All Saints’ Church, Burton in Lonsdale

All Saints’ at Burton in Lonsdale is a Victorian village church remarkable for its large size. Quite why so small a village should warrant so immense a structure is not clear, even taking into account the higher levels of godliness and church attendance during Victoria’s reign. Some have suggested that the prospect of the railway connecting the village would cause its expansion, but this did not happen; I suspect that this church has only rarely been filled for Sunday worship.

We live in days when churches are closing for want of worshippers, while others, especially those spouting heterodox theologies and carnal ‘worship’, seem to thrive. The path to life is narrow and only a few find it, so be not discouraged by empty seats and looming spaces; thank God that you are counted among that number and be prepared to share the gospel with those who aren’t.

Thou hast increased the nation, O Lord, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth. Isaiah 26:15

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