St. Paul's Cathedral reopens with a bold transformation and a message for London

After nearly two centuries as a spiritual anchor in downtown London, Ont., St. Paul's Cathedral is stepping into a new role.

The historic church at 472 Richmond St. is reopening its doors following a major interior renovation that reimagines the space as both sacred and civic.

At an unveiling on Thursday morning, church leaders, city officials and Londoners gathered to see the pews have been removed, flexible seating has been added, and a large handcrafted labyrinth now spans the centre of the cathedral floor.

"It's spectacular. Beyond what I expected," said Kevin George, the Dean of Huron and rector of St. Paul's, in an interview on CBC London Morning. "This isn't just a church anymore. It's a space for everyone."

The eight-metre wood-inlaid labyrinth is made of more than 6,500 pieces of wood, including walnut from artisan Jason Vivash's own farm. In the centre, a wooden mosaic depicts natural imagery like wheat, grapes and a river, all created using unstained wood of varying tones.

Labyrinths have been used as meditation tools for thousands of years, said George. He often walks the new one himself, reciting a mantra from Julian of Norwich, "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."

The $1.9 million reconfiguration allows the cathedral to serve new functions. When it is not being used for worship, the 8,000-square-foot space can now host concerts, art exhibits, conferences and community gatherings.

"Our Sunday congregation is about 120 people, but we had seating for 700. People were too spread out to see or hear each other," George said. "Now we can worship together, and we can also welcome the wider community."

The cathedral has also introduced a new artist-in-residence program, beginning with local painter Catherine Morrisey. Acclaimed musician Laurence Williams has been named music director and played a song at Thursday's unveiling.

Church leaders say the space will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone is welcome to walk the labyrinth or sit quietly in the sanctuary.

"If you're working in the downtown core and need a break, come over on your lunch. The doors will be open," George said.

LISTEN: London's oldest church reveals bold transformation

While churches across Canada face declining attendance, George believes the renovation is already having an impact.

"We're seeing more people reach out," he said. "People are looking for ways to reconnect with their spirit. We want to be a place where that can happen."

The cathedral will host a major Anglican national gathering later this month, but George said the overall message remains local.

"We've always said we're the church at the heart of the city," he said. "Now we want to show that we have the city at our heart."