Future of City Churches
The Bishop of London has obviously taken the right course in 'setting up a special commission to consider the future of the London churches. Lord Merriman is to preside ; the Lord Mayor and the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects are both to sit on it ; and in addition to suitable clergy there will be other representatives of the City and " some representation of wider interests." Whether by chance or other- wise, the churches of London suffered heavily from high explosive in the earlier raids. But the bulk of the damage has been from fire, which in the case of stone-built structures (like most of Wren's) leaves the walls and the tower standing. Where this is so, the whole church can be restored with little new save roofs, woodwork, and window-panes. Brick structures, on the other hand, are apt to be irredeemable wrecks. Much might be said for making restorability the test—piously repairing those capable of repair, but selling the sites where no substantial remains persist. It may be debated just where to draw the line, but generally speaking the line will draw itself.
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