St Bartholomew's Church, Armley

The Church of St Bartholomew at Armley in Leeds I was not able to enter. I had contacted the administrators and they made some genuine effort, but our paths were not to cross and I do not hold it against them. I hope to return to marvel at the insides, but for now, the outside has to suffice. And that it does, for it is one of the most imposing parish churches I have seen. On account of its position atop a hill it can be seen from many other districts of Leeds and is something of a city landmark. According to Mark Stevenson writing on the West Leeds Dispatch site, the decision to erect so grand a building in 1870 was inspired by rivalry with a neighbouring parish church.

Competition and rivalry are hardly themes worthy of a people meant to be characterised by humility and giving God all the honour. Poor examples of fraternal rivalry include Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and His Brothers, as well as other examples, such as Saul and David. Competitions invariably result in losers, whereas teamwork and joint enterprise for God’s glory result only in all winning. Yet Paul shares some candid observations is the first chapter of his letter to the Philippians:

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (vv15-18)

Do poor motives for preaching the gospel still result in God’s honour and souls’ salvation? Quite possibly, though it is hardly ideal and not to be encouraged. The good people of Armley got themselves a fine, new church on the basis of envy, and maybe some people get saved because preachers like the sounds of their own voices and enjoy thinking themselves better than neighbouring pastors.

A. D