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ACC–19 Members Explore author CS Lewis’s Birthplace
Renowned Christian author CS Lewis’s Belfast home and parish welcomed Anglican’s from all over the world yesterday evening (Thursday July 2). Seventy members and guests at ACC–19 set out for East Belfast to explore the birth place of the Narnia author.
The first stop was St Mark’s Church, Dundela, where he was baptised and confirmed. The Old Rectory at St Mark’s is one of the few remaining buildings with a direct link to Clive Staples (Jack) Lewis. St Mark’s was his home parish, his grandfather was the first Rector. He returned there many times later in life, not least to mark his journey back to faith and memorialise his parents in the stained–glass Lewis window in the church.
After a brief introduction by the Rector, Canon Dr Helene Steed, delegates were delighted to see the replica of the door knob on the rectory, an intricate lion’s head, which is said to have inspired CS Lewis. Many also climbed the 45 steep steps to the bell tower to ring the famous St Mark’s bells under the watchful eye of Tower Ringing Master, Don McLean.
Then members enjoyed a visit to Little Lea, the home of CS Lewis from 1905. The house is now owned by Gina Copty, of the Church of Ireland Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue, and her husband Chris McDowell. The house is currently undergoing extensive restoration but members were delighted to be able to explore it, right up to the attic which may also have provided inspiration to the author. A new portrait of CS Lewis, commissioned by Gina and Chris, was unveiled at the event and guests were treated to a magnificent musical interlude.