Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford is launching a new fundraising campaign for its roof replacement with an evening of lectures on Waterford’s past, present and future.
This takes place on Wednesday, September 25th at 6.30pm in Christ Church Cathedral, Cathedral Square and is a free event, to which all are welcome.
Patsy McGarry, the Irish Times Religious Correspondent, leads off the evening with an interesting and insightful evaluation of the changing role of the Church of Ireland in the country over the last 200 years. This will be followed by Dean Maria Jansson’s exploration of the changing role of the cathedral locally, nationally and internationally. Finally, CEO of Waterford City and County, Michael Walsh sets out his view on the future of Waterford, socially and economically.
While this will be an interesting and educational evening, it is principally organised to launch the Cathedral’s fundraising campaign to replace the slates on its roof, damaged during Hurricane Ophelia two years ago.
That churches need new roofs is not a new story, especially when the roof of the cathedral in question is over 200 years old: but what is new is how the Cathedral is raising funds for its roof repairs.
Dean Jansson is asking parishioners, the Waterford public, tourists and businesses to buy a piece of history by purchasing a 240 year old slate taken from the original roof of the Cathedral built by John Roberts in 1779.
Considering the Cathedral and the Church of Ireland’s openness to all, the Dean is hoping that the old roof will belong to the whole of the community in Waterford and its friends abroad.
“The Cathedral belongs to the City, it always has done. It has so many friends throughout Waterford and beyond, we hope this campaign captures their imagination, that they take this opportunity to buy a slate and own a piece of history.” explained Dean Jansson.
The plans are ambitious, but she is confident. “This is a way of permanently linking this generation with an iconic building in Waterford and preserving that connection for generations to come.”
Christ Church Cathedral is, arguably, the finest 18th Century ecclesiastical building in Ireland. Designed by John Roberts, the architect of Georgian Waterford, it is a strong example of the elegance of the period, taking on board principles of Neo-Classicism and symmetry, alongside fresh and decorative rococo styling. John Roberts also designed Waterford’s Roman Catholic Cathedral on Barronstrand St.
There has been a Cathedral on this site since 1096. It was on this site of Christ Church that in 1170 that Strongbow married to Aoife, daughter of Diarmait Mac Murchada, King of Leinster. This is, therefore one of the most important historic sites in Ireland.
With the support of Waterford Chamber on the evening Dean Jansson emphasised that there has always been a strong link between the Cathedral and the community of Waterford, in particular the business community. Many people have supported the Cathedral over the years. The Waterford business community and many, many generous individuals came together only 20 years ago to save the cathedral by raising a significant amount of money.”
There are volunteers on hand in the Cathedral during its publicised opening hours, willing and able to help anyone who calls in to buy a slate for a €50 donation.