The History of St. Michael's Church |
The present Church, which seats 150, was built in 1844, and replaces an earlier building. Some people believe that the earliest Church dedicated to St. Michael was established in 717AD, but there is no evidence to prove this. The Church stands like a beacon on the top of a hill at the head of the Vale of Ffestiniog and can be seen from all directions. It is obviously valued as a place of worship because when it was threatened with closure in the early 1990’s, the whole community rallied to save it. Major works were undertaken on the Church in 1993/1994 when substantial repairs were carried out to the roof and much of the structure was re-pointed. However, there is still work that needs to be carried out internally, such as re-plastering, replacement of some joists and floorboards and some minor roof repairs. Ffestiniog’s most famous Rector, Edmund Prys (1543-1623)was a notable historical figure, serving as Rector of St. Michael’s Church and Archdeacon of Meirionnydd. He was a preacher of distinction, translator and poet and was crowned Bard at the National Eisteddfod . He published his version of the Psalms in Welsh and published the first Welsh book of hymns. A very comprehensive book has been written by Kate Robinson (now Porteous) detailing the history of the Church, copies of which were sold to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Church. |
| Appeal |