St George's Church, Goltho

From the vantage point of Google Maps, it looked a poor choice of destination: a red brick ruin with an ugly tin roof attempting to keep out the elements. Yet the thin bricks from which its nave is constructed are of Tudor vintage, for St George’s Church at Gotho in Lincolnshire  was erected in the 1530s. The Georgians added a nave in slightly thicker bricks and the Victorians a turret. The Grantham family of nearby Goltho Hall who once worshipped here were known puritans, with Sir Thomas spending time in Lincoln gaol for refusing Charles Stuart his illegal Ship Money, despite being a former Sheriff of Lincolnshire himself.

Goltho, which likely means ‘place where marigolds grow’ is a deserted village; from Roman times through Saxon times and beyond, this was thriving village with a fortified manor house. Now, it is a collection of wheat fields surrounding a ruined church. Although still attractive, despite the ruination and unattractive fencing, there was something eerily apocalyptic about it all. Civilization had departed from this place, leaving a shell and some undulating earthworks. St George’s was actually in fair condition until 2013 (I wished I’d called back then!) with a fine pulpit and pews, but a fire, most likely caused by a lightning strike, set it aflame. It is as though that thunderstorm wished to complete the obliteration, finalising Goltho’s destruction.

All things shall one day combust in the fire of Christ’s coming, including chapels and cathedrals. Especially chapels and cathedrals, I might add, seeing as so few actually preach the gospel and remain faithful to God’s good word. Yet the real church, the ecclesia, the gathered, believing people of God, shall not only endure that great day, but prosper thereby, for they shall then reflect the brilliance of the Glorious One, much as the moon reflects the sunlight.

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 2 Peter 3:12

A