29th April 2026

Walkers amongst you will be familiar with Trig Points. Some 6,000 remain dotted across the country, each set on the highest point of a hill or mountain. They take the form of a stone pillar about four feet high, with, on top, a triangular metal mount for a surveyor’s theodolite. From each, it is possible to see two other trig points. Using simple trigonometry, the dimensions of the imaginary triangle can be calculated. Using the same system, the exact location of all significant features in the triangle can be recorded, and accurate maps produced. This was how, ninety years ago, the Ordnance Survey produced the maps you and I have relied on to travel safely the length and breadth of Britain.

Imagine travelling without an accurate map; only a vague idea of what you might encounter, or where things might be; not sure of exactly where you are. This is what early non-conformist John Bunyan had in mind in writing ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’, published in 1678. The central character, ‘Christian’, journeys to the Holy City. It’s an allegory of our own journey through life; the experiences, and tests of faith, we are likely to encounter. You can follow the major stages of Christian’s progress in the Bunyan window, beside the organ at Tyndale… an updated guide will be in the church soon.

In 1936, the Ordnance Survey needed three points of reference to help us in our physical journeying. In the same way, I believe that to understand our journey through life – our pilgrimage of faith – we also need three reference points – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

David Bell