Sunday 6 October 2019

St Lawrence, Beeston St Lawrence

I had driven past this church several times over a period of a couple of years and thought how intriguing it looked. I felt it deserved a visit, so finally one day I stopped which was difficult to say the least as this church stands on the side of a busy main road. It has no carpark and very little verge to pull onto however there is a little country road about 30 seconds past it which has space for one vehicle to pull into.

I walked back to the church and entered the churchyard from the little gateway that opens onto the small grass verge right beside the main road. I approached the beautiful little church along the rough stone pathway. The gorgeous round tower loomed above me.

I entered the church wish to my amazement was unlocked. The old door swung open and to my surprise I was greeted with very little inside. Some of the pews at the rear of the church has been removed and it appeared some restoration work was being conducted on parts of the floor. It was evident that while still consecrated this building was not longer used for active worship. The walls were all white washed and looked very fresh. The vaulting of the ceiling looked as though the local landowners or benefactors from the near by hall had mirrored the ceiling from one of their ballrooms.

It is a real shame this building is no longer used for regular worship as I think it would make a magical and awe inspiring place to hear hymns ring out in praise of God.