Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Lealholm.

 Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic church serving the rural community of Lealholm, North Yorkshire. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Shine in September 1931 after the local Catholic community raised sufficient funding to build a modest church for worship. The Church opened in 1932.

These 3 pictures were taken on the 27th August 2022 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

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Ermita de Los Delores.

 Ermita de Los Delores is an 18th Century church in the village of Mancha Blanca on the Island of Lanzarote. The stunning little church was part of a tour of the island I took and has an interesting story or legend attached to it.

The last great volcanic eruptions to hit Lanzarote had lasted for 6 years when in April 1736, the villages of Mancha Blanca went with a priest carrying the Virgin Nuestra Senora de los Delores to meet the lava flow heading towards the village. When they reached Guigan they prayed and inserted a cross in to the ground, promising to build a church in the honour of the Virgin if she stopped the lava flow towards the village and fertile fields nearby.

The lava flow changed direction away from the villages and over a previous lava field, and the villages soon forgot their promise to build a church. In 1774 the Virgin appeared to a local shepherd girl and told her to remind the villagers they needed to construct the church, the girl was eventually believed and work started taking 10 years to complete the build of the church paid for by inhabitants from all over Lanzarote.

The church was closed in 1850 for restoration, reopening in 1861. It was again in need of restoration by 1988 and on the 18th June all the contents were removed to the Parish of Tinajo, including an image of the virgin. Just a few hours later the dome of the church collapsed.

I took 4 pictures of the church with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, they can be seen here or on Clickasnap where they are full size, resolution and un-watermarked. They were taken on the 30th July 2013.

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Dunkeswell Methodist Church and the Anglican Church of St Nicholas, Dunkeswell, Devon

 These pictures of the Methodist church and St Nicholas were taken on the 10th September 2015. I was at the nearby air field to collect a load in my job as a HGV driver and upon arrival was informed I would be unable to load until the following morning, so with time to pass and nothing to do I went to explore the local area.

Dunkeswell Methodist Church

The first church I passed whilst walking towards the village was the Dunkeswell Methodist Church, located a short walk from the airfield at the top of Abbey Road the small church overlooks the village. Other than service information there isn't much available online regarding the history of the church. The pictures below were taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera and can also be seen full size, resolution and un-watermarked on Clickasnap.     

St Nicholas Church

The church of St Nicholas was rebuilt on the same site as an earlier structure between 1865-68, with the tower being replaced in 1953. The tower had been urgently demolished after World War II due to being seriously weakened and in danger of collapse. This structural damage had been caused by the engine vibration of the bombers taking off from the nearby air field which was home to the US Air Force and then the US Navy who have a plaque and book of remembrance in the church. The church still holds regular services today and has a number of references inside to the US forces that were stationed nearby.

The church was open when I passed so I got pictures of both the exterior and interior, they were taken using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. They can be seen below or alternatively on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked.

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Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Clickasnap profile.

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St. Nicholas Church, Cumberworth and its Enduring Legacy

Nestled amidst the tranquil landscape of Cumberworth, West Yorkshire, stands St. Nicholas Church, a testament to faith, resilience, and the passage of time. This unassuming Anglican church, part of the Diocese of Leeds, holds within its walls and grounds a rich tapestry of history, spanning nearly eight centuries.

What we see today is the third iteration of St. Nicholas, a structure born from the Victorian era's architectural fervour. But beneath its relatively recent facade, whispers of earlier incarnations resonate. Records suggest that the first church, a humble edifice, was erected around 1255, a time when medieval England was still finding its footing. Imagine the echoes of ancient prayers and the flickering candlelight illuminating the stone walls, a stark contrast to the modern world we inhabit.

The passage of time, however, demanded change. By the 17th century, the original church had succumbed to the ravages of time and was replaced by a second structure. Though details of this intermediate church are scarce, its existence bridges the gap between the medieval and Victorian eras.

In the 1870s, the current St. Nicholas Church rose from the foundations of its predecessor, a reflection of the architectural styles prevalent during that period. However, a crucial element of the previous church was preserved: its bell tower. This weathered sentinel, a silent witness to centuries of change, connects the present church to its historical roots.

Within this venerable tower reside three bells, their voices ringing out across the Cumberworth landscape. These are not the original bells, however. During the 1960s, a necessary restoration project saw the original bells melted down and recast, preserving their resonant tones for future generations. Each toll is a link to the past, a reminder of the countless services, celebrations, and solemn moments that have echoed through the valley.

Beyond the church's walls, the churchyard holds another fascinating piece of history: a set of remarkably well-preserved Grade II listed stocks. These wooden restraints, once used to publicly punish minor offenders, offer a tangible connection to a bygone era of local justice. Imagine the villagers gathered, witnessing the public humiliation, a stark reminder of the social norms and punishments of the past. The stocks, now silent and still, serve as a poignant reminder of the community's evolution.

St. Nicholas Church, Cumberworth, is more than just a place of worship; it's a living museum, a repository of local history. From its medieval origins to its Victorian reconstruction, and the enduring presence of its ancient bell tower and stocks, the church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the community. It's a place where the echoes of centuries past mingle with the present, inviting visitors to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring power of faith. Every stone, every bell toll, every weathered piece of wood tells a story, a story that continues to unfold in the heart of Cumberworth.

The pictures below were taken on the 21st May 2016 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera, clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Dunkeswell Methodist Church, Devon

The roar of engines faded into a gentle hum as I stepped away from the bustling Dunkeswell Aerodrome. My work there had afforded me an unexpected pocket of time, a rare moment to explore the surrounding countryside. With a map tucked into my pocket and a sense of wanderlust guiding my steps, I set off towards the village of Dunkeswell, a place whispered to be a haven of tranquility.

The approach to Dunkeswell was a sensory delight. Narrow lanes, bordered by ancient hedgerows bursting with wildflowers, wound their way through the rolling Devon landscape. The air, crisp and clean, carried the subtle scent of damp earth and blossoming honeysuckle. As I crested a gentle rise, the village revealed itself, a charming cluster of stone cottages nestled amidst verdant fields.

My aimless wander led me to a junction where Abbey Road met Manleys Lane. Perched on this slight elevation, commanding a gentle view of the village it served, stood Dunkeswell Methodist Church. It was a modest structure, its simple architecture speaking of a long history and a steadfast commitment to its community.

The church's exterior, constructed from local stone, bore the marks of time – a testament to the enduring spirit of the congregation. A small, well-maintained garden, brimming with vibrant blooms, softened the building's lines, inviting passers by to pause and reflect. The neat rows of pews visible through the windows hinted at the quiet gatherings held within, the shared hymns and whispered prayers that had filled this space for generations.

It wasn't the grandeur of a cathedral that struck me, but the intimate, almost familial atmosphere that radiated from the building. This wasn't a monument to power or wealth, but a humble sanctuary built on faith and community. One could easily imagine the generations of villagers who had sought solace and fellowship within its walls, their lives interwoven with the church's history.

The location itself, overlooking the village, seemed symbolic. It offered a vantage point, a place to step back from the everyday and contemplate the wider world. From this elevated position, the rhythms of village life unfolded – the distant sound of children playing, the gentle murmur of conversations, the reassuring presence of a community tied together by shared experience.

I paused for a moment, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. The air was still, broken only by the occasional chirp of a bird. The quietude was profound, a welcome respite from the clamour of modern life. It was a reminder that amidst the constant flux of our world, there are still places where time seems to slow, where the simple act of being present can be a profound experience.

Dunkeswell Methodist Church, in its unassuming way, offered a glimpse into the heart of rural Devon – a place where faith and community are intertwined, where the beauty of simplicity is celebrated. It was a reminder that even in the smallest of villages, there are stories waiting to be discovered, moments of quiet reflection to be savoured. And for a brief moment, as I stood overlooking the village, I felt a sense of peace, a connection to the enduring spirit of Dunkeswell.

There pictures were taken on the 10th September 2105 with a Polaroid is2132 camera. Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

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Unveiling Halifax Minster.

While many know it simply as Halifax Minster, its full, resonant name, the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, hints at a deeper story. Standing proudly as one of only three minsters within West Yorkshire, alongside its counterparts in Leeds and Dewsbury, Halifax Minster isn't just a building; it's a living chronicle of faith, community, and the ever-shifting tides of English history.

But what truly sets this minster apart? It's the palpable sense of time layered upon time, a tangible connection to centuries past. To say there's been a church on or near this site for over 900 years is a mere starting point. Imagine the countless prayers whispered, the hymns sung, the lives marked within these very walls.

Delving into the Depths of History:

The minster, as we see it today, reached its completed form around 1458, a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of medieval artisans. But peel back the layers, and you'll find whispers of an earlier era. Fragments of the 12th century remain, like ancient echoes, reminding us of the Norman influence that shaped the early foundations. Over the centuries, the minster has been a canvas for successive generations, each leaving their mark through architectural additions and alterations. This organic growth, this evolution of form, is what makes Halifax Minster so compelling.

The Silent Witnesses: Stained Glass and the Puritan Shadow:

No exploration of Halifax Minster would be complete without considering its stained glass. These vibrant windows, once bursting with biblical narratives and devotional imagery, tell a story of both artistry and tumultuous change. The 17th century, a period of profound religious upheaval, saw the rise of the Puritan movement, which held significant sway in Halifax. The Puritans, with their emphasis on simplicity and their rejection of ornate religious displays, viewed stained glass as idolatrous. Consequently, many of these precious windows were removed, their radiant stories silenced.

However, the spirit of restoration has breathed new life into the minster. Where possible, these fragmented narratives have been pieced back together, a poignant reminder of the resilience of art and faith. The restored windows, though perhaps incomplete, offer glimpses into the rich iconography of the past, inviting us to contemplate the delicate balance between tradition and reform.

Beyond the Stones: The Minster's Role in Community:

Halifax Minster's story isn't confined to its architectural and artistic merits. It has always been, and continues to be, a vital hub for the community. Until November 2009, it served as a parish church, the heart of local spiritual life. The transition to minster status recognized its historical and regional significance, solidifying its role as a focal point for worship, reflection, and community engagement.

A Call to Exploration:

To truly appreciate Halifax Minster, one must experience it firsthand. Walk its hallowed aisles, trace the intricate stonework, and allow the stories embedded within its walls to resonate. Imagine the generations who have stood where you stand, their hopes and fears echoing through the centuries.

Halifax Minster isn't just a historical landmark; it's a living testament to the enduring power of faith, the resilience of art, and the enduring connection between a community and its spiritual heart. It's a place where the past and present converge, inviting us to explore, to reflect, and to discover the layers of history that make it so uniquely captivating.

The pictures were taken with a Polaroid is2132 Bridge Camera on the 1st June 2014, clicking any image below should open a link to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Halifax Stocks, they can be seen outside the West Gate entrance to the church. They were moved from the north side of the gate to the south side in the 1960's

The West Gate, this used to be sighted further east near to the clock tower. It was moved to it's current location in the 1960's the former Halifax Stocks were also moved at the same time from the north side of the gate to the south side.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

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