Cockermouth Congregational Church

Cockermouth United Reformed Church, once the Congregational, has two buildings. The older, above, was built in the eighteenth century and stands behind the current edifice, built about 1850. The older one is rather plain, apart from a pillared porch, and was thought insufficiently grand for the Victorian church members who preferred the big gothic frontage (below), now a landmark of the town’s main street.

It seems to me that churches start well but the rot soon sets in. Cockermouth’s Congregationalists first met in 1651, in people’s homes. Through those awful years after Cromwell, when God’s people were bitterly persecuted, did they weather that storm- not within the precincts of a fine temple but the humble habitations of the poor. They then built a large chapel (and then replaced it) before building the huge chapel which is now their home. I cannot vouch for the church’s current faithfulness, but I imagine they don’t fill it, much as we don’t fill ours.

The Church is always in need of reformation and renewal. May God again renew our hearts and reform our churches. May we not seek fine buildings, great worship bands and inspirational pastors. May we just seek to be faithful. 

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21