Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain and which rises above the town of Fort William on the west coast of Scotland, has strong Methodist connections. At the top of the mountain is what has become known as the peace cairn.
The plaque on the cairn says:
“Erected to the glory of God and in memory of the fallen of all races on VJ Day, August 16th 1945, by members of Vicar Street bible class, Dudley, who were then enjoying the hospitality of their Scottish friends at Fort William.
From this mountain memorial the affectionate hand of friendship is extended to the youth of every nation in the world.”
On another face of the cairn is a second plaque, this one erected in 1965 by the youth associated with the World Federation of United Nations Associations and International Student Movement of the UN. It concludes with the phrase “Blessed are the peacemakers”
Bert Bissell, an influential leader of the bible class in Dudley, is fondly remembered for leading regular pilgrimages up Ben Nevis to the cairn, and as Vice-President inducted at Conference in Wolverhampton, I took the opportunity yesterday to follow in his footsteps up the mountain.
3 comments:
Well done - you made it - albeit wet. Sorry you seem to be having wet weather up there. Hope you sleep well after your climb, and that you enjoy your stay in the Shetland District. We will look out for more news.
Grandma and Grandpa
after listening to our BBC news bulletins, it is so good to read some good news! 'Blessed are the peacemakers.'
It's good to read about your visits to Shetland and Ben Nevis. I have a strong link with both because I was a member of Vicar St.Young Men's Bible Class and was involved in Building the Cairn on Ben Nevis - one of the team which took up the the Cement and Memorial Stone in the Photograph - there was 200 lbs to carry!!. We also have fond memories of Shetland where I was Chairman for eleven years.
This year I have celebrated the 50th year of My ordination as a Presbyter. All these things are part of a rich tapestry of ministry. Every blessing on your year of office.
David Monkton
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