Church of St Mary the Virgin, Kelvedon

The Church of St Mary the Virgin in the Essex village of Kelvedon I found to be well worth the long walk down the main street from the railway station. It ticked a number of boxes, and was well maintained and cared for. There were a couple of squints, nicely carved pillars, a fine font and well-tended gardens.

It was the wooden ceiling, however, which most impressed me. Peering down from the beams were a number of figures, which ware fifteenth-century judging by the dress and hairstyles. Some are certainly angels though others may be musicians or even royal personages. Quite how they managed to evade the attentions of seventeenth-century puritans in the mould of William Dowsing one cannot say, unless they are some clever Victorian copies capable of deceiving my ill-trained eyes.

We sometimes take a casual view of corporate worship, especially judging by what passes as acceptable in many churches. It is possible that angelic beings join or even observe our religious affairs, which is why Paul admonishes certain women to cover their heads. Regardless of whether angels are privy to our churches’ comings and goings, one who is even more important certainly is: the Lord Jesus, who walks among the lampstands. If we had a greater fear of His gaze and appreciation of His standards, we might be less casual, less nonchalant and less foolish and flippant when we engage in worship and preaching.

The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.

Psalm 103:19-21, New King James Version