Holy Trinity Church, Howgill

I remember teaching Christianity to GCSE pupils, explaining that some Anglican churches confusingly look like Roman Catholic churches, which we called 'Anglo-Catholic'. Many 'High' Church of England establishments seem more Romanist than the Romans’, especially those with buildings dating to after Vatican II when greater simplicity was sought. Holy Trinity Church at Howgill in Westmoreland, in contrast,  has retained its Protestant purity. Although it has a communion table complete with cross accompanied by candles, all are tucked inside a little chancel, while the rest is rather plain and clean-looking. There are no gaudy statues or deep damasks, just the decalogue, the creeds and the Lord’s Prayer written for all to read. I find this rather lovely, and think what a privilege it would be to live in this parish and attend morning service and evening prayers.

My sentimental longing for yesteryear is unlikely to be realised wherever I live, but this is a church building of which, though otherwise unremarkable, I am rather fond.

Perhaps the Lord looks down upon His people and thinks similarly.

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Psalm 8:4-5

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