NEWS BRIEFS

Ireland’s longest bridge opens on Wexford-Kilkenny border. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge crosses the River Barrow between Wexford and Kilkenny.

Brexit – A redefining day

Speaking ahead of the formal withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union this evening (31 January) the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rt Rev Dr William Henry, has said today ‘will not only leave people with a range of emotions, hopes and fears’ but will also ‘redefine relationships’.

“Here on the island of Ireland, there is no doubt that today marks the end of an era for both the UK and the Republic of Ireland and a change in European, national and local relationships. As an all-island church, with congregations in both jurisdictions, in October of last year I had the opportunity to visit some of our border presbyteries to meet with those who will be immediately impacted by the UK’s changed relationship with the European Union,” Dr Henry said.

“What was apparent to me then, across all of my engagements with farmers and business people among others, is that while much of the national discussion has concentrated on economic factors, the impact on people and relationships in particular is perhaps more important. At the centre of all of this are people who are simply trying to do the best for their families, employees and communities.

“Today, Friday 31 January, will not only leave people with a range of emotions, hopes and fears, but also marks the next stage in the redefining of the UK’s relationship with the EU. There is much important work still be done in negotiating new arrangements. As that work takes place, we continue to pray for those in leadership, and especially the newly formed Northern Ireland Executive, as it seeks to find solutions to the many presenting issues that remain,” he continued.

“What is clear, however, whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in, we have a faithful and loving God who cares deeply for us and desires that we put our trust in his Son Jesus who is the same yesterday today and forever.”

Prayers of healing requested for Lyn Scott (CMSI Mission Partner)

Just over three weeks ago, Lyn had a bad fall on her way to teach students at St John’s Theological Seminary during heavy rain. She has injured her back and right knee quite badly and is in a lot of pain. Rest, painkillers and physiotherapy are what the doctor has ordered. Pray for Lyn to make a full recovery and for God’s peace and patience to reign over the Scotts in Zambia.

Digging for Emmet

Ghostly Images From Dublin’s past
Brought Back To Life Through Digitization

In February 2019, the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Archbishops of Dublin met at St Michan’s Church, Dublin, to issue an appeal for the return of the head of an 800-year old mummy which was stolen during a raid at the church’s crypt. At this event, a chance meeting between Colin O’Riordan, a photographer for Independent News and Media, and the Diocesan Communications Officer for Dublin and Glendalough, Lynn Glanville, resulted in the identification of some glass slides that had remained a puzzle for decades.

Although Colin found identifying the church somewhat difficult, he focused on the windows of the side of the church and compared these with old images of Dublin churches from around this time, determining that the church in question was St Peter’s, which was formally positioned on Aungier Street. Colin then followed up his conversation with Lynn by bringing the slides (which he had rescued years before) to the RCB Library, re-telling his story and how his research had progressed. Generously, he donated them for the Church’s permanent safe-keeping at the Library.

In a collaboration with Colum O’Riordan, General Manager of the Irish Architectural Archive, where the slides were digitised, the slides were dated to at least 1889 due to the presence of an advertisement for Bovril (the Bovril Company having been founded in this year). With 1889 as a starting point, we began to research any leads from parish and other resources in the RCB Library. What kept recurring during the research was the excavation of the graveyard of St Peter’s around the time of Robert Emmet’s anniversary in 1903. As revealed by the vestry minute books, the Select Vestry of St Peter’s Church met on Thursday, 19th March 1903, to discuss a letter from Dr Thomas Addis Emmet ‘requesting permission to open the ground covering the Emmett [sic] vault in the Church Yard’. Dr Emmet (1826-1919) was the grandson of the elder brother of Robert Emmet, Thomas Addis Emmet, a member of the United Irishmen who was arrested in 1798. Newspaper reports from the time – written by Dr Emmet himself – confirm that an excavation of the grave yard of St Peter’s occurred on 6th July 1903. Other photographic evidence from the National Library of Ireland allowed for the RCB Library to identify many of the people in the glass slides.

What is particularly interesting and invaluable is how detailed they are, and the quality. There are 13 images in total, clearly showing an excavation of the cemetery that was attached to the church of St Peter. These are evocative images, capturing life in Dublin during the late 19th century, the interaction between the labourers on the ground, digging and moving burial stones, with the church officials overseeing matters. It is striking how close we were to losing these important and fascinating images – a reminder of the importance of preserving such artefacts. With Colin’s foresight, and the Irish Architectural Archive’s help, the RCB Library is now presenting all thirteen lantern slides as part of February’s Archive of the Month.

[[] www.ireland.anglican.org/library/archive ]

Take Part in the City of Derry International Choir Festival

The organisers write – We have officially opened applications for our 2020 festival, 21-25 October!

We have two exciting additions for 2020 with our Primary School BIG SING and Choir of the Festival Competition!

We have a fantastic programme of evening concerts and our Choral Trails, Community Concerts and Sacred Trail will run throughout festival week, showcasing the best that choral music has to offer in our city!

Provisional Timetable

WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER
International Symposium
Conducting Masterclass
Opening Gala Concert

THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER
Primary BIG SING
Evening Concert

FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER
Post-Primary School Competitions and Workshop
Evening Concert

SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER
National Competitions: Equal Voice, Mixed Voice, Popular, Jazz & Gospel
Big Sing Workshop
International Competition (evening)

SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER
National Competitions: Sacred Music, Vocal Ensemble, Youth Choir, Choir of the Festival
Closing Gala Concert and Award Ceremony (evening)

The Community Programme will run throughout the festival week and will feature Choral Trails, Community Concerts and a Sacred Trail on Sunday 25 October.

Check out our new 2020 syllabus for details of how you can take part!
[[] https://derrychoirfest.com/take-part/ ]

 God in creation