My first impressions of St Sampson's church, when I came to consider the post of Rector in 2004, was “where is everyone?”. I was sure I had the right place (the directions were clear enough), but apart from a few houses it seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. What I had forgotten, of course, was the peculiarity of Cornish churches. Whereas, in the rest of the country, churches tended to be built where people lived (or next to the Lord of the Manor), in Cornwall it is often a bit different. The Cornish style has often been to recognise a place as having some particular spiritual significance, perhaps (as at South Hill) a close association with a saint, a hermitage or some such, regardless of whether it is particularly close to where most people live.

This is not the only approach, of course, and there is much to be said for having the church at the centre of the community. However, I believe there is something in the relative remoteness of St Sampson's which is important and deserves to be recognised. It is something about turning aside from the normal, drawing aside to something that is different and somehow a bit separate.

St Sampson's is a brilliant place for doing just that. Maybe it’s the ancient stones, or the centuries of prayer and worship, but in true Cornish tradition it is a hallowed place. If you have not been there for a while, come and renew your acquaintance, if you have not been before come and let God surprise you. If it is not open for a service, rest a while in the churchyard or ask for a key (details in the church porch), enjoy it.