In Depth:  Geoff Gobbett

The reality of 30,000 Christians worshipping in a loud, lively and sincere way is somewhat overwhelming.

This happened over a 12-hour period at the Excel Exhibition Centre in London on March 31 to April 1. It was the tenth such rally sponsored by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, entitled ‘Festival of Life’.

There it was on the corner as it had been for 120 years. Forbidding and off-putting to many, yet to neighbours it was an old and familiar friend. Was it open or not?

A sign high on the building read Providence Baptist Chapel. It was opposite Highbury Fields, the largest open space in Islington, one of the smallest of the London boroughs, and yet one of the most populous in the capital, situated in one of the most desirable streets in Islington.