October 12 (2025) was a significant milestone in the story of hymnwriter Cecil Frances Alexander, as it marked the 130th anniversary of her death (at The Bishop's Palace on Bishop Street Within, here in Derry/Londonderry).
The mother of four, who was born in Dublin, is perhaps best known for her prolific hymn writing, but it would be very wrong to forget that she was also a doting wife and mother, also a grandmother, as well as being a dutiful servant of God.
In October 1850 she married the Anglican clergyman William Alexander, who went on to become Bishop of Derry but sadly, she died the year before he was called to serve as Archbishop of Armagh (1896).
On a recent visit to St Columb's Cathedral I had opportunity to spend time studying the many wonderful stained glass windows there, including a personal favourite - the purple-hued tryptic depicting St Columba's journey to Iona. However, I also stopped to admire the tryptic dedicated to Mrs Alexander.
Oh! And just so you know - Veritas Tours offers a 'Churches Tour' during the Spring to early Autumn tour season in the Maiden City.