Diocesan News
Friends in high places
A Strabane father and son have been thanked by both the Queen and the Pope for sending them copies of a new history of a Church of Ireland church in Tyrone.
The book, Upon This Rock – an updated and illustrated history of Christ Church Strabane, was compiled by Gordon and Trevor Smyth and is the result of many months of painstaking research and hard work.
The two men say they’ve been “overwhelmed” by the support and encouragement they have received – not only from the parishioners of Christ Church Strabane but from other parishes and the wider community.
The book was officially launched in November last year in the presence of the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Rev Ken Good, and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Maolísa McHugh. It includes a chapter on the renowned hymn–writer Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander, who was married in the Old Church at Patrick Street in 1850 and had strong connections with the parish.
The authors say the response to the book has exceeded all their expectations and copies have found their way to many parts of Ireland, Scotland, England and America, with copies also reaching Buckingham Palace and the Vatican.
Recently, Gordon and Trevor presented the Curate of Camus–Juxta–Mourne, the Rev Mark Lennox, with a cheque for £1,800 – a first instalment of the proceeds from book sales so far, which will go directly towards church funds.
Upon This Rock – An Illustrated History of Christ Church Strabane continues to be on sale from Gordon Smyth, Trevor Smyth, the Rev Mark Lennox, vestry members, The Lighthouse, The Alley Theatre, McFaddens’ Newsagents, The Bus Stop, Castlederg, Artigarvan Spar, Sinclair Furnishings, Newbuildings, McCurdy’s Electrical, Strabane, The Holy Shop and The Stables, Sion Mills, or by contacting 07776 425701. Online sales are also available through uponthisrock.bigcartel.com
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org