Church of St John the Baptist, Frome

The Church of St John the Baptist at Frome in Somerset, I visited last month. It was approaching 4 in the afternoon when churches are inclined to shut, so I hurried inside, inspecting what I could before closing time was called. A gaggle of school boys lounged on sofas by the door enjoying their phones while a few tourists mooched about, pointing at this or that. It was a dark, autumnal afternoon, and the church was a gloomy reflection of the dull sky without.

Much was interesting, and the proportions made it feel rather grand. Sadly, it was once known for its ritualism, with controversial cleric William Bennet preaching the Real Presence, or Christ’s literally inhabiting the communion bread and wine. The Victorian restoration continued this high church theme, with a barred grill separating the chancel from the nave, and various sculpted statues built into the walls. The most impressive feature, however, was external, and was itself part of this Anglo-Catholic tradition: the Via Crucis or Way of the Cross.

This sculpted depiction of the Lord bearing His terrible cross as He ascended the hill of Golgotha is movingly depicted by life-size stone figures walking parallel to the traditional pathway up to the church. Seven such tableaux show a scene from the final hours of the Saviour’s Passion.

Much as I dislike ritualism, depictions of God or anything smacking of ancient popery, I found these carvings quite moving. Whatever our churchmanship or theological preferences, may we ever look to Christ and Him crucified. May we too, take up our cross daily, as we seek to follow Him, honour Him and, one day, see Him.