Window tribute to ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ hymn writer

The ‘big reveal’ at Killeter, in the parish of Derg and Termonamongan, on Sunday 18 April will be the first public display of the ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ showpiece feature.

The much-loved hymn was composed by Cecil Frances Alexander – the wife of Church of Ireland Bishop William Alexander – who lived in the Castlederg area in the mid 1800s.

St Bestius’ rector Rev Peter Ferguson said he believes the window will become a “must see” attraction for anyone visiting the area.

“I have seen the window and it is a thing of beauty,“ he said.

“It’s something our entire community can be proud of. I believe that for anybody doing a visit or a daytrip to Killeter, this window will be a ‘must-see’ part of any visit to our area.”

The stained glass window project was launched in 2018, on the 200th anniversary of Cecil Frances Alexander’s birth.

“As a community, we’ve grown together,” Rev Patterson said.

“And we’ve also grown in our knowledge, our understanding, our appreciation, our respect, our celebration of the Alexanders and what they brought – not just to the Church of Ireland community here but to everybody in the community and further afield – through her beloved hymns and poems.

“So, this project will see St Bestius’ Parish Church completely restored and some innovative and exciting community ideas as well.”

The unveiling will take place during a ‘Bright and Beautiful Giving Day’ in St Bestius between 2pm and 5pm.

“Church wardens will be on hand to ensure a Covid-safe environment, and our procedures have been approved by the police,” Rev Patterson said.

He added: “I will be there in person to receive donations and to share details of the parish’s plans. We need St Bestius’ parishioners and supporters to be generous and to contribute according to their means. I’m encouraging them to ask their family members for donations... and I’m hoping that St Bestius parishioners will get behind this and do the same.”