A Message from The Rector

Fifty years ago this Parish undertook the enormous task of renovating Bangor Abbey which had fallen into severe disrepair.  At a time of great austerity and of limited means they completed the refurbishing of the church and left a legacy which we continue to enjoy.  It was an expression of great faith, generosity and sacrifice on the part of everyone involved.

As  we celebrate the anniversary of that undertaking we are offered an opportunity to invest in the next fifty years of parish life in the renovating of our halls and the provision of additional facilities to form a Parish Centre.  A Centre that will not only meet our own present needs, but will allow us to fulfil an important ministry in the local community.  There is no doubt that the proposed work is necessary and urgent.

Our halls are in a sad state and fail to meet current standards for health, safety and access.

Restored they will provide us with bright, clean, warm and welcoming premises.  More than that, the new extension will give us wonderful flexibility in the use the halls can be put to and allow them to suggest new patterns of ministry.

Quite deliberately the plans have an approachable and embracing aspect.  They open the site up to the thousands who pass our doors every day and we hope they become an invitation to explore what is at the centre of our church’s life, Christ himself.

The pages on our website will give you an appreciation of what the Parish Centre will offer.  An important part of the project is a commitment to Kibungo Diocese in Rwanda: you can read more about that.  It will also tell you about ways in which you can make your contribution.  Please take time reflect on how you can play your part.

The fact that we begin from a position of relative strength (with £275,000 in funds) owes so much to those who have kept faith with the vision first proposed six years ago and I want to thank them for that.  Now is the time for the whole Parish to get involved.

The fund will be launched at Harvest Tide and will culminate on Advent Sunday when we come together for a united service to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary.

 Thank you in anticipation of your response.

Ronnie