St Chad's, Rochdale

[poliphilo]

Twenty two years ago, when my past was all burned up and my future entirely uncertain, I sat down, feeling really anxious,  in a corner of the churchyard of St. Chad's Rochdale and looked at the church and thought about the dead people lying all around- and got up a little while later knowing that in the long term everything would be fine. I don't know what happened exactly, but it was one of the most significant moments of my life.

Comments

[nostoi.livejournal.com]

It's funny how just a bit of quiet contemplation can turn into something more, and you come away feeling that the end wasn't quite as nigh as you first thought. :)

St Chad's is where many of my family were hatched, matched and despatched; it's nice to have a picture, so thanks for posting that. :)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

It's a small world, after all!

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

That's quite a church and quite a place to have your moment of epiphany.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

It sits on a hill above the town. There's a famously long set of stone steps leading from the town hall car park to the churchyard.

[ajoyfulgirl.livejournal.com]

Old cemeteries are wonderful for that, I think. I sometimes walk the pioneer cemetery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lone_Fir_Cemetery_(Portland,_Oregon)) near my house when I need to remember that feeling "lost" doesn't really ultimately hold a whole lot of meaning beyond being in transition-- and in transit-- transient. And then the crows that live in the old trees there kick up a ruckus and remind me not to take myself too seriously, either.

I'm not sure if you're familiar with the plays of Mr. Martin McDonagh at all-- abrasive with regard to the world, humane with regard to his characters-- if you aren't, I recommend in particular The Lonesome West. There's a scene that manages to put to words that feeling quite well.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I visit old churchyards and cemetries whenever and wherever I can.

I don't know McDonagh. Or- rather- I think I recognise the name, but I don't know his work. I'm going to the library this morning. I'll see if they've got anything of his on the shelves.

[jackiejj.livejournal.com]

Wonderful, Tony. You were so right.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I don't really claim credit for that moment of wisdom. I believe I was "spoken" to.