The “Cecil Frances Alexander Celebrated” project 2026 explores the remarkable life, writings and enduring influence of one of Ireland’s most beloved hymn writers.
A Legacy of Faith, Poetry and Shared Heritage
Born in Dublin in 1818 and closely associated with Strabane, Fahan and Derry~Londonderry, Cecil Frances Alexander left an extraordinary legacy through her poetry, hymns, charitable work and commitment to humanity and faith. Her words continue to be sung by millions around the world through hymns such as ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and ‘There is a Green Hill Far Away’.
The project brings together communities across borders, traditions and generations to discover her story, celebrate shared heritage and explore the values of compassion, creativity and reconciliation that shaped her life.
The Churches Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), together with Derry City and Strabane District Council, whose funding and encouragement have enabled communities to come together to celebrate this important, unifying cultural and spiritual figure. The Cecil Frances Alexander Celebrated project has engaged participants from across Northern Ireland and the border counties with workshops, lectures, heritage visits, creative writing programmes, music, research and community events.
Through a programme of talks, workshops, performances and heritage experiences, participants have explored Alexander’s connections with places including Strabane, Baronscourt, Fahan and Derry~Londonderry. The project demonstrates how a nineteenth-century woman’s voice can still inspire contemporary conversations about identity, belonging, faith and community. By rediscovering Cecil Frances Alexander’s (CFA’s) story together, participants have found common ground across traditions while celebrating the rich cultural heritage shared across this region.
Project Elements:
- Steering Group
- Each Bird Sings Writing Workshops - Strabane
- Intergenerational Willow Lantern Making Workshops – Strabane & Killeter
- Milltown House Preservation Group
- CFA Mural Development support with St. Columb’s Cathedral and Local Primary Schools Workshops – Derry~Londonderry
- All Souls Lantern Walk and Walking Tour of places of faith – Strabane Town Centre
- An Evening with Cecil Frances Alexander at The Old Rectory, Fahan, Co. Donegal.
- Historical Musical Research and Hymn Commission & Education Pack KS3
- Celebration Concert ‘Choirs Unite’ – Strabane
- CFAC ‘Bright & Beautiful’ Heritage Bus Tour – Strabane/Baronscourt/Killeter/Fahan/Derry~Londonderry
