Once-in-a-lifetime event being held at Salisbury Cathedral
Two new alters are being consecrated - the first in around 500 years
A once-in-a-lifetime event is being held at Salisbury Cathedral this morning (Sunday 14th January), as two, long-awaited, new altars are being consecrated in the Nave.
It's thought there hasn't been a consecration like this for some 500 years, making this an incredibly rare event.
They've been designed by WIlliam Pye, who was responsible for the Font that also sits in the Nave of the Cathedral.
Dean of Salisbury, Nick Papadopulos, told us he's "deeply satisfied" to finally have the new altars, which have been desired for the last 20 years.
"It was 20 years ago, when I was the chaplain to the then Bishop, and one of his constant grumbles was that we needed a new altar for the spa crossing of the cathedral," the Dean said.
He added that its "the culmination of many years of planning, trailing, testing, thinking, praying.
"But I think we've got there and I think what we've got is worthy of the space and worthy of Salisbury."
The Dean said the new altars feature a "distinct family resemblance" to the font, as they've been created by the same sculptor, William Pye.
"They're made of bronze and in place of the smooth water on the surface of the font, the smooth, highly polished glass.
"So that just as the cathedral is reflected in the surface of the water, it's reflected now in the surface of the altars," he said.
The altars are a significant piece of furniture for the Cathedral, as they'll stand in the Spire crossing, the most prominent location in the building.
They'll also be in the oldest section of the Cathedral, the Trinity Chapel, where people meet to pray each morning.
For years, temporary items have been used, and the Dean said they were "inadequate" and "not worthy of their surroundings".
He said these new pieces will give everyone a "huge lift".
The consecration itself is done with holy oil, in a similar fashion to how King Charles III was anointed with oil during his coronation last year.
"You do the same with an altar, because it too has a very special vocation, a very special role," the Dean said.
"The Bishop will pour oil onto the altars and make the sign of the cross with them. And we'll sprinkle them with water from the font, and we'll swing incense round them and we'll pray and sing around them, with new music composed by by our Director of Music.
"It'll be a really wonderful occasion."
The service is being held at 10:30am and everyone is welcome.