One does not have to belong to an organised religion to appreciate their places of worship. Especially old churches which seem to be seeped in the devotions of thousands over the centuries. Sue Vincent loves churches and has been trying to obtain entry to this one for some time. The wait was worth it. Do head over to find out more about this ancient place of worship.
Angels and Demons at St Mary’s…
I am surprised that my son continues to allow me to stop the car outside churches when we are out and about. “I won’t be above a few minutes…” invariably gives him time for a snooze, but on this occasion, a few weeks ago, I was almost as good as my word. It was the swiftest of raids… no forethought, no research, just an opportunistic descent of the off-chance that this time, it would be open.
We had stopped there one day on our wandering, Stuart and I, to no avail. I have tried on several occasions, only to find the door securely locked. I honestly did not expect to get in. But, on this occasion, I was lucky.
I’ve always liked the look of St Mary’s. I love the way the door, clock and window are set into the fifteenth century tower, completely out of line and how they reflect so many periods of history. I like the old gravestones leaning at odd angles that shelter beneath the yews. But I had no idea what I might find inside… if anything… so when the door yielded, I was elated.
It is always an adventure opening the door of a church, especially when you have no knowledge of what it might contain. St Mary’s at East Claydon is a simple place… no fuss, no grand tombs, but obviously old enough to have stories to tell.
Head over to find out more.
via Angels and Demons at St Mary’s…
There is something that floats around in a spiritual church. You can’t see it but you sure can feel it. I’ll go check her post out, Sally.
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I agree Jacqui.. something about the focused prayer perhaps over the centuries, so intense it permeates the walls. There is a small chapel in the alps for pilgrims before they walked over a high pass and the place made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end..x
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Thank you for sharing this, Sally. There is a tiny, simple chapel near me that has the same effect. Every time. xx
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Thanks, Jacqui. I agree… I am not an adherent of an organised religion, but ‘that’ feeling belongs to all places where hearts and minds are raised.
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It’s a classic situation, is it not? “Oh look – there’s a church; shall we go in.” How can you pass up the opportunity to sit inside (roughly) a thousand years of history?
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Quite… our own time seems very fleeting in comparison.
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I can never resist 🙂
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Neither can I; despite often stiff opposition!
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😀
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I never feel closer to the Lord than in his House. Beautiful photos!
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♥
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