For the first time since he was enthroned as Bishop of St Asaph, the Right Reverend Dr Gregory K Cameron has blessed a church bell during a special service in Llangystennin.
The Bishop was joined by Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar as well as the Mayor and Mayoress of the Bay of Colwyn for the service at St Cystennin’s Church following the £6000 refurbishment of the bell.
The repair work was carried out in memory of parishioner Patricia Howell. Her husband Gary donated the money for the restoration after Patricia tragically died while out walking in April 2011.
Saturday’s service was led by Team Vicar the Reverend Peter Walker before the Bishop led the congregation outside for the bell blessing. Everyone in attendance then took it in turns to ring the refurbished bell themselves.
Bishop Gregory said:
“Bells have called the faithful to worship for thousands of years now – and it is great to see this part of our heritage preserved and renewed.
“I hope that local residents will welcome this familiar sound – and even take heed of its invitation.”
As part of the service, Llandudno Museum brought along the Celtic Llangystennin bell – the first bell to be hung at the church. It’s believed that Saturday’s service was the first time the bell had been at St Cystennin’s since the 1880s.
Gary Howell from Mochdre, who donated the money for the refurbishment in memory of his wife Patricia said:
“Pat and I always planned to leave money in our wills for the church to refurbish the bell anyway and it’s great to see that it’s happened now.”
