St Andrew - to whom the church at Blubberhouses is dedicated, was one of the earliest Christians being called by Jesus to be an apostle along with his brother, Simon Peter. Andrew and Peter were fishermen from Capernaum.

In all New Testament lists of the apostles, Andrew is among the first four. He was a follower of John the Baptist before becoming a follower of Christ.

Little is known for certain about where Andrew preached or died or was buried but there are links with Greece and it is thought that he was crucified in Patras. Legend has it that his remains were taken from there by St Rule to Scotland, the place on which Rule came ashore on the east coas becoming known as St Andrews.

From the 10th century Andrew was depicted with a diagonal cross (a saltire) which has been part of the Scottish flag from the 12th century. St Andrew's Day is 30th November. 

 

 

St Michael - the first of the patron saints of the church at Fewston is the Archangel and as such is a saint from Old Testament times. His name means 'Who is like unto God?' In the Old Testament Book of Daniel, Michael is spoken of as the 'the great prince' and the protector of the people of Israel. St Michael has had a strong following in the British Isles from early times. St Michael's Mount is believed to commemorate a vision there from the 5th century (or the 8th century according to different texts).

St Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police and sickness. His feast day is September 29th and is generally referred to as the the feast of St Michael and All Angels.

 

St Lawrence - the second of the Fewston saints