Our Patron Saint
The Parish Church of West Pinchbeck St Bartholomew is named in honour of Bartholomew the Apostle, whose name in Aramaic can be rendered Bar Tolmai or `Son of the Furrow' - which is appropriate for a Parish with a decidedly rural character!
Bartholomew has been identified, traditionally but by no means conclusively, with the Biblical figure Nathanael. The picture to the left is from the stained glass of the East Window.
John's Gospel speaks of Philip bringing Nathanael to Jesus, who calls him an Israelite worthy of the name. Although Nathanael seems initially cautious, he recognizes Jesus for who he is and proclaims him as Son of God and King of Israel.
Bartholomew is said to have been martyred by being skinned alive, then beheaded, somewhere in Turkey. Our Church Coat of Arms features three flaying knives.
Bartholomew's Feast Day falls on August 25th but by local tradition we celebrate it an adjacent Sunday, and gather for a Parish Picnic after worship.
Bartholomew's Collect (special prayer for the day) reads as follows:
Almighty and everlasting God
who gave to your Apostle Bartholomew
grace truly to believe and preach your Word:
grant that your Church
may love that Word which he believed
and may faithfully preach and receive the same...
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