“GREEN CATHEDRAL”

An article by Geoffrey Gillard published in The Standard January 15, 1940

To the vision and eye for potential beauty possessed by our Mission President [George Mesley] Tiona owes its newest and loveliest feature – the already famous “Green Cathedral.”

In selecting a site of natural beauty, for development as a worship centre in the camp, several factors had to be borne in mind.  The place chosen must be, per se, a lovely place – one whose natural charm should enhance the atmosphere for spiritual communion; it must be a spot secluded from the noise and bustle of the camp, yet not too far removed from the centre of activity; it must, further, be capable of accommodating a reasonably large group of worshippers.

All of these requirements were adequately met by the location finally set apart for development as a “Green Cathedral.”  So well were they met, so enhanced by a wealth of other fine advantages, that no single word of criticism could possibly be directed at the place selected.  The site is perfectly employed without a hint of exaggeration.

Hard work by a group of half a dozen men on Friday, December 22nd, was responsible for the clearing of a winding path leading from the main assembly tent, through the palm jungle to a spot verging on the eastern shore of Lake Wallis, where a charming glimpse of the broad sheet of water showed through the interlacing boughs of giant paper-bark trees.  More hard work resulted in the roughing out and levelling of a circular space, capable of accommodating at least 150 people.  Palms and small trees were felled, undergrowth removed and stumps grubbed out, the accumulated debris being piled together and burned.  Some further trimming and tidying saw the cathedral taking form and the tired workers could appreciate something of the ultimate reward for their labours; torn and blistered hands, scratched limbs and aching muscles seemed magically soothed as, looking beyond the natural Gothic arch formed by two overhanging boughs at the lake’s very edge, they viewed the serene grandeur of the shapely mountain on the further shore, rearing above the placid waters like a hymn of praise made visible.

Brought from the waters of the lake, shapely stones of varying size, some smoothly rounded, others cast in the symmetrical lines of obelisks and pyramids, were used to line the approaches to the “Cathedral” proper.  Later, many of the Saints, in response to the invitation to make their personal contribution to the finishing of the worship-centre, brought more stones, piling them together in a huge heap in the open area.  These will be employed in the building of a stone alter-table, and in the marking out of the precincts.

Surrounded entirely by the shapely palms for which Tiona is so justly renowned, the “Green Cathedral” is a gem of beauty – a sanctuary hallowed by the loveliness of its natural setting, by the stateliness of palm and tree, the verdant green of the plumy crests, the glimpses of blue sky and shimmering lake, the far-off majesty of mountains; a sanctuary, moreover, that had already known the sacred touch of God’s Holy Spirit, felt in power as His young people worshipped there and as many a Saint has passed a few moments of silent prayer and meditation within its depths.

By the end of the present year it is hoped to have the “Cathedral” equipped with suitable rustic seating, that it may house congregational activities at the 1940 Reunion.

Its main purpose, however, and one which should find inspiring fulfilment in the lives of many worshipping Saints, is to provide for those seeking quiet meditation and prayer, a fitting place to which they may come.

One rule governs the use of the “Green Cathedral”.  Those who tread the winding path to stand within its circling palms must come in no light spirit of social gaiety.  Chattering, laughter and social “visiting” have their place elsewhere at Tiona, but not here.  This is the House of God; “God’s own Green Cathedral”.  Here may come the weary and oppressed, the sad and the perplexed; here may come, too, those rejoicing in heart, filled with happiness and thanksgiving; but all who come must come quietly, reverently, seeking in this hallowed place of loveliness a nearer approach to the One for Whose worship this spot was designed.

G. GILLARD

- The Standard, January 15, 1940, pp. 17,18