St Michael's, Foulridge

The Church of St Michael and All Angels stands between the main road in Foulridge, Lancashire, and ‘Lake Burwain’ reservoir. The views of the latter possibly outweigh the busyness and noise of the former. I have never found the place open, so of its internals I cannot comment. The structure is Edwardian, and seems excessively asymmetrical; its design is almost fussy and appears overly complicated. Then again, I sometimes complain about Victorian/Edwardian churches being too dull, and this most certainly is not.

I am not entirely comfortable with dedicating a church to angels; saints are bad enough. Yet this is dedicated to Michael and all the rest, perhaps to ensure there are no ill-feelings for having been left out. According to scripture, angels are real and occasionally (or less occasionally than we currently imagine) they are sent to help and assist the people of God. Certainly, they deserve honour, but so naturally inclined to idolatry are we, that they appear disguised as fellow humans. One day, we shall see them in their splendour and will not be inclined to worship them. Now, we even worship mortal men and women, so little wonder than the angelic population keeps a low profile. My advice is not not go looking for them (you will probably end up finding the fallen sort which are only too pleased to connect) but to accept their assistance if they lend it. Neither would I go dedicating churches to them, or expressing too much interest in their existence. One day, however, we shall see them all.

Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. Ps 148:2