All Hallows Staining

The church tower of All Hallows Staining, in the City of London, appears to be somewhat overwhelmed and overawed by the gigantic modern skyscrapers which surround it. 'Staining' means ‘stone’ and distinguished it from most of London’s other churches which were then constructed in wood. Now, its neighbours are of steel and concrete, its old stone blocks once again rendering it a somewhat unusual feature of the district.

The other remarkable feature was its ‘floating’ above the ground in order to allow building works around it. So that little symbol of Christ’s Church, small and literally overshadowed, refuses to be buried, moved or obliterated, despite the surrounding world’s disdain and apathy. So let us endure to the end, in the face of opposition, persecution, secularism and false religion.

...So that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure. 2 Thessalonians 1:4, NKJV