Cherry Willingham Church

The delightfully named Lincolnshire village of Cherry Willingham is served by the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul. Built, unusually, in the classical style so beloved in the Georgian period, it is somewhat unusual as a result. Its patron and founder was one Thomas Becke, a lawyer, who made his money practising law but 'without the sordid means of avaricious parsimony', which may be a respectful nod to the new squire, especially after having built so handsome a church.

I could not gain entry to the building, for it was securely locked, but the outside’s classical elegance was treat enough. Redolent of some ancient Greek temple (though with generous windows), there is a neatness and sense of proportion to it, even without some grandiose portico. Classical architecture brings to mind the world of the New Testament, especially the places recorded in Paul’s missionary journeys in the Acts of the Apostles, the towns of which would have boasted several such structures and on a greater style. On the other hand, the ancient Greeks were largely ignorant of the scriptural promises, unlike the Jews, and even derided the great apostle’s teaching on the resurrection in the Athenian Areopagus.

Somehow, we Christians in the twenty-first-century must keep returning to the primitive Christianity of the apostolic age, whilst guarding against the vain philosophies and pagan world views which the ancient world so frequently and cheerfully spewed forth.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

-1 Corinthians 1:18, NKJV

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