Diocese of Down & Dromore

The historic Bangor Abbey, in the Diocese of Down, recently marked two special occasions in its parish life.

The Abbey not only marked the 50th anniversary of the reopening of the church following an extensive restoration programme which was completed in November 1960 but also used the occasion to conclude its appeal - launched on Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday - for a proposed new Parish Centre. It is hoped that work on the new centre, which will cost in the region of £750,000, will begin early in the new year.

The preacher at the Advent Sunday morning service was the Primus of Scotland, the Rt Revd David Chillingworth, who was curate-assistant of Bangor Abbey from 1983 to 1986.The celebrations closed with an evening service of Advent hymns and readings.

Following this, the congregation moved from the church by candlelight procession to the grounds outside to see the church tower illuminated with fireworks symbolising the Advent hope of the light of Christ coming into the world.

The day's events proved to be a fitting commemoration of the dedication of the restored Abbey building 50 years ago. For many years prior to 1960, the condition of the roof of the Abbey had deteriorated as a result of woodworm and decay. The essential reroofing led to a decision to enlarge the chancel and undertake a number of other internal renovations; ultimately, only the walls, tower and spire of the old church remained. Whilst some financial assistance was provided from central Church funds, almost all of the £40,000 taken to remodel and restore the church came from parishioners.

Bangor Abbey, founded by St Comgall around 558 AD as a monastery of piety and learning, is regarded as one of the most historic worship sites in Ireland. It was from there that monks - most notably Columbanus and Gaul - travelled to western Europe to

bring Christianity during what was commonly known as the 'Dark Ages'.

This article by Gifford Savage first appeared in the 24th December 2010 issue of The Church of Ireland Gazette.