Churches across the diocese and beyond will be celebrating Yorkshire Churches Day on Saturday, September 13.
The day, organised by the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, looks to help people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to explore the region’s places of worship and celebrate their rich architectural and cultural heritage.
One of the highlights of this year’s Yorkshire Churches Day are a series of specially designed ‘pilgrimage’ trails.
These are walks that link places of worship for visitors to explore, each offering a range of refreshments, exhibitions and displays.
From scenic strolls through the picturesque landscape of North Yorkshire to the historical wonders of the "Deserted Medieval Villages" of East Yorkshire, this event showcases the deep-rooted history and of Yorkshire's church history and heritage.
In our diocese, the ‘Abbots’ Way’ in the Fountains Benefice aims to get people out walking in the Nidderdale area and visiting four rural churches located in the Fountains Benefice.
More on this can be found here.
Tom Ramsden, chairman of the YHCT said: “These pilgrimages offer a unique opportunity to enjoy both the peace and beauty of the Yorkshire countryside and the depth of heritage found in its churches.
“Taking part helps these churches as well as simply being good for the soul.
“Please help celebrate Yorkshire’s churches and enjoy the day.”
Other churches across the diocese are taking part, including St Mary’s Burley in Wharfedale in the Bradford area, who are opening their church to share stories of the building and all the church does.
St Stephen’s Lindley in the Huddersfield area are holding a sketching workshop during the day, offering a relaxed and welcoming drawing session for people of all skills and ages.
Please click here to find out what more churches in the diocese are doing on Yorkshire Churches Day.
The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust provides grants to help churches of all Christian denominations with their repairs and maintenance costs, and they rely on the support of donors and Friends to help keep places of worship open.
They are encouraging as many people as possible to get involved with Yorkshire Churches Day.