The dead have dramatically overrun the chancel. Various local nobility (mostly Earls of Rutland and their families) have cluttered the front of the church so thoroughly with their huge stone monuments that it's no longer possible to see the altar from the main body of the church. The tombs are amazing (lots of skulls, dogs, eagles and more among the dozens of praying figures) and ridiculously badly located. The church, quite sensibly, has sorted the problem by building a wooden dais in front of the whole monumental shambles and putting in another altar that can actually be used.
Alongside the dead, the 'quick' (i.e. the living). I know this church, so I know how rich and joyous a life of prayer is lived here all through the week. But even if I'd been a total stranger it would have been obvious. The open door, the many inviting places to pray, the books and leaflets, the clean and well-loved interior - so many little signs of life.
It was a pleasure to stop and pray for a while in such a gorgeous church. And What3Words nails it:
Chris, we are so pleased you dropped by and spent time in St Mary’s Church. We work hard to be inviting and inclusive to all people that wish to enter the church space and indeed the church community itself. Every blessing for your continued pilgrimage. Revd Monica (Growing Faith Minister).
ReplyDeleteWhoop! Whoop! ... Chris, Monica, and the Community of Saints in Bottesford ... signs of eternal life whenever I visit. 😇
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