Newcastle Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, otherwise known as Newcastle Cathedral, has a peculiar lantern spire, which dates back to 1448, and was traditionally used as a navigation point for ships traversing the great River Tyne. Although my photography is poor, even when taken from the keep of the neighboring castle, four golden-coloured statues may still be seen on its four corners:

Eve holding out an apple;

Adam eating the apple;

Aaron dressed as a priest;

David holding a harp.

We have here a selected chronology of the Fall and a hint of Redemption. Because of Eve and Adam’s breaking of God’s law, we are in need a priest to intercede for us before God, whose justice we offend. Having received that ministry through a greater than Aaron, Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, we may joyfully worship with David.  

I question the evangelical value of today’s Newcastle Cathedral, judging by its theologically questionable female bishop and gospel-less website. There was certainly once a a time, however, when it was well served by gospel preaching. No less a person as John Knox, the great Scottish reformer, ministered as a preacher here between 1550 and 1552. Few gospel truths might echo off these sacred walls today, but it was not always so.