Press Release

Interdenomination Service To Mark Abolition Of Slavery

Wednesday 12 December 2007

An Interdenominational Service, led by the Dean of Derry, the Very Rev Dr William Morton, to mark the Bicentenary of the abolition of slavery and the death of John Newton is to be held at St Columb’s Cathedral on Sunday 16 December at 4 pm.

The event is one of a series of events being held in the city during December. Earlier in the week, the Mayor will launch an exhibition at the Harbour Museum, which shows how Ulstermen and women played a distinguished part in the campaign to abolish slavery as well as the part played by those from Ulster who owned slaves and plantation. The exhibition is entitled Hidden Connections - Ulster and Slavery 1807 - 2007 and will be on display at the Harbour Museum until January.

The service is being organised by Dr Morton and staff at St Columb’s Cathedral in association with Derry City Council. The event is being planned to acknowledge the important role played by John Newton, who was a slave trader who later repented his ways and became a devout Christian. It’s believed that John Newton worshipped at the Cathedral when he was in Derry.

Margaret Edwards, Education Officer with the Museum and Heritage Service explained the connection between John Newton and Derry. “It was recorded that he visited Derry in 1748 whilst his ship, the Greyhound, was being repaired in Lough Swilly. His journal recounts his visit to Derry and that he went out shooting with the Mayor. His own musket went off by accident as he dropped it and the shot went through his hat. Before this he had had a number of near misses on board ship as First Mate and he then decided to “attend services twice daily” and then turned over a new leaf. He became a Church of England clergyman and is famous for writing a number of hymns and sermons, his most famous being Amazing Grace. He died on 21st December 1807, almost 200 years ago.”

All faiths are encouraged to come along to the Service and it will feature choral performances by the St Columb’s Cathedral Choir of a number of John Newton’s hymns.

Encouraging as many people as possible to come along, Margaret Edwards said the event providing the local community with a unique opportunity to acknowledge this important part of local heritage.

Further details can be obtained by contacting the Harbour Museum at 028 71 377331.

Ends

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