Savannah - hospitality and chants

I arrived in Savannah, GA, late last night. My first impression of the city was the edge of City Market at midnight as I tried to locate my hotel. Hundreds of young people, well-dressed young women in short skirts, many bars, loud conversations, laughter. Enough to make me roll down the windows to take it all in; enough to make me a bit wary and keep the windows half-way up.

Sunday morning presented a different setting. The city was quiet and the only people on the streets were those going to church and the tourists, like me, taking in the beauty of their surroundings. My first seminar began at 12:30, so I walked the streets for about 1.5 hours. I quickly relearned an aspect of Deep South hospitality - you greet everyone you meet. My northern city street-smarts have conditioned me to ignore people on the street and avert eye contact. I clearly recall one street corner this morning when I passed a couple and kept my eyes focused in the direction of my travel. As they passed by, the woman said, "Good morning!" But I thought I detected an edge in her voice that implied an inner thought, "What is wrong with that grouchy inconsiderate old man?" I hurriedly looked back and bade them good morning as cheerfully as I could in that awkward moment.

This city is beautiful in late February. Azalea's are beginning to bloom - although I heard it's a bit earlier than usual. Other flowers are in bloom and everything is green. This city has charm. There are many small squares in the historic area - more than 20, each about 200'x200'. Each square is named in recognition of some person or event and usually consists of a grassy area, oak trees adorned with Spanish moss, and a central statue, memorial or fountain. The architecture is astounding and much of the historic area remains residential.

Churches...churches and more churches. And what a variety - Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, African American Baptist, Episcopal, Greek Orthodox, Unitarian, and a Jewish synagogue. For some reason I had a strong desire to attend a high church service this morning. I almost entered one church but then pulled back, telling myself I would be sitting all day long and needed to keep walking (yesterday I spent several hours scrunched up in small airplanes). A little later in the morning I came across Christ Church (Episcopal) near the northern edge of the historic district. They had a banner outside that stated, "Gregorian Chant: Singing Goodnight to God. Sundays, 9:00 pm." I immediately resolved to attend.

After wandering around some more, I found a nice cafe with outside tables. My early lunch was fruit crepes and coffee accompanied by sunshine on my face. It just could not get better than that. I had to remind myself that all places have their own hell, and had this been July or August, I would be cursing the heat and humidity.

The seminar was very good and went by quickly. After the seminar I joined a group who went on a trolley tour of the city. I made an appearance at the evening reception, grabbed a quick sandwich and headed off to "Sing goodnight to God." The 30 min. service included more than Gregorian chants. There were several scripture readings, a short meditation by the priest, and a couple hymns. All were performed by a choir; the only audience participation was personal reflection and worship. The service concluded with a bass soloist singing "Be Thou My Vision" accompanied by a lute. I found the entire service very moving - certainly one of the most "thin" experiences I've had in some time. I sat in the church for a while after the service ended, then slowly walked outside. One of the city squares was just across the street, so I walked over there and spent some time in reflection as I watched a fountain. MAWG, if you are reading this, I can hear you say, "Floyd, I've been telling you..."

Well, I've said goodnight to God. Now I have to say "Goodnight, moon", and tuck myself into bed.