The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will be among the guests at the 900th anniversary party of Chichester Cathedral.This year, it is exactly 900 years since this magnificent Cathedral was consecrated and set apart as a sacred space.
During 2008, This church is also remembering Chichester's Bishop George Bell, 1883-1958, who died 50 years ago and is famous worldwide for his life's work.
During a weekend from October 3-5 there will be a series of events where Dr Williams will participate. He will celebrate a service on Friday night and will take part in the cake-cutting and a questions-and-answer session on Saturday. On Sunday he will preach. The weekend will also include a family 900th birthday party with arts and crafts, puppet shows, dance, workshops, games and treasure hunt.
The Very Rev Nicholas Frayling, Dean of Chichester, said: “Nine hundred years of worship and service in Chichester Cathedral is really wonderful and a special opportunity to celebrate."
The history of Chichester Cathedral began in 681 when Saint Wilfrid brought Christianity to Sussex and established a Cathedral in Selsey, a small community south of Chichester. After 1066 the Norman policy was that cathedrals should be moved from small communities to larger centres of population. In 1075 the Council of London established the See of Chichester and in 1076 the building of the present cathedral in Chichester was begun under Bishop Stigand. It was completed under Bishop Luffa in time for its consecration to the Holy Trinity in 1108.
Agenda
Friday 3rd October
6.30pm Sung Eucharist of Thanksgiving for the Cathedral's 900th Anniversary. Celebrant: Archbishop of Canterbury.
Saturday 4th October - A 900th Birthday Party
11.00am - 3.30pm An exciting event for all the family and a celebration of Christianity. Featuring art, craft, puppets, dance, workshops, games, treasure hunt, praise party and a big birthday cake.
3.30pm - Cake cutting
4.00pm - 5.00pm - Question and answer session with the Archbishop of Canterbury.
5.30pm - Choral Evensong.
Sunday 5th October
11.00am -- Cathedral Eucharist in Celebration of Bishop George Bell.
Celebrant: Bishop of Chichester
Preacher: Archbishop of Canterbury
The service will be followed by the Dedication of George Bell House in Canon Lane and drinks in marquee.
3.30pm - Solemn Evensong to conclude the Festival.
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(Source: RI)