St Paul’s Church, Brookhouse

St Paul’s Brookhouse I have never been able to find open when I called, but I have enjoyed looking around its outside It is a place with which I have family connections, some of whom would have known the older tower if not the Victorian nave and chancel.

Curiously, the remains of a rather charming and ancient doorway in the north wall remains, though it has been filled up with medieval cross slabs and coffin lids. This was probably Victorian re-builders' attempt at recycling some of the older material which might have been a shame to throw away. Yet a blocked doorway might be symbolic, especially if it is closed by gravestones and other detritus of death. Because of sin and the Fall, death is a barrier, a locked door, an inescapable prison. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, breaks down the door, vacates the tombs and escorts to paradise all who received His life and breath. The Saviour flings wide the gates and opens sepulchres. 

Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? Job 38:17

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Psalm 24:9