Nissen Huts, Home Communions and Holy Space





What does the Lord require? 




The architect told us that our parish church, now about 120 years old, was in need of love care and attention. Its builders had given in to the temptation to use sand from the sea shore in the mortar, which appeared cheaper but was not. Salt-laden winds from many quarters stayed damply over the porous brick. Discussion told us that we wanted to renew the old mortar, we could afford to do so, and we got on with the work. The work is almost completed, and early in March we shall return from the church hall to the Nave for our weekly services, and be pleased that we replaced the chairs (with a pleasant rust coloured cushion) with nice new wood.

Almost 50 years before, Launcelot, my ordaining Bishop, had sent me to my second curacy (!).  Our family and those who might join us, were to represent the existing churches of King’s Lynn to new arrivals from Greater London, and vice versa. We were the sixth family to move onto the brand new Fairstead Estate and we stayed there for six years. We built a dual use community centre, and had communion in our houses… and we visited every house as it became available.

The only church I was ever vicar of was 970 or so years old (or so), and almost certainly had older foundations. We also had use of a modern dual purpose building built (mostly) by a previous vicar and curate, and a deeply loved Nissen hut, and eight schools and 15,500 people (or so).
We may explore this more next time. God’s Time does not stand still. Equally, we all – every one - needs Holy Space. 

At the heart of the Temple at Jerusalem – the Holy of Holies was empty except for the High Priest on one day in the year. 

We also have each other, our friends and neighbours and others whom the lord has sent… and we do not forget Jesus, the Son Of God and our brother, and the Holy Spirit of God.


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