ST ANDREW’S Church in Narberth has an annual Gift Day which has traditionally been on St Andrew’s Day, but this year it has been decided to move the date of Gift Day to a significant moment in the history of the church - May 11.

Church members and the people of Narberth and beyond have always generously supported St Andrew’s on Gift Day as well as at other fundraising events held throughout the year. The Church Committee felt that as the November date often clashed with the annual Christmas Coffee Morning as well as other seasonal expenses, another date in the year would be a better option.

Why May 11? Because it was on this date, in 1322, that Narberth’s first Rector was appointed. Elaine Lidgate, author of the history of St Andrew’s Church, provides the following details:

The church building, (which is Grade II listed and therefore of significant importance today), dates back originally to the 13th century. Only the north wall of the church and the tower remain of this original building as there was a major expansion of the church in the 1870s. This early church was of some note as the list of churches ordered by the Pope in 1297 included Narberth, along with mention of a ‘Parson’. Later, on May 11, 1322, King Edward II appointed Rev’d Hugh ap Griffin as the first Rector of Narberth. At that time, the Rector of the parish was entitled to receive all the tithes, making it a well-rewarded role.

2022 was the 700th anniversary of this appointment; the Rector of Narberth at the time, Rev’d Martin Cox, was joined by Bishop Wyn Evans to commemorate the occasion with a special service in church.

Leading up to May 11, 2026, there will be printed envelopes available in church for contributions to the Gift Day fund. Other means of donating will be by cheque (payable to Narberth Parish Church) or bank transfer (sort code: 54-10-18; Account number: 11079290).