Chairman's Newsletter - March 2025

March 2025
 

 

One of His Own Trees
 

     “LONG CENTURIES AGO, where the Forest of Arden spread over Warwickshire, where now slag heaps and factories and housing estates sprawl and jostle each other, there grew a straight, strong, young oak.”  
     These words open the life story of the tree that in 1941 became the charred cross in Coventry Cathedral Ruins.  
     The story was written by an unidentified lady “who worshipped in a parish church of the diocese which had also been destroyed”, and it survives in a leaflet that was sold during the last war at sixpence (2.5 new pence) a copy to Cathedral visitors to raise funds.   She wrote it after spending an afternoon sitting in contemplation amongst the rubble.
     The tree “heard the voice of the Master Carver, as he gently fingered the smooth, firm grain of the wood, saying, “This timber is the most beautiful I have seen.   We shall carve on it clusters of oak leaves and acorns, and it must go in the place of honour, in the sanctuary, high up in the roof….”
“…This, then, was the purpose of life, to stand, knit in a fellowship of wood and stone, each bearing the just and calculated strain of the whole, each dependent on the other, each supporting the other, and all bearing the weight and burden of the lead which lay over all.”
     He remained in “the place of honour” through the centuries.   The only matter that ever troubled him was that “he was so high that very few eyes saw the delicacy of his clustered oak leaves and the strong spring of his arched back; and always he saw that eyes were drawn and held by the silver cross, which stood on the High Altar way down below him.   “Living wood it was that they hanged the Master on, one of His own trees, and living wood it should be,” he pondered, “not cold metal, which has never known the rising sap and the pulse of life.”
     Then came the night of the Coventry Blitz.   “…the fierce fury of the flames burned into his heart, and changed his age-long burden of lead into a molten stream, which seared and tortured him, so that he was wrenched from his place and thrown, a charred and blackened log, amid the confusion of masonry on the floor of the Church.”
     “…Weeks later men began with heavy hearts to attempt some kind of clearance in the tragic wreck of the Church” and “took the broken beam, charred and blackened as it was, and lashed together the two pieces in the form of a Cross, and raised it there behind the rough Altar, in the holy place, where through the centuries the timber had so longed to be, but where, in the pride of his strength and beauty, he could never stand.”
     These extracts do not do full justice to the story told by the anonymous writer, but they do serve to remind us regular visitors of the history of the charred cross that we can otherwise be tempted to take for granted.     
     What history tells us is that early in 1941 Provost Howard asked Jock Forbes to use pieces of the fallen debris in the Ruins to set up an altar and cross.   The nave rubble was pushed towards the walls to create a clear central access and a safe space for people to gather.   The complete clearance of rubble would have to wait for the end of war.
     The charred cross stood behind the altar of rubble in a large bucket full of the sand used for firefighting, and there it remained throughout the war years.   The cross was there in October 1950 when Basil Spence visited Coventry to consider his entry into the International Architectural Competition to design a new Coventry Cathedral.  The walk through the Cathedral Ruins affected him profoundly.  
     “I was deeply moved.   I saw the old Cathedral as standing clearly for the Sacrifice, one side of the Christian Faith, and I knew my task was to design a new one which should stand for the Triumph of the Resurrection.”             (Phoenix At Coventry : Basil Spence)
     Spence won the competition and building work on his design started in 1956.   The Cathedral Ruins including the Charred Cross were an integral part of his new Cathedral, so the durability of every part was assessed.   Stonemasons strengthened the walls, and when they finished their work they turned their attention towards the charred cross.   Twenty years of exposure to British winter weather was causing the surface to split and fracture.

 1960 Preservation.   Fortunately, there was a remedy close to hand.   In October 1960 the work of impregnating the wood with a suitable preservative was entrusted to the firm of Pestcure Limited, whose managing director was Mr E H Brooke Boulton, the President of the Institute of Wood Science.  (2nd right in photo)
     The Cross was carefully removed and placed in a crypt chapel to dry out, while experiments to discover the most effective treatment were conducted with samples of charred oak.   Mr Boulton discovered that the charring had helped to keep the cross intact, and three weeks later the cross was returned to the Ruins sanctuary after receiving impregnation treatment that would strengthen the wood indefinitely.

1963 An American invitation.   In January 1963 the Cathedral received an invitation letter from the group that had been established by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to plan the representation of the Churches at the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and 1965.  
     The letter explained that the worldwide importance of this event (expected to attract between 70 and 80 million visitors) had persuaded the Roman Catholic Church to arrange for the precious “Pieta” of Michaelangelo to leave Rome for display in the Roman Catholic Pavilion.   For the Jewish Pavilion the Israeli Government had agreed to release some of the original Dead Sea Scrolls for display.  
     To represent the WCC at the World’s Fair, Coventry Cathedral was invited to consider the loan to the Protestant and Orthodox Pavilion of an original artefact or artwork from the Cathedral.   The invitation came with the specific approval of two Presidents of the WCC - The Most Rev Archbishop Iakovos (the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of North and South America) and Charles C Parlin (Methodist International Lawyer).   It was supported by Bishop Arthur Lichtenburger (Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the USA) and Bishop Horace Donegan (Bishop of the Diocese of New York).
     That such an invitation to represent the world’s churches should have been sent to Coventry indicates just how strong was the impact of Coventry Cathedral’s ministry across the world.   After some weeks of discussion the Cathedral agreed to loan the Charred Cross.
     The New York World’s Fair included 139 exhibition pavilions from across the world spread over a 646 acre site.   The theme of the Fair was "Peace through Understanding".  
     The Coventry Cathedral charred cross was the focal point of a meditation garden.   Its aim was to present the Cathedral’s ministry of reconciliation and to demonstrate the relevance of the Church to the World.   The display included the words “Father Forgive”.   Basil Spence was consulted on its design and proposed plans were brought to Coventry for approval by Rev Dr James W Kennedy,  the Rector of The Church of the Ascension, 5^th Avenue, New York, who chaired the WCC organising committee.   He is shown in the photo above showing plans to Provost Williams.

Filling the gap.   As the Charred Cross would be away for almost two years, it was important to leave a replica in its place to preserve the spiritual power of the Cathedral Ruins.
     The photo on the right shows Mr J C Tipton, a pattern maker with Severn Lamb Limited, a model-making Stratford-upon-Avon firm, photographing the original charred cross against a background of squared paper.   His task was to create the replica Cross.   Back in his workshop, carpenters used adzes to shape pieces of oak to match the measurements.
     The garden nurseries at Bordon Hill, Stratford-upon- Avon, had a greenhouse boiler big enough to take the13ft 6ins length of the main beam of the replacement.   Once the shaping was finished the wood was thrust into the boiler fire for charring, turned and it was allowed to cool before the same treatment was applied to the other end.   The resulting view from the front was identical to the original Cross.

The departure.   On a miserably cold March day a large crowd gathered in the Cathedral Ruins to bid farewell to the Charred Cross as it left for New York.   The Cathedral staff and members of the Cathedral congregation were joined by Bishop Cuthbert Bardsley, members of the Cathedral Chapter and Coventry Free Church ministers.   The Litany of Reconciliation was read in French by a Brother from Taize, in English by Michael Butterfield, Youth Officer, and in German by Mrs E Respondek, International Centre Manager.
     Provost Williams spoke of the significance of the decision of his predecessor (Provost Howard) in 1941 to set up the charred cross.
     “It was one of those moments when God must have held his breath to see what the people here at that moment would decide.   For it was one of those moments – and there are many in human history – when Man stands posed between hatred and love, between crucifixion and resurrection.”
     He spoke of the importance of the words “Father Forgive” that accompany the Cross.
     “It is an ugly cross – let’s not pretend that it is not – but it has within its ugliness all the beauty of hope, and all the beauty of love, and all the serenity of forgiveness…. Out of the ugliness of the Charred Cross comes the beauty of the full Grace of God’s love and all that humanity needs.”

1964 New York World’s Fair.    Just weeks later Provost Williams was in New York speaking about the Cathedral’s ministry of reconciliation at the Charred Cross handover service in the Protestant Pavilion.  
     In the photo above (L to R) are the Johnson C Smith University Choir from Charlotte, North Carolina, Provost Wiliams, Rector James W Kennedy, Dr Cynthia Wedel (Archbishop’s Chaplain), Archbishop Iakavos (Greek Orthodox, a WCC President), Charles C Parlin (a WCC President) and Rt Rev Horace Donegan, Bishop of New York.    
     Different churches took turns to steward the Protestant and Orthodox Pavilion and to give its visitors a warm welcome.   Many thousands of leaflets were handed out explaining how Coventry’s Charred Cross and the Cross of nails symbolise the ministry of reconciliation.   Miniature souvenir representations of the Cross were sold “to remind visitors of the love which transcends all differences.”         In the event the New York World’s Fair welcomed over 50 million visitors from across the world   At a time when the Cuban Missile Crisis was still fresh in the minds of many, the Fair promoted its theme of “Peace through Understanding” to them all.
     After an absence of almost two years the Charred Cross was welcomed home in another service in the Cathedral Ruins.   It was accompanied to its home in the sanctuary of the Cathedral Ruins by Dr Kennedy from the Church of the Ascension.   Surrounded by Cathedral staff and by representatives of the Free Churches, Provost Williams led the service of welcome as the original Cross was set up in place of its replica.   He reaffirmed the importance of the Charred Cross that lies at the heart of the life and ministry of Coventry Cathedral.
     Following the prayers that included the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation spoken in English, German and French, he continued
     “We welcome home the charred Cross with gratitude to the churches of New York for their care of it, and with gratitude to God.”
 

(The story of the Charred Cross will conclude in next month’s Friends Newsletter.)
 

Ash Wednesday - 5th March 2025
Service of Imposition of the Ashes at 12 noon

 

DURING HIS VISIT to the New York World’s Fair in 1964  (described above) Provost Williams also visited Huntsville, Alabama in the deep south of the USA.   He went there with the gift of a stone from Coventry Cathedral that was to become the cornerstone of the new Holy Cross Episcopal Church.
     “I present this stone from Coventry Cathedral with a prayer that in this restless city, with all its strivings, you will erect a church on it that will be a channel of faith without which you cannot endure.   We give it to you with prayers for your church and this city.”
     This presentation was made at a very turbulent time in the USA.   The Civil Rights Act had almost completed its passage through the legislative process.  Later that year it was to become illegal in the USA to discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, and national origin.  
      Eight of the faculty members created the new church near Alabama A & M University.   In 1976 the Church merged with the all-Black congregation of St Christopher's Church, a few miles away.   The merged Church thrived for over 40 years, but with the local demographic changes church membership declined and eventually rendered it non-viable.   The Holy Cross-St Christopher Episcopal Church closed last year (2024).
     The Cathedral’s links with Huntsville were strengthened in the 1960s/70s  by reciprocal congregation visits.   In 1967 my first visit to the USA was with a combined Coventry/ Liverpool Cathedrals group and it included homestays in Huntsville, where each member of the group was made an Honorary Huntsville Citizen!
 

                      
 

 
On the 13^th February the Dean attended the commemorative events that marked the destructive bombing of Dresden.  
     Coventry and Dresden share a history of destruction by bombing - Coventry in November 1940 at the start of WWII, and Dresden in 1945 in the final year of the war.   Ten years ago the Dresden commemoration was attended by a group from the Friends of Coventry Cathedral as well as by Cathedral staff.  
     The links between the cities are strong.   Today there are four churches in Dresden that hold Coventry Crosses of Nails.   At a civic level Coventry and Dresden are twin cities.
     On the anniversary night the bells of Dresden churches sound out over the city as in the darkness people hold up lights to create a circle of light around the city centre.   The Frauenkirche, a magnificent baroque Lutheran church at the heart of the city, collapsed as a result of the heat of the firestorm created by the bombing.   It was rebuilt with contributions from many nations across Europe, and is the focus of the commemorations.
     The Frauenkirche remains open through the anniversary night for prayer and meditation.   This year the Dean presented one of the meditations.   He also preached at the church’s Sunday service that marked the anniversary of the presentation of its cross of nails.
     In the photos you can see the Dean speaking in the Frauenkirche and also the cross of nails that stands on the altar.       (PHOTO: Adriana Teuber)
 

 

          
 

CANON MARY GREGORY celebrated at her last Sunday morning communion before leaving Coventry at the service marking the Presentation of Christ in the Temple on 2^nd February 2025.   Her consecration as a Bishop took place in Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday 27^th February 2025.




         

Ukraine Anniversary   On Monday, February 24, 2025, Coventry Cathedral hosted a vigil and procession to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The event was organized by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB). 
     Music was provided by the choir of the Ukrainian Youth Association shown in the photographs.                              (PHOTO: Dave Goodall)
 

 

 
Help with stewarding is needed for the following forthcoming events.   If you can help would you please contact [email protected]  (Phone:  02476 521288)

• Wish You Were here - Saturday 8^th March - arrival 6.40pm - Show 8.00pm
• Trinity & Keil Boys Choir - Friday 4^th April - arrival 5.10pm - Show 6.30pm
• CCC: Wood: St Mark's Passion - Friday 18^th April - arrival 4.40pm - Show 6pm 

 

AT THE SUNDAY morning service on 9^th February the Dean blessed crosses of nails in preparation for the admission of two churches in New Zealand to the Community of the Cross of Nails (CCN).   They are Knox Church, Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Anglican Church, Dunedin and in the photos their crosses are held by churchwardens David East and me.
     As you read this newsletter I have reached New Zealand in preparation for the presentation at the end of the month.
     If you would like to learn more about the CCN, please get in touch with Alice Farnhill who is the CCN Co-ordinator in Coventry.   Her email address is  [email protected]
 

 

 

COVENTRY CATHEDRAL ARTS and Events Team has been shortlisted for the inaugural Coventry and Warwickshire Business and Community Awards Scheme.  
     This new awards scheme has been set up by  the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.   More than 200 entries were submitted in a range of categories.
     The awards will be announced at the Belgrade Theatre on Thursday 27^th March.   More information about the awards night is available online at
www.cw-chamber.co.uk/awards    
     The Coventry Cathedral Arts and Events Team is shortlisted in the category for The Creative & Culture Activator that is sponsored by Warwickshire County Council.

            

 

 

 

 

DAVID FRY IS  well known for his books about Coventry based upon his personal collection of local postcards.
     I was really surprised when he showed me these two postcards from his collection as the subject of them both is the Rev Everard Digby, a former curate at the Cathedral.    Digby was known across the world as the “Sporting Parson” because his work in Coventry was so unusual and amazingly successful that newspaper articles about him were syndicated worldwide.
     I spoke to members of the Friends about the Sporting Parson in the past, but I always struggled to find photos of him.   Thanks to David Fry we now have two pictures of him!
     Digby came to St Michael’s Church in 1907 and was given responsibility for St Michaels Mission – a building that stood in Whitefriars Lane surrounded by slums in the middle of one of the poorest areas of central Coventry.   One of his first steps was to throw out the old Mission furniture and to set up a boxing ring.   Around the ring he practised “Muscular Christianity” in youth clubs and in the well-supported Brotherhood that he based there.   On occasions it was not unknown for him to enter the ring himself!
     While the brilliant sermons of the Vicar (Rev Howard Masterman) packed St Michael’s Church with more traditional churchgoers, his curate was so successful in the Mission that he had to hold two services on a Sunday evening in order to fit everyone in.   The two congregations were very different.
     On a Sunday afternoon the curate held a “Smoking Conference” in the Mission where for a time everyone including the clergy and churchwardens indulged in “the fragrant weed and social chat”.   All smokes were extinguished, however, once Digby ordered “Lights Out!”.
     As a fundraiser Digby arranged an exhibition wrestling match by the World Champion Wrestler, Zbyszko, who happened to be touring the country at the time.   The fighter was an admirer of Digby’s brand of Muscular Christianity.   The Vicar acted as referee and Digby was the timekeeper.   It was a sell-out and Zbyszko later presented a trophy of his own to be awarded in future Mission competitions.
     Zbyszko is the gentleman standing with Everard Digby in the photograph on the left.  Digby is wearing his usual berretta, a habit of his that raised many eyebrows at the time.  
     Late in 1909 Digby resigned his curacy following a disagreement with his Vicar.  St Michael’s had been designated as a future Cathedral at a grand service at Michaelmas 1908.   The future Cathedral was to be a “Cathedral for the working man”, but the Vicar could not see his way to abandoning the practice of renting out the best pews.   Digby was upset by this as he wanted all churches to be freely open to all, a subject on which he spoke at campaigns across the country.
     Locally there was a spontaneous protest at his leaving, and within two weeks some 8,000 Coventry people had signed a polite petition to Bishop Yeatman-Biggs requesting action to keep Digby in the city.   The number of signatories far exceeded the congregations, and is itself a measure of the impact the curate made across Coventry.
     On leaving Coventry, Rev Everard Digby joined the British Army as a chaplain, and later wrote a best selling book of practical tips for padres.   He eventually became Rector of Whitchurch, Edgware.   In October 1931 he died of pneumonia at the age of 59 years.