What is the place of heritage in the life of the Church today? This was the question raised when the thought of a heritage trail was first raised. Why should the past be made special? Shouldn’t Christian people always look forward to where God is calling them to worship and to serve?

There are always new opportunities and new ways of presenting the gospel and caring for those in need. Yet, it is important too to recognise and celebrate those who in the past, in their generation, found ways to serve. The struggles they faced and the triumphs they achieved were theirs alone. Their faithful witness are examples that can encourage Christians of this age.

Isaac Newton often quoted statement reads: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” By not forgetting the heritage of the past Christians can build on what has gone before and look to the future.

Methodists have always looked back to the Wesley’s. The theology and methodical attitude of John and the hymns of Charles are part of the heritage that is carried forward as the church embraces new things.

My hope in encouraging the formation of the Heritage Hub and trail for the Burnley and Pendle Circuit was to help people see the past as it laid the foundations for what is now shared by many. I hope you find these pages interesting, informative, and inspiring. Hopefully you may even visit the sites, or possibly attempt one of the walks.

Paul Davis (Chair of Lancashire District 2013-2022)