Special service for Wales' first minster
Swansea's iconic St Mary's Church will become Wales’ first minster in a special service later this month.
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 centre landmark and has long been home to Swansea’s civic services.
It will now be known as Swansea Minster, a title given to a large or important church in a urban area which 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 £2.8m over the next five years from its Growth Fund to complete the transformation.
Vicar of St Mary’s, Rev’d 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 recognised for what it is, and in the place it is.
“It’s also seen as a boost to the city. Many city centres 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, which takes place on Sunday, February 16, will feature specially-commissioned music by composer Sir Karl Jenkins and the sermon will be preached by former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams.
“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 will be heard for the first time at the service and then will be here for everlasting, so that’s a fantastic thing to happen.
“Archbishop of Wales Andrew John will lead the procession and Dr Rowan Williams will preach, and then we’ve got a video of the history of the church and the city, and then Mal Pope and Steve Balsamo will sing our diocesan anthem.”
The service will also feature prayers from people from across Swansea before St Mary's is formally declared Wales’ first minster by Bishop John.