Quaker memorial opened in Waterford
Quaker memorial unveiled in Waterford
Waterford’s Quaker heritage has been acknowledged in the official opening of the city’s Quaker memorial.
The memorial, funded by the local council, is on the site of the first Quaker Burial Ground in Waterford, in John’s Lane. Its official opening, two years after completion, was scheduled to coincide with Ireland’s National Heritage Week. The mayor of Waterford City and County, Lola O’Sullivan, formally opened the memorial.
The first Quakers arrived in Waterford in the early 1650s, building two Meeting houses and two burial grounds. The first was used from 1689 until 1764, and holds the graves of some 200 Quakers.
In 1944 Waterford Quakers gave both burial grounds, at John’s Lane and in the adjacent Wyse Park, to the city. They were intended to be used as public amenities, but by 2004 had fallen into disrepair. Local Friends, led by Joan Johnson, met with the council in a bid to remedy the situation.
Meetings continued for some years, leading to the council funding the memorial to the tune of €50,000. Waterford Quaker Ken Wigham, an architect, drew up the plans.
The opening, on 30 August, was attended by more than 100 people. It began with silent worship, during which the names of thirty-two Quaker families buried in John’s Lane were recited. Newtown School and Newtown Junior School students flanked the memorial during the ceremony.
Joan Johnson spoke of the history of Quakers in Waterford. She congratulated the city council ‘on claiming a part of the heritage of Waterford’.
‘I believe it to be an appropriate, simple and useful space which commemorates those early Quakers who made a considerable contribution to the City of Waterford,’ she said of the memorial.
Joan’s sentiments were echoed by mayor Lola O’Sullivan, who said: ‘There is no doubt that Quakers over the years have contributed hugely to the industrial and commercial development, the welfare, education and cultural life of Waterford City, and it is fitting that this memorial is now in place.’
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