The Sanctuary was full of colour, candles, vestments, vessels and brilliant light. This was such a contrast to the rows of black houses and mills outside that the effect was pronounced. For the rest of my life, whenever I hear the words “O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” I was immediately transported to 8.00 am and the Sanctuary of St Marks. Perhaps there, watching and assisting Vicar Moss, I was given the first glimpse of what I wanted to do in life. I wanted to be like him.

Kenneth Ashley Lucas

* Kenneth Ashley Lucas was ordained as a vicar in the Church of England in 1969 at the age of 51.