St Mary's of Rydal

St Mary’s Church at Rydal, Cumbria, is a big hit with poetry buffs. The much celebrated William Wordsworth helped to choose the site and served as its Church Warden for two decades. Very beautiful it was, too, with its well-tended grounds sparkling in the January frost under the clear blue skies of a spell of high pressure.

Yet it was all locked up, and shall remain so even on Sundays, at least during the winter. One might enjoy its grounds and admire its proportions, but not enjoy its hospitality nor hear the Christian message of life and hope. Outward beauty, but not inner reality; wonderful poetry, bereft of meaning.

What a pity. 

Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Jeremiah 7:2-3