Swansea church named Wales’ first minster in Feb. 16 service
[Church in Wales] Swansea’s iconic St. Mary’s Church became Wales’ first minster in a special service on Feb. 16. The declaration was made by Archbishop of Wales Andrew John.
The church, which was rebuilt in the 1950s after being burned to the ground during the Nazis’ three-day blitz of the city in World War II, is a city center landmark and has long been home to Swansea’s civic services.
It now is known as Swansea Minster, a title given to a large or important church in an urban area that serves the civic community and hosts a college of chaplains who serve the area and its people.
The declaration of minster reflects the importance of the building to the city. The Church in Wales is investing £2.8 million, or more than $3.5 million, over the next five years from its Growth Fund to complete the transformation.
The vicar of St. Mary’s, the Rev. Justin Davies, said, “There has been a buzz around the city since the announcement was made. I think people are genuinely pleased that the church is getting recognized for what it is, and in the place it is.
“It’s also seen as a boost to the city. Many city centers are having difficult times, and Swansea is one of those, so to have something positive happening in the middle of Swansea, as part of a greater regeneration funded by the city and county of Swansea, is a really good thing.”
The service featured specially commissioned music by composer Sir Karl Jenkins, and the sermon was preached by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. A video of the history of the church and the city also was shown during the service, which also featured prayers offered by people across the city.
Davies said, “It’s really exciting to have the piece of music composed by Gower resident Sir Karl Jenkins, The Glory of this House, especially for the service. It was commissioned by St. Mary’s and paid for by Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts. It was heard for the first time at the service and then will be here for everlasting, so that’s a fantastic thing to happen.”
