Archbishop adds sparkle to church’s candlelit carol service

Jan 1 2008 by Gareth Rogers, South Wales Echo

A TINY village church was pleased to welcome the Archbishop of Wales for a carol service.

Rev Dr Barrie Morgan visited the congregation at St Lawrence, at Lavernock Point, between Penarth and Sully after an invitation from the friends of the remote church – who are looking to revamp the listed building in the new year.

The Archbishop gave an address before Rev Margaret Stark led a series of carols, which were sung by the congregation and soloist Angela Maguin, from Montpelier, in France, who is a native of Penarth.

A spokeswoman for the Friends of St Lawrence said: “All agreed the candlelit church was a perfect setting and particularly clear was the real joy everyone felt in having the Archbishop with them at this very special time in the year and we are so thrilled that he could be making the Christmas address.

“We know we have a demanding task ahead of us in restoring and adapting this lovely old country church into a place that can be fully utilised and enjoyed by many more members of the community in a variety of ways while still being able to continue its heritage by occasional gatherings for worship, but we all believe it is a job worth doing.”

After the service, Colin Kitsall from the holiday park at Lavernock Point invited everyone back to the park for minced pies and mulled wine.