Going to Church? In a car?

One interesting development in Virtual Worlds, particularly in the Vintage and Steampunk sims, is the growth of churches and church services.

The ones that I have become aware of are either ecumenical of vaguely Anglican in tone of procedure, sometimes following the Book of Common Prayer or similar, but sometimes with a decidedly Second Life twist – at a marriage service I attended today, the couple pledged marriage vows: “As long as we both shall rezz” rather than “live”. This is more than just artlessly referential – it is factual.

The church where that wedding took place is St Hilda’s in Caledon Southend, which was built and decorated by the couple being married – Mr Alastair Whybrow and Miss Garnet Psaltery. Walking inside, the church has the appearance – and the ambience – of an old English chirch – perhaps noyt so surprising considering that My Whybrow created it using textures from from St Mary’s, Chesham, the church where he sang as a boy. They are leaving it in situ as a place for meditation and occasional services.

Other places have already inaugurated a tradition of regular services. One of these is the impressive classical build of St Patrick’s in Magellan Kinvara, which has services every other week – Sunday Morning Service. Others can be rather grand affairs – Antiquity has a new Cathedral where services are regularly held.

How seriously are these taken? Clearly work goes into not just the builds but into the services too; not just marriage services, but regular acts of worship. To some extent, there are occasions for social gatherings – albeit it with a more serious intent than a night out clubbing or even a formal Victorian ball. But there is clearly more to it than that – people are choosing to come together for a communion of spirits, for a period of sober and quite reflection at the very least, in virtual space.

The latest of these churches is opening today in Giverny – St Columba’s Church is being opened and dedicated at 9:30am SLT. The new church will be non-denominational and will hold services every other Sunday in conjunction with St Patrick’s Church on Kinvara.

This is part of recent changes in Giverny, which has undergone some changes recently as a second siim – Ville de Giverny – has been opened. Previously, Soliel Snook and Kaye Robbiani shared the singe sim of Giverny; now Kaye will be developing Ville de Giverny and Soliel is undertaking the same on Giverny itself. The core of their previous work remains – the gardens and Snook’s Garden Centre on Givery, and Monet’s beautiful village, as created by Kaye, now on Ville de Giverny. But a new village is developing on Giverny too, and St Columba’s church is part of this development.

The opening should be a beautiful ceremony – especially with Soliel choosing the church music!

Another interesting development in Giverny has been the creation of a really gorgeous 1904 Oldsmobile coupé for your driving pleasure.

The Runabout Olds with curved dash was built and sculpted by Omicron Llewellyn, scripted by Moundsa Mayo and textured by Soliel Snook, all of Mesquite Burl Heavy Industy, Inc. Time and care has gone into reproducing a replica model that is smooth driving, and accurate. The Runabout has a horn which ‘toots’ the actual horn sound of the original car. Engine noise is accurate with an idle and a drive sound. The drive belt turns and the wheels are animated.

The Runabout comes in Red, Black, Green and Midnight Blue and is priced at $L3900. These are limited edition Automobiles with only 25 being sold of each colour, and owners will receive their own personalised and numbered license plate. The Runabout may be Test driven in Giverny at the MBHI Carriage House and Showroom – so you could combine a visit to church with a drive!

Incidentally, the 1904 Run about pre dates Henry Ford’s Model T and Ransom Eli Olds is generally considered to be the father of mass production with his Curved Dash Oldsmobile.