An elated community and chorus of hymns have returned to Canberra churches, a year on from a silenced Easter.
The choir and congregation at St Andrews Church was dispersed 12 months ago, worshippers sent home to watch services conducted via webcam.
But Good Friday marked a return to a cautious normality for the Forrest congregation.
Worshippers streamed in, socially distanced, checked-in and sanitised. Easter church services returned to an elated community.
The Reverend David Campbell said it was "marvellous" to be back surrounded by people for the occasion.
"Last year this place was absolutely empty, locked up and nobody was there," he said.
"It was just a wonderful experience to be back ... to be able to reflect on what the day means."
The Komaling family have missed singing since they were allowed to return to the Forrest church they have been coming to for three years.
"It's a different feeling," Tyas Komaling said.
Another churchgoer said sitting in the pew and listening to the hymns was a chance to relax and be taken away.
Mr Campbell said St Andrews had a long choral tradition and, while just two thirds of the choir could be accommodated with the church's capacity, it came as a joy to those listening in.
"For us to not be able to use a full choir is something that is really just not St Andrews," he said.
"That undoubtedly enriches our worship."
A nimble move to digital services would be a permanent shift for the church, Mr Campbell said.
"We may never quite go back and that may not be a bad thing," he said.
"I think this has been a good experience for the church. It has been I think it forced us to ask ... what are we here for, what is our purpose?"
St Andrews had more people attend its virtual services than any face-to-face event it had hosted, however, Mr Campbell said there was a balance to be struck in live-streaming services in the future.
"While I'm all in favour of the online ministry, I'm not very comfortable at all with what we would call the virtual church," he said.
The Easter services were not put online this year to encourage physical attendance.
"I've had new people come into my congregation in the past few months ... while the overall number is not anywhere near as good as it was previously, I feel that the quality of the people we are getting is much better," Mr Campbell said.
Mr Campbell was concerned running every service online would entice people to stay at home, which he said went against the purpose of the community.
"My one reservation is I think it does provide a kind of opportunity for people to not engage with the other members," he said.
"The way I understand church ... it's a fellowship, it's a community."
The reverend said a balance needed to struck to allow those who couldn't attend physically to take part.
"We're well on the way but we always have to keep in mind that it could change at any time," Mr Campbell said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
