St Mark’s Church, Ninebanks

St Mark’s Church at Ninebanks in Northumberland struck me as surprisingly dainty for such a remote part of the kingdom. Victorian, but constructed in an Early English style, there is an innocence and simplicity about its design. Even its little bell tower, which we might otherwise consider to be an extravagance, exudes a naïve charm. The walls within were rough rather than plastered, but a most delightful spray of flowers rested on the font.

Like baptism itself (I speak as a credo-baptist rather than a font user), the lovely simplicity of a forgiven sinner going down into the waters and being raised up again is a picture of something most beautiful: dying to self and living for God.