Archbishop helps church celebrate
The Archbishop of Wales is helping a Pembrokeshire church where medieval figure Gerald of Wales was the first rector celebrate its 800th anniversary.
Dr Barry Morgan will preach at St Mary’s Church in Tenby.
Gerald of Wales was appointed rector of Tenby in 1210, following his passionate but failed campaign for Wales to have its own archbishop.
But that did not happen for nearly 700 years until after the disestablishment of the Church in Wales in 1920.
Archbishop Morgan, who is joining a year of celebrations at the church, said: “When St Mary’s was first built in Tenby in 1210, Wales was a part of Catholic Christendom, the Magna Carta had not been signed and the Normans were building castles to control the land by force.
“It’s certainly seen a lot of changes over the centuries but throughout it has been a stronghold of Christianity and a cornerstone of the community, nurturing and guiding people in their faith and bearing witness to God’s love.
“That’s what we give thanks for today as we celebrate its history and also look forward to its future.”
As well as being a churchman, Gerald of Wales – Giraldus Cambrensis – was Wales’ first travel writer, back in the 1100s.
His book Journey of Wales followed a 500-mile journey around the county with the Archbishop of Canterbury to recruit soldiers for the crusades.
The current rector of Tenby, the Reverend Andrew Davies, said: “Gerald was a famous man in his own right and his appointment marked the foundation of the parish of Tenby.”
He said before 1210 there was a church building there with lots of activity and worship, led by the monks of Pembroke Priory.
“But in 1210 the prior of Pembroke presented Gerald of Wales to the Bishop of St David’s to be installed as the first rector of Tenby.
“We are delighted that the archbishop is joining us – it was his job, not mine, that Gerald really wanted and I think he would have been thrilled.”
Archbishop helps church celebrate
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