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Queen Ethelberga exerted her influence to persuade King Edwin to accept baptism. But now it's Bishop Paulinus who takes center stage. He's the king's man now, important with his head full of spiritual subjects. But it's a tricky position. Paulinus advises the king to build a stone church to symbolize permanence. But Edwin builds it on the site in York where he was baptized - the site that still has stone blocks placed by the Romans. Ethelberga is wise enough to know her husband places more emphasis on this world than the next. And if the child she carries is male and survives, that her own influence will return.
Book Excerpt
Saxon Heroines
Paulinus is the king’s man now. He leads daily worship in the Great Church, while my ladies and I attend chapel led by a mere priest. Once Paulinus relied on me to intercede with King Edwin, but no longer. He’s the archbishop, the man who will usher Edwin into heaven.
Paulinus told my husband an eternal God must have a church built of stone, so when people enter, they know the building will stand for eternity. Edwin agreed, and ordered foundations dug around the timber structure. I doubt Edwin cares what God wants, but he’s impressed by the stone ruins of the Roman garrison. I know my husband. If the Romans built in stone, he will do the same.
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