Saint Samson to welcome all this weekend

Friday 28 July 2023

A series of events focused in and around St Sampson's church this weekend will honour the lives of those whose graves fell into a quarry nearly 60 years ago, and the life of the parish saint.

The church - on Church Road, just off Southside at the Bridge - is considered to be the oldest religious site still in use in the island, with its history traced as far back as the sixth century.

The St Sampson's Church Patronal Festival begins today, with events tomorrow and Sunday too.

This evening, a Memorial Service is being held for those whose graves were disturbed when part of the church yard fell into a neighbouring quarry.

That happened in August 1969. A large number of graves fell into the quarry with many remains never being recovered due to the dangers involved.

Pictured: The Dean of Guernsey, Reverend Tim Barker will lead the Memorial Service.

Restoration work, including the reburial of those whose remains were recovered, continued into the 1980s. Last year, drone photography taken from above the quarry revealed some bones were visible. They were confirmed as being connected to the landslide and those which could be recovered, were.

From 17:00 today, relatives of those whose graves were disturbed, and anyone else who wishes to attend, are invited to gather at the church.

The short Memorial Service will begin at 18:00.

Tomorrow the Patronal Festival will focus on Saint Samson himself, with talks about his life and work.

Having been born in Wales, he was ordained and elected Abbot before he "reluctantly consented to be consecrated a Bishop". He was known to have travelled to Brittany where he founded the Abbey of Dol, which became the Church of Brittany. That role included oversight of the Channel Islands which brought him to Guernsey.

He landed at St Sampson's Harbour, where the parish church would be built nearby.

Pictured: History.gg details Samson's journey from birth to being Bishop and patron saint of Guernsey.

Saturday's events will include tours of the parish cemetery which has some "significant graves". These include that of Linda Martel - the young girl who was believed to offer spiritual healing.

There are a number of soldiers graves from both world wars, and numerous family graves linking the past with the present. 

More recently a cat was buried in the parish graveyard having spent his time there and being seen as a source of comfort for mourners.

Sunday's church service will include refreshments before and after for those who wish to attend.