Thorlby's Tin Tab

At the hamlet of Thorlby near Skipton is an old tin tabernacle. Belonging to the Methodists (though I was surprised to see it called Wesleyan seeing as that type of Methodism preferred grander buildings), it was thrown up quickly, arriving flatpacked at Skipton Station and then assembled according to instructions, much like DIY furniture. Cheap to buy, quick to erect and, back in Victoria’s reign, soon to fill. Hearing a sermon on a rainy day might not have been easy as the drops banged against the corrugated roof, and insulating oneself from the draughts coming through the cracks would have been a challenge for all but the very best dressed, but that type was least likely to frequent a tin tab in any event.

A place of worship may not be comfortable but its gospel message will provide the greatest comfort known to man: that through the shed blood of Jesus Christ we can have peace with God. This offers more joy, hope and consolation than anything else spoken in some soaring cathedral or luxuriously furnished pleasure palace.

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Isaiah 40:1

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