Throughout the summer, a new exhibition at Christ Church brings forgotten cathedral artefacts to light.
In the daily life of the cathedral, the historic archives and cathedral treasures receive regular attention. However, relegated to storage rooms and dusty areas, out of sight and mind, are unused and forgotten artefacts. Curious or outdated, discarded or over- looked, the intriguing array of items on display in this exhibition reveal long-forgotten aspects of cathedral life; from fragments of old pottery, seals, swords and deed boxes to choir books, guide books and brass plaques. Each item gives a glimpse into the past, helping visitors understand the evolution of Dublin’s oldest continuously-used building.
Fascinating associated stories abound, from the soldier eaten alive by rats in the cathedral crypt to the Archbishop of Dublin’s gallows at Harold’s Cross. See a widow’s mite coin discovered in the cathedral grounds, dating from 100 BC; a bone needle used for stitching shrouds; a Viking box; photographs of the neighbourhood from the 1870s and a selection of beautiful gothic keys, among other items.
This exhibition has been curated by Canon Roy Byrne, a member of the cathedral's Library & Archives Committee, and the cathedrals' Exhibition Officer Dr Ruth Kenny. It is open daily 9am-7pm and entrance to the exhibition is covered by the normal cathedral admission charge. See christchurchcathedral.ie or contact ruth@christchurch.ie
There will be a Coffee Morning & Bake Sale at St Michael's Church, Pery Square, Limerick, tomorrow from 11am to 4pm. This is to raise funds to assist Ms Rachel Brickenden, a third-year nursing student and parishioner of St Michael's who is travelling to Belarus as a volunteer at a summer camp, to work with children and their families affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
The agm of Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise will be held tomorrow in Christ Church cathedral, beginning with an opening service in the Lady Chapel at 1.30pm. The cumann has provided an Irish translation of the prayers commemorating the Battle of the Somme which were produced by the Liturgical Advisory Committee. It is available on gaeleaglais.ie.
Two events will be held in St Patrick's cathedral, Armagh, tomorrow to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Armagh's famous sons, Charles Wood, who was born on June 15th, 1866, in 11 Vicars' Hill. The Cathedral Choir will sing Evensong at 3.15pm, which will feature music by Charles Wood, including the anthem O Thou the Central Orb, Wood's setting in D of the Evening Canticles, and hymns with tunes written by Wood. At 4.15pm, the monthly cathedral recital will be given by the choristers and young men of the choir, directed by Dr Stephen Timpany. In St Mary's cathedral, Limerick, at 5pm there will be an organ recital to mark RSCM Music Sunday. Peter Barley, organist at St Mary's, will play works by Elgar and Walton and Baroque masterworks by JS Bach, Buxtehude and Handel.
The Standing Committee of the General Synod and the Executive Committee of the Representative Church Body will meet in Church of Ireland House, Dublin, on Tuesday.
The Music in Calary 2016 Series continues in Calary parish church, Co Wicklow, on Wednesday evening when pianist Lance Coburn will play works by Beethoven, Schumann and Tchaikovsky, while on Friday evening Beth McNinch (viola), Lance Coburn (piano) and Sharon Carty (mezzo) will perform works by Brahms, Loeffler, Frank Bridge and Michael Head. Tickets from derekneilson@eircom.net