Hen Eglwys Llangelynnin

Sometimes our days have little resemblance to the ones we’ve planned. Abandoning plans to travel to the Wirral as I don’t feel well enough, we set off on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ - we don’t know where we’re going, but we’ll decide on a destination as we drive. 

As we turn towards the Conwy valley, I suddenly remember about an ancient church we’ve talked of visiting, but of course we have to find it - and we can’t even remember  what it’s called. Taking the wrong route, and almost at the end of a steep hill track, we are redirected by a friendly local, and after many twists and turns, we arrive at the end at a lay-by of sorts where the ‘road’ runs out. Across the fields we can just spot the church bell, and we set off further up the hill. 

This is the 12th century Church of St. Celynnin - one of the oldest churches in Wales, and  predated by the 6th century Holy Well of the same name, renowned for its healing powers. 

We are some 1000 feet up,  remote from where the majority of people live today, down in the Conwy Valley. But back in the 6th century St. Celynnin used to preach to the community living in the hills. I’ve written previously about the richness of history in this valley, and there standing stones, hut circles, hill forts, hill tracks and a Roman route still evident today. 

We walk along these tracks to the church itself. Renovated in the last century, the interior is simple but beautiful. Ancient timbers, worn and blackened benches or pews, leaded windows in impossibly thick stone walls that look out on to the most beautiful view imaginable. What a wonderful place.

We find that next Sunday there will be a sunrise Eucharist held here - a very special event, but I doubt very much whether we will make it. Still, you can’t help be feel close to God up here - the peace, the calm, the stillness. Our music now is birdsong gentle breeze and the sound of lambs grazing in the fields around the church. No wonder, then, that this blessing has been chosen by the ministry area for  ‘those who find God on the mountainside.’

A blessing for a new day

Be blessed by the songs of the birds of the air
for they have no worries.
Be blessed by the silence
for God is whispering to you.
Be blessed by the falling rain
for it is the water of life.
Be blessed by the gusting wind 
for it blows where it will.
Be blessed when the way seems hard
for you have found strength
Be blessed when tears are in your eyes
for you have been touched
Be blessed when your soul soars
for God has spoken.

John Fleetwood 

My main is obviously the church - with collages of the interior and the holy well - especially for Freespiral  of course - as extras. 




More about the old church here:
https://caruconwy.com/llangelynnin-old-church/