Sir,
Perhaps the following may be of interest to your readers. It is my impression of feelings at the closing of St. Marcellus Church, Martletwy, on January 6, by the Bishop of St Davids.
Here have I stood for a thousand years. The first stones at my feet ring to the strike of the mason's hammer and chisel; with true toil and devotion they see me gradually emerge before them.
Through my years I have sheltered pilgrims, country folk, farmers, foresters, miners and their families who have all come to worship within my walls. I have given them hope and faith through the darkness of hard times of famine, illness and disaster. Many a bereaved family sought my sanctuary to pray for their beloved lost souls in the local mining disaster.
I have seen happier times; the baptism of the young children of Martletwy, and the marriage of local people.
I have offered the final resting place for those who lie peacefully around me.
Although the numbers of the faithful have dwindled, I remain in the hope of regeneration of faith and congregation in the future.
In the meantime, on this cold, new moon winter's night, I remain like the bats under my roof in silence.
The congregation leave for the last time chanting:
"Grant, O Lord, that as we leave this place we may not leave your presence, but be thou ever near us and keep us near to thee. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord" Amen.
Terry Johns,
Llanteg.