St John the Baptist Church, Leytonstone

St John the Baptist Church in Leytonstone, now considered East London, was built as a chapel of ease to the traditional parish church in neighbouring Leyton. Although situated less than two miles' distance, the roads became impassable in winter. The older church’s vicar objected to the new church, of course; it would diminish his status and revenues to have his parish reduced or divided. He argued that the gentry all had coaches, and the tradesmen could simply walk, so what was the problem? Clearly, the cure of souls was not his priority and he placed a higher burden of commitment on poorer people than he would have placed on himself. That proposed chapel of ease was eventually built in 1845, and became the rather grand parish church we see today. Had the petitioners of Leytonstone been Independents, they would just have raised the funds, bought the land and thrown up a chapel. Being Anglicans, however, and vicars, patrons and bishops all had to be consulted, courted and convinced.

Even we who are freed from denominational bureaucrats and ecclesiastical officialdom must negotiate with the State, with our members and church officers, and must submit our plans to God Himself for approval and blessing. We cannot do our own thing or expect others to always dance to our pipes. Leytonstone possesses a fine parish church, but it took time, patience and discussion to convince the powers that be. Let us prayerfully deliberate before we launch a new this or that.

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. Proverbs 21:5