Compline and a pipe organ

Ok, I'm not a religous person, I don't frequent churches for services. Last night though I found myself laying on the floor near the alter of St Mark's Cathedral with hundreds of others for Compline. I went because I heard about the choir and the beautiful sound in this old cathedral. Started in the 1960's this has become a very popular weekly event. The church allows attendees to sit or lay anywhere they would like. Only a few chairs near the alter have signs asking people to not sit on.



Most people use this as an opportunity for meditation and I was no exception. I had also taken a moment to say a prayer for my sister's friend and her two young sons who were killed by their father/her husband. I prayed that their souls are at rest and in heaven in peace. A moment later as the choir sang I heard the words "Rest In Peace". I couldn't help but to take a moment and be touched by the timing of this.

After the Compline there was an organ recital by a guy named Chris Kollar. I believe that he is college aged and was absolutely amazing on this beautiful and large pipe organ. The organ is old and has 3944 pipes.
We were allowed to sit up in the balcony and I took a spot on the floor only feet from this organ. Behind me were some smaller pipes and in front of me was this tower of pipes.



I cannot describe the sound that was created by Chris and this organ!! Talk about surround sound!! I was amazed as I sat on the floor surrounded by pipes ranging from 8 inches to 20 feet tall. I guess I can say it was a religious experience.
Here is a link to part 1 of the recital. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Also a set of photographs that I took after the compline and recital.