CHURCH OUTING TO BEDFORD 2019

 

JOHN BUNYAN (1628-1688)

 

On the 11th May 2019 the Gaulby Fellowship went on an outing to Bedford arranged by Rachel and Sarah where we had fellowship together and learned about the life of John Bunyan, the notable seventeenth century preacher and author of The Pilgrim's Progress. We were joined by some of our friends from Countesthorpe Baptist Church.

 

We learned about Bunyan's conversion and how, as a Puritan, he drew his faith directly from the Bible. At a time when religion and politics were closely entwined it brought him into conflict with the established church. As a result he spent over 12 years, in two spells, in prison in Bedford gaol where he wrote The Pilgims's Progress and Grace Abounding among other works. The Pilgrim's Progress is, after the Bible, the second best-selling book in the world. It has been translated into over 200 languages.

 

We had a guided tour of the Bunyan Museum and the Meeting House which is on the site where Bunyan met with other Independent believers to worship.

 

This was followed by a short guided walk to take in some Bunyan Landmarks:

 

• The Swan Hotel – Bunyan’s wife Elizabeth appeared here to plead for John

• Site of Town Gaol – Bunyan may have served his 2nd sentence here. The Gaol was part of the bridge

• Site of County Gaol – a plaque marks the spot on Silver Street where the gaol stood. His first sentence was served here.

• The Bunyan Statue

 

After a break for lunch we visited Abbey Church of St Mary & St Helena and The Moot Hall at Elstow, just south of Bedford, where Bunyan lived and grew up.

 

Our time in the church at Elstow was concluded by singing together Bunyan's glorious hymn: Who would true valour see (To be a pilgrim).

 

The Gallery below shows some pictures from the day.

 

If you have not read The Pilgrim's Progress do take the opportunity to do so - you are in for a treat! Click the link to Pilgrim's Progress to take you to our BOOKS page.