St Olaf's Church, Wasdale facts for kids
St Olaf's Church in Wasdale Head, Cumbria, is famous for being England's smallest parish church. It's a very old and special building. Records show there has been a church on this spot since at least 1550. It's possible there was an even older church here before that time.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
How the Church Got Its Name
For many years, this church didn't have a specific name. But in 1977, it was officially named after Saint Olaf. He was a famous king from Norway. The local church leader at the time, Reverend Raymond Bowers, had friends in Norway. He was the one who suggested naming the church after Saint Olaf. If you visit, you might find a guide called The Vikings: Wasdale Head and Their Church. It tells you more about the church and the beautiful Wasdale valley.
A Special Place for Climbers
St Olaf's Church has a strong link to British climbers. Many climbers visit this area because of the amazing mountains. Inside the church, one of the windows has a small picture etched into it. This picture shows Napes Needle, which is a famous rock climbing spot on Great Gable mountain. Every year on Remembrance Sunday, people gather at 11 AM for a quiet moment of reflection.
Protecting History
This church is a very important historical building. It is officially listed as a Grade II listed building on the National Heritage List for England. This means it's protected because of its special history and architecture. St Olaf's Church is part of the Calder deanery, which is a group of churches in the Diocese of Carlisle.
The Church Family
St Olaf's Church is one of three churches in the Parish of Gosforth & Wasdale. The other two are St Mary's Church, Gosforth and St Michael & All Angels in Nether Wasdale. The main leader of these churches is Rector John Riley. His wife, Lesley, also helps as an ordained minister. There is also a curate named Alison. In 2020, the churchwardens, who help manage the church, were Andrew Lopez and Hugh Foulerton.
Visiting St Olaf's Church
When You Can Visit
St Olaf's Church is usually open every day for visitors. Thousands of people from all over the world come to see this small church each year. For example, in 2019, about 12,500 visitors came from 43 different countries! They came from seven of the eight continents on Earth.
Books for Visitors
At the back of the church, there is a Visitors Book where you can write your name. Near the front, there is also a Prayer Book. In this book, you can write down any special prayer requests you have. The church ministers read this book regularly. They pray for the people and situations written in it. These prayers are often included in the next church service.
Church Services
Church services are usually held at 11:30 AM on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. These services are planned to fit in with the services at Nether Wasdale Church. That church, which is at the other end of the lake, has services on the first and third Sundays. In 2020, public services were stopped for a while because of the COVID-19 pandemic. All three churches in the parish were closed until it was safe to open them again.
See also
- Listed buildings in Wasdale
