Malham Meths

I called at Malham Methodist Church this spring. I was grateful for its being left unlocked, though I was intrigued by its peculiar flooring and removal of chairs. The local circuit’s website explains:

A redevelopment project was completed in 2019 and has transformed the interior. A unique floor composed of a series of paintings allows a pilgrimage of the local landmarks.

I am not sure how new flooring allows a pilgrimage, unless it serves the purposes of a map. Methodist chapels are an unusual port of call for pilgrims who traditionally seek sacred wells and saints’ shrines, though I have no doubt that many of the non-Christian but 'spiritually-minded' folk who populate our nation come here and realise that there is more to life than cars, jobs and trips to Benidorm.

Another website, surely authored by a bot or misinformed AI program, declares:

Malham Methodist Church welcomes Christians and those who seek to understand Christianity in the Skipton area. Our aim is to make contact with and encourage others to join us in our life-enhancing Christian journey.

Malham Methodist Church at Skipton, Lancashire is a friendly Christian community where we welcome others to join us in our worship and service to God. Our emphasis is on learning and understanding the Bible and following the example of Jesus and his followers.

The vision of Malham Methodist Church is to make an impact for God, here in Skipton, Lancashire by helping people understand the enriching messages of eternal hope given to us by Jesus Christ through His words and deeds. Come just as you are - we'd love to get to know you better. (emphasis mine)

I am surprised that the owners of this website have not been sued by proud Skiptonians for this county slur error. Yet if churches and chapels are places of pilgrimage, then geographical boundaries are immaterial. It is my hope that people from all over the world come to our churches and chapels, including migrants, holiday makers, locals and online visitors, and find not just religion and spirituality, but He who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, is the goal of every pilgrim, the hope of every downcast, the joy of every mourner.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2