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Special service at St
Columb's Cathedral
14.12.07
PEOPLE who enjoyed the
world premiere of the film 'Amazing Grace' in
Buncrana earlier this year may be interested in an
interdenominational service in Derry this Sunday.
The service at St Columb's Cathedral at 4pm is being
held to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of
slavery and the death of slave trader John Newton,
who is believed to have had a spiritual epiphany
during a storm on Lough Swilly in 1748. |
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Margaret Edwards,
education officer with the Museum and Heritage
Service explained: "It was recorded that John Newton
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
December 21, 1807, almost 200 years ago."
People of 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.
The service is being organised by Dr Morton and
staff at St Columb's Cathedral in association with
Derry City Council. It's believed that John Newton
worshipped at the St. Columb's Cathedral when he was
in Derry.
Further details can be obtained by contacting the
Harbour Museum at 028 71 377331. |
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