The Fonts
St Nicholas has two fonts - one usually stands just inside the entrance, the other on the left-hand side of the chancel arch. They make an instructive contrast. One is clearly very old, some think it may be the oldest object in the building. The other was made at the time of the 1980 restoration.
The old font was removed from the old church when it was pulled down in 1857. It passed through several hands into the possession of one Matthew Fowler MP, in whose garden it stood for some time. When dying in 1898 he directed it to be restored to the custody of the vicar and wardens. It came home in 1904. The font bears the date 1700 and part of an inscription . . ."ChW..." perhaps a portion of the word "Church Warden".
The fonts remind us of the many children who over the centuries have been signed with the sign of the cross and washed in the waters of baptism. The modern font contains a matt black metal representation of the descent of the Holy Spirit 'like a dove'. No one could call this particular dove faint-hearted or timorous! It descends with incandescent power, recalling the description of Jesus as 'the one who will baptise you with the spirit and with fire'.
If you have time, yuo might like to reflect on your own journey of faith from childhood to the present day. You may feel moved to renew your baptismal promises. Please pray for the children of our nation and for all, young or old, who have been baptised, 'that they may continue Christ's faithful soldiers and servants until their lives' end'.