St James’ Church, Uldale

St James’ Church at Uldale in Cumberland is a typical church building from that area: long, low and whitewashed. Between the chancel and nave is a rather clumsy-looking, depressed fifteenth-century arch. The stone is rough and the curvature somewhat imperfect as though improperly planned or improvised. This naturally lends it inestimable charm and is far more attractive a feature than some precise Victorian replica. Aesthetic qualities aside, be they positive or negative, this arch has an important principle in its favour: it works. St James' church dates from the 1150s; although the wonky arch postdates this by 350 years, the roof is still secure and the walls stand strong.

Sometimes, our personal faith in God appears weak, feeble, imprecise and unsteady. Yet it is underpinned by an invisible hand which shall not let it slip. Others have an apparently firm confidence in manmade philosophies and godless worldviews, but such lies are certain to wobble and collapse as one approaches the dreadful gates of eternity. 

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27a

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