Holy Trinity Church, Burnley

Holy Trinity Church in Burnley is one of the famous Commissioners’ Churches, largely funded by money from Parliament in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars to support the Church of England and quash rebellion and godlessness simmering in the minds of the unchurched. It was redundant by 1990, and converted into tasteful flats three years later. I visited a sick man there a few months back, and was impressed by the feel. It may no longer offer public worship, but it has become home to dozens of folk.

There is as sense in which a church or chapel can be a spiritual home. It is a place to which we regularly repair, and, though imperfect, is where we belong. We can feel safe there and not feel the need to put on a show or pretence. On the other hand, nothing in this world, not even our church, is really our home, for out citizenship is in heaven, and before long, the Lord Jesus will call us to join Him. We shall be with Him forever, having no fear of mortgage rates, leaking roofs, evicting landlords or increased rates.

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

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