From Parish Church to Minister: Halifax Gets a Raise

The newly elevated Minster Church of St. John the Baptist

Halifax, West Yorkshire

In late 2009, West Yorkshire received its second minster church with the elevation of Halifax Parish Church, otherwise known as the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist.  The other such church of note resides in Dewsbury.  Of course the grandest of minster churches in the region is that of York, the archiepiscopal see of the Primate of England.   

When a friend of mine relayed this news to me recently, I was not at all surprised, given the energy and charism of the new Vicar, The Rev. Hilary Barber.  It was here, during the months of May and June 2009, that I worked with the Vicar on a field education placement while at the College of the Resurrection doing an independent study on Anglican-Islamic relations.  

I found the parish church to be extraordinary.  The history, the architecture, and the people who are the church, made for an exciting worship service every time.  It was impossible to take a step on the church grounds without stepping on a floor memorial, etched deeply by time and love.  Interestingly, the church is not located in the center of Halifax, but rather sits quietly below the fringe of the commercial heart.  I admit that I was lost the first time I visited Halifax in order to meet with the vicar, my growing hunger amid the cold rain did not help my sense of direction in the least.  

There is no question, however, that the minster is struggling financially.  The church is over 900 years-old and has weathered the religious storms and showing its age.  There are several windows inside that were smashed during Cromwell's Protectorate, the replacements are clear glass and affectionately called "Commonwealth windows."  With so much local history embedded in the floors and walls of the minster, the parish is poised to be a house of prayer for the people of Halifax.

By contrast, Dewsbury Minster has completed an extensive renovation of the buildings and created a cafe, gift shop, and a modern museum chronicling the history of the Minster.  Dewsbury is not only staying relevant, but is apart of the revitalization of the area with its exemplary vision and determination.   

I enjoyed my time worshipping with the people at Halifax.  The highlight was the celebration of the parish's Patronal Feast Day on that of John the Baptist.  The former Archbishop of York, Lord David Hope was the preacher and the new Muslim Mayor of Calderdale, Arshad Mamoud was there along with a local Imam. It was a great evening for the town.