OPEN CHURCHES
Bishop Wyn is encouraging all churches to take part in Open Churches Day on Saturday, 19th September by remaining available to the public all day - and, if possible, all year round. He writes:
"Churches have been decribed as 'signposts to the Gospels'. I believe it is vitally important that we ensure these signposts are not just there for the regular worshipper but to give a visible sign of God's love and the Church's ministry to all.
"I know many of you will be concerned about security issues but our insurers, Ecclesiastical, state: If at all possible your church should be left open during the day for those who wish to prayor those who wish to find a place for quiet contemplation."
For further advice, visit www.visitwaleschurches.com or www.ymweldeglwysicymru.com.
Some churches in our diocese which are already open
St Peter’s Church, Lampeter Velfrey (Listed, Grade 2)
Gerald of Wales mentions 
Lampeter and Velfrey in his autobiography (1204/5), presupposing a church to give the place its name. The oldest man-made object in the church is the lead-lined font, still in use after seven hundred years. The church’s Other monuments relate to the Allen family of Cilrhiw, connected by marriage to Josiah Wedgwood, Charles Darwin, Peter Roget (of Thesaurus fame), the poet Henry Longfellow and Lord Salisbury the former Prime Minister. Open 24/7. Tel: 01994 419834; revjc@dentron.co.uk
St David’s Church, Llanddewi Velfrey (Listed, Grade 2)
‘Off the beaten track’ is an understatement regarding this jewel of a church, hidden south of the A40 down a turning just after the garage (going west). Most of the walls, the bowl of the font and the arcade in the chancel are medieval. The vaults on the outside of the north wall belong to the Lewis family (landowners in the area since at least the 17th century) and the Beynons of Trewern. One former Rector was Isaac Newton’s immediate predecessor as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge; another was the successor of Halley (of comet fame) as Astronomer Royal. This oasis of peace with its prayer-soaked atmosphere is well worth a detour. Open 24/7. Tel: 01994 419834; revjc@dentron.co.uk
All Saints’ Church, Llangorwen, near Aberystwyth
Historic Oxford Movement Church, with the first stone altar to be built in Wales following the Reformation. Admire our wonderful bronze chandeliers - a gift to the Church from John Newman, latterly Cardinal Newman, who is now in line for sainthood. Open daily. Tel: 01970 828911; j.wheeler432@btinternet.com
St Mary's Church, Cardigan
This Grade 2* church was built in the 12th Century by Benedictine monks, whose Priory was next door. Its fine Chancel, rebuilt in the 15th Century, is a superb example of the Decorated style, with many surviving original features. The three-storey West Tower was rebuilt in the 18th Century. Many gravestones relate to the Town's maritime past. Open daily. Tel: 01239 612722
Holy Cross Church, Mwnt.
This is a single-cell, Grade 1, church of medieval origin with connections to the 6th Century Saints. The Font is of porphyritic stone found in the Preseli hills. This was a stopping place for vigil over the bodies of the saints for pilgrims on their way to Bardsey Island/Ynys Enlli. Open every day of the year. Tel: 01239 612722
St Cynllo Church, Llangoedmor
This Grade 2* church is set on a beautiful site in a wooded valley. The building is unusual in having a nave and chancel of near equal length. The central steeple is an extraordinary miniature version of a Wren spire, done in local (Cilgerran) stone and tinged with Greek revival detail Wren would never have used! Many other interesting features. A lovely place to spend some time. Open daily. Tel: 01239 612722
St Tudwal's Church, Church Road, Llanstadwell
Open every day, in daylight hours. It is situated in a beautiful, peaceful spot on the northern shore of the Cleddau estuary, and is on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The tower is thought to be Norman. Tel: 01646 600227 or 01646 602464. cox@hazelbank111.fsnet.co.uk
St Mary’s Church, Lady Street, Kidwelly, is open every day, 8.30am to 6.00pm, when visitors can see a splendid Thomas Warne organ, a fine English alabaster statue of Mary and many other fine features. Further details: www.kidwelly.gov.uk/attractions_st_marys.php; Tel: 01554 890295; ficerdy@tiscali.co.uk
St Thomas’ Church, St Dogmaels, (Shrine of Our Lady of Cemais), next to the ruins of the Tironian Abbey of St Mary and the Hanes Llandoch Heritage Centre, is open throughout the year. Tours can be arranged. For parish pilgrimages, the church and its amenities can be made available for a celebration of the Eucharist or any other service. Tel: 01239 612030.
If you would like your church featured here, please contact revjc@dentron.co.uk