Wakefield Cathedral

I came across to Wakefield this week to meet family and explore the area. The city possesses an Anglican cathedral, which means it is one more which I can add to my ‘done’ list. The role of diocesan Bishop of Wakefield was created in 1888 and the town’s large parish church became his episcopal seat. Much of it was rebuilt around that time, though some medieval sections survive, including some old crosses on the walls. Some of the furnishings, like the pulpit, are deliberately modern and offer a contrast with the Victorian neo-gothic with its intricacy and convolutedness. Although the cathedral cannot be described as large, and it appears to lack the various complexes of offices, cafes and chapterhouses which its colleagues boast, there is a pleasing neatness and orderliness about it.

Curiously, it has a metallic font which is dated 1661, the year before the puritans were expelled from their livings. It is stocked with water, perhaps doubling as a stoup, so superstitious visitors can cross themselves with supposed holy water. I did no such thing of course, but I enjoyed noting the water’s reflecting an image of the ceiling above.

Ceremonies, rituals, formalities and even regular acts of worship only have value to the extent that they make us look up or see the things of heaven. In those baptismal waters, I could detect the very fine ceiling, above, but in an actual baptism, I surely behold the invisible grace of heaven’s King. May everything in our churches reflect and depict heaven’s rule and God’s good government. If we cannot reflect His light in our business, then we are a dull moon on a cloudy night. 

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28