the rafters, he swung even more energetically.......