The Screens
It may seem odd to turn from prayer to look at the stone 'screens' which make up the side walls of the chapel. The inscription tells us that these were erected by the Proprietors of the Durham Waterworks Company in memory of Ralph Dixon. Ralph Dixon was a staunch member of the church, and one of the Restoration Committee. Alas! He died during the reconstruction and never saw the new building. He is one of those many people who work diligently but never see the results of their labours. In a sense all ministry islike this - Sunday school teachers and youth leaders, faithful priests and loving grandparents. Such people sow seed in hope that it will bear fruit. Ralph Dixon could hardly have guessed that, in a new millennium, in a world unimaginably different, you would sit here, to be quiet, to reflect and perhaps to pray.
The Waterworks Company remembered him as their vice chairman and a respected colleague. This gift links the church with the water fountains (known locally as The Pant) which stood in the marketplace. The church had responsibility for maintaining these and seems to have carried out its obligations conscientiously. All that is left ofThe Pant now is the statue of Neptune which stands more or less where it did, though without the fountains.
The screens remind us that our daily work is part of our Christian calling and ought not to be separated from our faith or our prayers. Indeed, it is the primary way in which most of us serve the kingdom of God. Discipleship has as much to do with Monday morning as with Sunday services.
'Hear our prayer for your faithful people that each in their vocation and ministry may be an instrument of your love... '
(From the service for the ordination of deacons and priests)