Celebration in Ballycastle of birth of renowned hymn writer

Tuesday February 22nd 2011

One of Monsell's most famous hymns was Fight the good fight with all thy might.St James's Church, Parish of Ramoan, Ballycastle, is to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of renowned hymn writer and former rector, the Rev Dr John Bewley Samuel Monsell.

A Service of Thanksgiving will take place on Sunday March 6 at 11.30am. The celebrant will be Canon Kenneth Ruddock, Diocesan Curate, and the address will be given by the Very Rev Dr Godfrey Brown, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church.

The Rev JBS Monsell (1811-1875) was born in Londonderry and was rector of Ramoan from 1838-1839. He was responsible for the erection of Ballycastle Parish Church and was Chancellor of Connor (1847-53) before moving to England.

He wrote 11 volumes of poems and 300 hymns during his lifetime. His popular hymns were published in several hymnals. They were bible-based and included the well-known 'Fight the good fight with all thy might' and 'Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness'.

 

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