St Anne's Church, Ings

Off the busy A591 betwixt Kendal and Windermere sits a fine parish church: St Anne’s at Ings. I have taken little notice of it before, seeing as it is plainly post-medieval, but my curiosity has become broader in recent years, and I was delighted to call there this month. Rather than being yet another example of dull Victoriana, it is a fine Georgian church. Although it lacks Tuscan columns and pillared portico, its font is very definitely of its period, and the chancel, too. The pinnaces of the tower are carved torches of flame, and these are found on the rest of the roof, also. Although a visit by William, Mary and Dorothy Wordsworth in 1802 was recorded, during which the chancel's large paintings of Moses and Aaron are described, these are now concealed by dark, wooden boards bearing the Ten Commandments and other scripture texts.

The church was rebuilt in the latest styles in 1740s by Robert Bateman, an English merchant of Livorno in Italy. He provided the nice marble for the chancel floor as well as the funds and design for the rest. Upon the tower wall is inscribed:

This Chapel was begun to be rebuilt Anno Domini 1743 at ye

sole Expense of Mr Robert Bateman, Merchant at Leghorn.

Born in this Hamlet. But he dying Suddenly the Same Year the

Work was ordered And Appointed to be finished by his

Executors.

What he began, others completed. And so with our work, also. God sometimes calls us home before a given task is completed. That is because He has seen fit to have others play a part. Some prepare foundations, upon which others build. Some are appointed to amass materials which a son shall build God’s temple. Good Mr Bateman arranged to build a fine church in decent, contemporary style, but it was others who would finish it, and many more who would enjoy it.

I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6, Geneva Bible