St Cuthbert’s Church, Howick

St Cuthbert’s at Howick in Roxbughshire is unusual for a Scottish church: the door was left unlocked. St Cuthbert’s is Episcopal rather than Church of Scotland, which means it is less of a skinflint when it comes to opening its doors. I have seldom found a building belonging to the Kirk open during the week. An increasing number of Scots cannot find a Kirk open on Sundays, either.

It looks like any other Victorian Anglican church from what I could see, with its gothic style, plentiful stained glass and prominent altar and candlesticks. Yet over its main doorway, which the historical listing describes as a ‘floreate carved tympanum’ is rather remarkable. Carved leaves and flowers seem to characterise the stonework above the entrance; it is almost like it was inspired by Eden itself.

We ought to make our churches as Edenic as possible. This does not mean investing in endless rows potted plants and green carpets, but by making our gatherings places where man meets God. Oh, and guarding against the serpent, which delights to show up, also.

For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12