From York Minster
S.B. from Leeds
Organ (during entry of the Choir)

The visitor's first impression on entering York Minster, especially at the West end, is one of majestic grandeur rather than of beauty. Not that the Minster is not beautiful, but the sense of awe comes first; the appreciation of its beauty follows. A famous architect once described York Minster as the King of the Northern Province, and Canterbury Cathedral as the Queen of the South. The spacious proportions of the Cathedral as a whole, whether seen from within or without, convey an impression of masculine strength. But beauty is not far to seek, above all in the windows, over a hundred in number, filled with exquisite mediaeval stained glass, the crowning glory of the Minster.
The 1300th Anniversary Festival in 1927 provided an opportunity of emphasizing the true purpose of a Cathedral as a shrine for the worship of God, of which Dean Ford and the Chapter were quick to take advantage. At the beginning of that year the whole of the Minster was thrown open to all without fee. As in other cases, the free offerings of visitors have proved more generous than the fees previously asked for entering the Choir and the Crypt. Moreover, the increase in motor traffic is making it possible for larger numbers than ever before to visit the Minster.
During the summer months, congregations varying from five hundred to over two thousand are often present at the Services, which on Sundays, Bank Holidays and Saturday afternoons have to be held in the Nave, since the Choir cannot contain the worshippers. A new atmosphere of reverent freedom is most noticeable at these Nave services. In addition to those who fill the rows of chairs, sometimes to overflowing, little groups of people are always to be found standing at the back or in the aisles of the Nave, silently watching the worship of God. No official interferes with them; they enter, they stay, .they leave, just as they please; their demeanour clearly shows that they value such unlooked-for freedom.
York Minster has justly earned a reputation for beautiful singing, which it owes to the genius of its organist, Dr. Bairstow, and the enthusiasm of the Choir whom he directs. On Easter Day morning especial attention should be given to the singing of the Psalms in free speech rhythm, which successfully avoids the stilted accents common to all but the best Anglican chanting. The year's service music is selected under the direction of the Precentor, Canon C.C. Bell, from the works of a wide range of composers, preference being properly given to those of English musicians.
The structural enrichment of the Cathedral initiated by the late Dean (now Dean of Westminster) is proceeding apace. Three Chapels have now been specially furnished as Memorials by different Yorkshire Regiments. The richly decorated screens, recently completed, which enclose the Chapel of the West Yorkshire Regiment in the South Transept, are among the most beautiful additions to the Minster.