'All Souls Lantern Walk' in memory of famed hymn writer

STRABANE was transformed into a river of light recently for an ‘All Souls Lantern Walk' in memory of renowned hymn writer, Cecil Frances Alexander.

One of the Victorian era's most famous hymn writers, Mrs Alexander was born in Dublin and moved to Milltown House on Liskey Road in Strabane in 1833.

She grew up there, and It's where she wrote a number of her well-known hymns, including ’All Things Bright and Beautiful'.

The Churches Trust partnered with various community groups in her memory and to celebrate and remember her care for others and her love of the environment.

"She was a true light in difficult times and her hymns, including ‘All things Bright and Beautiful‘ and ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, brought joy and hope into the lives of everyday people”, said Mary Holmes, CEO of The Churches Trust.

The walking tour, which began at Canal Street, visited buildings of faith and historic significance including the Church of the Sacred Heart, Strabane Presbyterian Church, The Methodist Church, Abercorn Square, Patrick Street Graveyard, Christ Church and the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Participants were encouraged to bring along lanterns, some of which had been created during lantern-making workshops held in venues in Castlederg, Killeter and Strabane, with the designs based around words and motifs from the works of Cecil Frances Alexander, using the descriptions of flowers, birds etc from her songs and poems.

As the tour wound through the streets of town, the walk involved the sharing of stories, song and poems at the various venues along the way, including Patrick Street Graveyard, where children from the School for the Deaf and Mute are buried.

The walk ended at St Partick's Hall with seasonal refreshments for everyone.

This project was supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and Derry City Strabane District Council.