St Mary’s Church, Swynnerton

St Mary’s Church in the attractive Staffordshire village of Swynnerton I called at enroute to a conference this month. The drive down had been extended by a third on account of motorway congestion, and I needed a break. For using its churchyard as Saul used David’s cave at En Gedi, a scruffy nettle took vengeance on my leg, and irritated me for the next five or six hours. Nevertheless, the treasures of St Mary's were compensation enough. Although it has a side chapel which was stoutly locked, perhaps serving as a generously apportioned vestry, the reclining effigy of crusader Sir John de Swynnerton and the ancient tower base from the eleventh century were a joy to behold.

It was the main internal doorway, however, which led from the tower into the nave, which most warrants one’s attention. This rounded Norman archway is decorated with eighteen carved wolfs’ heads, in addition to other images. Their eyes and faces all differ, but their long snouts look like they might snarl and bite as one passes beneath.

A wolfshead in medieval speech was an outlaw or brigand, though the prophet Ezekiel uses the wolf motif to refer to political leaders who exploit their people and the New Testament usage tends to apply it to false teachers and persecuting powers:

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” -the Lord Jesus, Matthew 10:16

“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” -the Apostle Paul, Acts 20:29

False teachers sometimes encourage church attendance, especially if it involves going to theirs and subsidising their lifestyles. They tend to oppose one attending sound gospel churches, which they deem too boring, too judgemental, too traditional or too-something-else. They sneer, grimace and growl, for a church which preaches the Bible they always oppose. Let them: their days are numbered, for Christ will guard His sheep from wolves and hirelings.

St Mary's website joyfully declares:

We are united in knowing and joyfully following Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The Bible is central to our teaching. We welcome all those who wish to explore the meaning of personal Christian faith for themselves and who want to grow in deeper relationship and service of God. At our services children and families are very welcome. Midweek, we run a wide range of groups and courses which offer the opportunity to explore Christian faith further and to celebrate the fun and joy of belonging to a Christian family.

Let the wolves glare and scowl!