It wasn't Sunday and there hadn't just been a wedding.
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But the bells at St Michael's Anglican Cathedral in Wollongong rang at midday on Thursday.
The moment marked a historical moment.
It signalled the first time since the second world war that Anglican Cathedrals in Sydney, Parramatta and Wollongong lead public prayer for their cities amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are in a time of crisis and we want to call on God. We believe He hears our prayers," said Canon Sandy Grant, senior minister of St Michael's Cathedral, Wollongong.
"Jesus was a great healer while He was on earth. He has inspired Christians and many others to be involved in caring for their neighbours and we want to ask people to turn back to God, call out for help...we really need it."
A crowd of over 20 people gathered on the lawn of St Michael's in the heart of Wollongong's CBD to hear senior ministers speak and join in prayer.
Similar gatherings will be held every Monday and Thursday from noon to encourage people to pause and join in prayer.
"We want people to pray for friends, pray for medical personnel, pray for school teachers, pray for parents struggling at home and pray for the supermarket workers," Cannon Grant said.
We are in a time of crisis and we want to call on God.
- Canon Sandy Grant
"We also need to pray for our couriers, to keep them on the road to keep delivering the tests to where they get processed."
The senior minister added that the community's reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic was 'a wake-up call in a way'.
"We believe Jesus offers hope beyond this world and purpose for our lives now that orients us towards not only love of God with all we've got but love of our neighbour, and that is really something people need to hear at the moment," Cannon Grant said.
"As we become aware of the fragility of life, the fact that we are not in control, it makes sense for us to also pause and remember the one who is in control, the God of heaven and earth, and this is kind of a wake-up call in a way."
He added that the church was adapting fast to the changes and associated health measures like 'social distancing'.
"Churches are adapting fast on the fly but we've already got good plans ahead, we are live streaming our special Sunday service from the cathedral.
"We are also trying video conferencing for smaller groups and congregational virtual meetings.
"There are great ways to continue to connect even when we can't physically be with each other."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
