Keswick at 150 years old

It would be possible these days, it seems to us, to attend a Reformed and Bible-based conference virtually every month – possibly even more often.

Anyone who attempted to do so might well end up extremely well-taught and godly – or mad. Either way, they would almost certainly be quite a lot poorer, given the costs involved.

And while quite a lot of events might well publicly maintain they are open to anyone, in practice they tend to attract attendees mostly from the particular theological stable of the organisers.

It is to its credit, therefore, that Keswick ably attracts a wide spread of people from across Reformed churches denominationally. And its geographical draw is also impressive (not to mention the international ‘Keswicks’ it has generated). Moreover, the event is free – although of course there is the cost of transport and accommodation. Then again, who can resist the lure of the Lake District?

For all these reasons and more, then, we salute Keswick on its 150th convention – and pray that there are many more years to come.

It is tempting to speculate light-heartedly what a Convention might look like in 150 years. Perhaps developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), DNA and robotics will enable Keswick to be addressed by a platform of speakers consisting of human robot clones of Calvin, Lloyd-Jones, Augustine of Hippo and Wilberforce. Music could be led by a similarly created group of Handel, George Beverley Shea, William Gadsby and the Gettys. (It would be just like ABBA’s ‘virtual avatars’ concert in London… Well, possibly a very tiny bit!)

But back to today. Thank you, Keswick, for many years of faithful Bible teaching. We pray for the Lord’s blessing and protection on you and your future, and all present.