Religion is very vital in the life of man and this account for the desire in man's heart to seek for the supernatural.
It is believed that there are unseen forces all around so man try to set up places of worship, a contact place where man meet with the divinity. Such a location is often dedicated to the worship of such deity.
Five days ago, I wrote about a place of worship turned to an event center. I decided to communicate with the people in-charge so we can have first hand information, here is our conversation.
Peace from the Lord Jesus Christ be unto you, my Lord Bishop.
I attended a funeral and thee reception took place inside the Cathedral building.
Sir, I believe the elders, PCC and your Lordship must have considered various options before arriving at the conclusion to let out the venue as reception hall.
Sir, considering the dedication and the altar that was raised many years ago by our fathers, many people that gathered that day were just asking questions and I thought of calling your holiness attention to it.
Sir the use now looks like desecration of holy altar and we wonder if anything can be done sir to respect this Cathedral.
Sir I don't have the intention to embarrass your person or your office but as a communicant, I strongly appeal that you kindly have a second look at the decision.
Thank you sir for taken time to read my mail.
THE RESPONSE
Your email sent to Bishop Oluranti Odubogun the retired Bishop of Ife was forwarded to me by his lordship. The old building serving as the Cathedral many years ago by Anglican tradition is no longer standing as the Cathedral with the construction of the New Cathedral which was dedicated by His grace the Primate of all Nigeria. There is no way two Cathedral buildings can be standing side by side therefore the consecration of the New Cathedral has rendered the old one non existing. The decision to use the old Cathedral as reception hall was decided by the Standing Committee of the Cathedral representing the entire congregation of the Cathedral. You will agree with me that refusing to use the old Cathedral will amount to total destruction of the structure if is not in use. Having said the above we shall henceforth make sure that whoever is using the place must use it well and we shall discuss with the present Bishop and get his approval to remove all the edifice like the marble alter and chairs that can give signal as if it is still a church to other churches or re-branded the the marble chairs for use in the new Cathedral.
I hope my explanation is sufficient.
Regards,
Dean of the Cathedral
I hope the response of the Dean has put to rest all question about that altar.