News from St Gabriel’s, Cwmbran.
Two events occurred during October. Firstly, Fr Tony Turner was inducted as a Team Vicar in the Benefice with responsibility for St Michael’s, Llantarnam. Bishop Dominic conducted the Service with Archdeacon Sharpe and the Dean of St Woolos present. The Area Dean, Canon Pippen, and the Rector of Cwmbran, Fr Michael Phillips, assisted the induction and the Revd Gill Prosser acted as Bishop’s Chaplain.
During the same Service, Fr Tony’s wife, Valerie, was inducted as a Lay Reader, St Michael’s taking advantage of a ‘two for one’ offer!
A coach load of friends and parishioners from the Rectorial Benefice of Monkton in the Diocese of St David’s came up to support Fr Tony and Val on this special day.
The second occasion was St Gabriel’s Centenary Service. On 17th October 1907, the then Viscount Tredegar laid our foundation stone although there had been a ‘tin’ church on the site for many years previously.
Thanks to Fr Michael’s continuous involvement with local schools, no less than five school choirs, Brookfield, Greenmeadow, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran, Henllys Church in Wales and Blenheim Road, took part in the Service. With parents, grandparents, and friends, and our congregation and visitors, we were packed to capacity with many standing. At the rear of the Church, there were scenes similar to the parting of the Red Sea when our own Choir processed and recessed!
Fr Michael guided an interested congregation through the three phases of the building of St Gabriel’s and spoke of the love and devotion given by our predecessors to reach this One Hundredth Birthday. The theme of the Service was to involve the next generation and request them to help St Gabriel’s on to its Bicentenary. In 2107, it will be their great great great grandchildren raising the roof with a spirited rendering of ‘Happy Birthday, St Gabriel’s, Happy Birthday to you!’
It is hard to imagine but, with God’s help, we are convinced it will happen. Bearing that responsibility, the school choirs were sent out with goody bags while the older members of the congregation (not quite 100 years old!) had a more sedate buffet to round off a splendid evening.
Linda Prosser, People’s Warden, St Gabriel’s & Paul Davey, Rector’s Warden.