Event to celebrate All Things Bright and Beautiful composer at former Fahan home

A celebration of poet and hymnist Cecil Frances Alexander is taking place at The Old Rectory in Fahan, her former home.

Hosted by The Churches Trust, An Evening with Cecil Frances Alexander features music, light sculpture, spoken word, and historical reflection.

The evening  honours the enduring and unifying legacy of Cecil Frances Alexander who is known for timeless works such as All Things Bright and Beautiful and There is a Green Hill Far Away.

The Old Rectory holds deep historical significance — it was here that Cecil Frances Alexander lived with her husband, William Alexander, and gave birth to two of their four children during their five years in residence.

 The organisers have  extended heartfelt thanks to the Dorrian family for opening their home in memory of the late Mrs Pat Dorrian (née Carlin), who held deep admiration for Alexander’s humanitarian work and literary achievements.

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The event includes a panel discussion from 6pm to 7:30pm featuring  historians Gordon Smyth (Christchurch, Strabane), Elizabeth Fielding (Friends of St Columb’s Cathedral, Derry), and Eva Baxter (Enniskillen) who  will take part in a discussion exploring the impact and charitable legacy of Alexander’s life and writings.

This will be followed by a parlour concert from 7:30pm to 9pm with a performance by the acclaimed folk trio The Henry Girls from Malin.The evening also features a spoken word and poetry recital  hosted by Kathy Donaghy, award-winning journalist and author of Finding My Wild.

The session will feature original works from members of the Each Bird Sings writing workshops held in Strabane in September.

Artefacts from St. Columb’s Cathedral’s Alexander collection, curated by Bridgeen Rutherford, will be on display inside the house. Outside, visitors can enjoy a magical light installation created by the Inishowen Carnival Group in the garden.There will also be a crochet workshop with textile artist Anna Stainsby.

Tickets for the event, which is funded by Peaceplus managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council, are extremely limited. To inquire or join the waiting list, please contact The Churches Trust.