Calf Cop Meeting House

Calf Cop Meeting House near the Yorkshire village of Bentham is the place where Friends (Quakers) convene. A nice example of Georgian vernacular, the datestone of 1718 above the door actually originates from a previous building which this replaced in 1798. I do not suppose the style was very different, though something of the lost building is preserved in that datestone, and much of the internal furnishings were likely reused. The insides are typically Quakerish, with a penchant for panelling and circular arrangements of chairs. One also marvels at the typically attractive grounds with climbing roses and dog daisies dancing about the neatly arranged gravestones.

Here, beauty is not most obviously located in the building, which is plain and functional, but the surroundings. The grounds are rather delectable and the views of the Yorkshire and Lancashire hills impressive. The natural environment lends beauty to this place of worship. Likewise, the worship of Almighty God is most attractive when God’s own presence sanctions and confirms it. Whatever we do which in our services which is attractive, be this musical, oratorical or architectural, this in no way contributes or embellishes the beauty of God. It is He who makes our gatherings attractive, and never the other way round.

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:17

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