A Word from The Rector

Parish of

Bangor Abbey

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A Word from The Rector . . .

Summer 2010

Dear Friends,

It has been a huge pleasure to receive so many gifts these past two months:

Copper Font Inset

A new inset for the font made of copper by Samantha Moore, a work of art and a beautiful addition to our furnishings.

Wall Hangings

Members of our own Craftwork Group produced three wall hangings for the south transept depicting the life of the Abbey

Copper Font Inset

through it’s first four hundred years. They are stunning! Colourful and intricate they highlight the main themes of the early church’s life.

The St Mirin Window

As a major missionary centre Bangor Abbey had many links with religious foundations in Scotland. Paisley Abbey was reputedly founded by St Mirin, a pupil of St Comgall, and the stained glass window reflects that association.

Symbolism to be found in the design:

Craft Group

The pointed star	‘The Word made flesh.’
Falling Feathers	Bangor Abbey was known as ‘The Vale of Angels’ from a vision of St Patrick.
Thistles	Scotland
Flowers	Taken from the Paisley coat of arms.
Shamrock	Ireland and the Holy Trinity
Heraldic fish	From Bangor’s coat of arms
Water	Symbolic of the travels of St Mirin and the missionary saints of the Abbey.
Shoal of fish	Comgall had a vision that Columba and some of his monks were to visit and requested divine assistance to provision them. A shoal of fish swam close to the shore and was caught to feed the guests.
Mouse	When a local farmer refused grain to feed the monastery his store of grain was eaten by mice!
Central light	The vision of Mirin bathed in heavenly light, God the Father radiating light and love, The Son of Righteousness with healing in his wings.

The artist was Ann Smyth and the window was created by CWS Design, Lisburn.

Frances Filmer also gave book markers and a pulpit fall in green in memory of her late husband David (pictured right).

These generous gifts will enhance the experience of worship in Bangor Abbey for future generations.

Click here for more photographs.

With best wishes,
Ronnie