St Giles' Church, Pontefract

The Church of St Giles in Pontefract is a pleasant, Georgian building with an impressive bell tower. Its internal space, though, seems surpisingly modern, with light woods and bright, circular ceiling lights. There is a pleasant tension between the old and the new. If one came here seeking a purely Georgian church, one would leave disappointed; if one arrived seeking cutting edge twenty-first century panache, one would think it half baked. Yet is epitomises the old Church hymnal: it is ancient and modern. Like the gospel, which I trust is preached here, the message is older than the hills yet more relevant and contemporary than some hourly news bulletin.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:22-24.

A