Family Lessons 129: Wedding at Whalley

450 years ago this day, the 27th of September, 1574, my 11x great grandparents married at Whalley Parish Church. Their names Johes. Dilwoorthe and Issabella Sagar were duly entered into the parish register that Monday by the clerk after George Dobson, the vicar, formally joined them in holy matrimony according to the Book of Common Prayer.

St Mary’s and All Saints’ Church is a pretty building in a much-sought after village, and was likely the local church of Isabel's family, for the marriage usually occurred in the bride’s parish, and John hailed from Chipping. Much has altered in Britain since the first Elizabeth’s reign, but Whalley Church has been largely unmolested by time's passage. Much of what John and Isabel saw as they walked down the aisle they would still recognise today: the old choir stalls, the ancient font and the window tracery are all survivors from a previous age.

In a world characterised by mass movement, radical politics, hyperactive technological development and acute social disruption, an ancient church with its solid walls and heavy pillars somehow seems wonderfully stable and dependable. Much has changed in these 450 years, for the better and for worse, yet I thank God that there is a firmer foundation than even Whalley’s old church- Christ Jesus, the God who is the same, yesterday today and forever.

For I am the Lord: I change not, and ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. From the days of your fathers, ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them: return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:6-7a, Geneva Bible