On my January weekend off, I had the pleasure of visiting Lichfield Cathedral, a very imposing Gothic-style cathedral just outside the town centre itself. Built in the 13th Century, as with many cathedrals you get a real sense of history, of presence, and the feeling of wonder of how many thousands upon thousands have worshipped in this place over centuries.
While I was wandering around, imagine my surprise when I came across something far, far older…this table:
I’d not heard of it before, but it’s a table made from Black Oak which is not just a few hundred years old, but over 5000 years old! Apparently in the Fens, a mighty forest full of black oaks stood many millenia ago, and eventually sunk into the peat where is was perfectly well preserved. We’re talking about trees here that predate the Pyramids, Stonehenge – seriously old.
Discovered in 2012, a 13.2 metre section of tree was discovered, and over many, many months the wood was dried, cut, shaped, and turned into this 13.2m table. It’s deeply impressive… if mugs of coffee are not allowed on our Emmanuel Communion table I hate to think what the penalty would be for doing the same on this one. The Dean of Lichfield has this to say: “The Fenland Black Oak Table made from a 5,000 year old tree reminds us of the wonder of God’s creation and the future of our fragile world, together with our responsibility to care for, and conserve, it for future generations. And as we reflect on the skill of those who have created such a stunningly beautiful table we can be gently challenged to consider the impact our lives, our actions, and the right use of our God-given gifts, might have on those around us.” – The Rt Revd Jan McFarlane, Dean of Lichfield
Good words! Read more about the project and see more images like this one at: https://thefenlandblackoakproject.co.uk/
I rather like that the wood was turned into a table. It could have been turned into a scuplture, other furniture, or made into many items and scattered all over the country, but somehow the decision was to make it into an item that you and I use every day, and which has great importance in church life too. Tables in church should declare hospitality and welcome – and when we say ‘all are welcome’ of course we must mean it, too.
The table that we have at Emmanuel is one that holds cross and Bible, candle and often a stand for my notes. When the bread and wine are placed on it, we’re reminded that at Emmanuel we’re only offering the gifts Christ has already given us. We’re only declaring the mercy and grace of God which Jesus Christ has already declared for us.
Somehow, as beautiful and well-made, sturdy and solid as our Communion table is, I am not sure that it will last 5000 years. But the bread, the wine, the words, and the grace of God are beautifully timeless. Thanks be to God for all his gifts given to us and given to all.
Rev. Paul Tabraham
Excerpt taken from Emmanuel Magazine February 2026. The magazine, published ten times annually, features articles contributed or authored by our members. It includes a delightful blend of testimonials, devotions, book reviews, prayers, jokes, upcoming events, and more. Grab your copy of the latest magazine at the church foyer. If you prefer to receive a copy by mail or email, feel free to reach out to us.