All Saints, Nether Stilton: Dread Nothing

All Saints' Church at Nether Stilton, North Yorkshire, is not remarkable, but for its Norman font and upper gallery. Oh, and its communion rail. Its wood is said to have come from HMS Dreadnought. 11 ships bear this name, from way back in 1553 to a nuclear submarine class awaiting completion. I suspect that it refers to the 1906 vessel, which was built as part of Great Britain’s arms race against the German Empire. One of the most advanced ships in the world back then, it was sold and broken up in 1921. It seems a little strange that communicants should kneel for their wafers, leaning on wood belonging to the most fearsome and famous battleship of the early twentieth century.

The Dreadnought name means ‘fear nothing’. Although the communion elements are mere symbols, He whom they symbolise invites all who believe in Him to dread nothing:

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Mark 5:36

But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17:7

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27

If we dreaded the world less and feared the Lord Jesus more, we should be giants of the faith.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,

Leaning on the everlasting arms. -Elisha Hoffman, 1887