It’s been a site of Christian worship for over 900 years since when St Micheal the Archangel began ‘guarding’ the North Gate into the formerly walled city of Bath.
Four churches later – and with that stone defence long gone – the church is very much at the centre of city life. Apart from being a house of prayer, it’s opened its doors to many gatherings from concerts, stand-up mic nights and even cooking demos by top chefs.
Last year it played its part in the early days of the fight against Covid 19 when a manufacturing base was set up to make protective equipment for medical services.
Now, with the country starting to open up and Easter week underway, the church is once again able to welcome anyone who seeks quiet and peace. They don’t ask to see your faith card on the way in.
I’ve been along to talk to the Rector, the Reverend Roger Driver about how the pandemic has affected the church’s community role and also to talk to a member of the congregation who must rank as one of its most creative.
But first l asked the Rector what arrangements they had to let people in during Easter Week.
Cartoonist and illustrator Mark Cripps has created a prayer trail for Holy Week – based on the Stations of the Cross.
Both Mark and the Rev Driver explained just how important the visual element still is within faith.
Going full circle from the stories displayed on stained glass windows to the ever – changing images of today’s social media.
There’s more information about Easter Week and the exhibition via https://www.stmichaelsbath.org.uk
