favourite churches - St. John the Baptist Parish Church. Ermine ...

FAVOURITE, CHURCHES
Whether for the beauty of their architecture, their unique atmosphere or thriving religious communities,
Britain's churches still attract extraordinary loyalty and devotion. In a special four-page guide,
Christopher Howse introduces a selection of the most popular, as nominated by Telegraph readers
rom readers'
• nominations for
100 favourite
churches, what
comes over
strongly is a
• feeling of
belonging. They
love them. And
the scale of this
feeling is
impressive. More
than 3,500 people
wrote in to
nominate a favourite church, and most of the
choices were different.
Since this selection is of only 100, most
people will be disappointed by not seeing
their nomination in the guide here. The
number of worthwhile churches to choose
from is astonishing. For a start, there are
13,150 Church of England parishes, and about
1,600 Church of Scotland parishes.
As we announced when the project was
launched in August, we were not looking for
the churches with the most votes. This was not
Pop Idol (not that such television ballots are
scientific). We wanted to learn which churches
attracted support, and for what reasons.
Parishes that campaigned to send in multiple
nominations were not disqualified.
We wanted to hear about churches in cities
and in the country, churches in England,
Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland. Cathedrals were
disallowed; to include them all
would leave little room for
other churches.
But how can we have left off
1 Malmesbury Abbey, say, on its
river-rounded hill wrapped in
stone streets? Well, it could
have been 100
favourite abbeys;
but we wanted a
variety of wellloved
churches.
What about the
hundreds of
marvellous old
churches in
Norfolk and
Lincolnshire? Or
if you want
architectural
surprise, try Rycote
Chapel in
Oxfordshire, with
its 17th-century
fittings like
something from the
Mughal empire.
But other things
are attractive in a
living church, apart
from architecture.
One or two of the churches
listed here are, frankly, ugly.
I hardly dare say which, for,
like loved children, they
gladden the eyes of those
who hold them dear.
Readers were asked to
recommend two criteria
from nine categories: the
servioe; the sermon; the
historic building; the music/
choir; hymn-singing by
the congregation;
facilities for children;
the welcome before or
after; the newsletter;
and comfort.
Not many made
the comfort of the
church a priority.
Lots thought the
care of children
worth noting. We
did not ask about
bellringing, but
people
mentioned it,
and we have
tried to mention
it where it thrives.
Some newsletters are
impressive, and now
there are websites too.
You have shown that the great attractions of
churches in the United Kingdom remain: their
beautiful, historic buildings; the sincere
conduct of Sunday services, often with a good
sermon; and excellent musical traditions
supported by the devotion of local
worshippers.
Erin Baker sampled 10 recommended
churches and writes here about what she
found. Anna Aroo did piles of research,
talking to dozens of clergy and church
workers a day.
The style of worship in each of these 100
favourite churches will not please everyone. It
is not meant to. Yet there is something good,
alive and active about each one.
It would be invidious to declare my
favourite. For architectural thrill, Tewkesbury
Abbey is a must. The peaceful, ancient walls of
little St Martin, Canterbury, provoke a
different emotion. I want to see Leuchars
before I die.
Try visiting at worship time. That can mean
as little as sitting quietly as the regulars go
about their godly business. One man's
welcome can be another's intrusion, but
remember that the welcomer can be as shy as
you. If you want to be sure the service is on,
ring a few days in advance.
Contrary to popular belief, churchgoing is
more popular than watching football, and
Britain is a very good place to do it. It's
something to celebrate.
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