21.09.2013
Whitechurch Seminar Commemorates RM Gwynn and 1913 Lock Out
A seminar to commemorate the 1913 Workers Lock Out took place in Whitechurch Parish Old Schools in the grounds of the church on Thursday September 19. A large crowd was in attendance to hear of the role played by the Revd RM Gwynn SFTCD and his medical doctor wife, Eileen. RM Gwynn gave significant support to workers during the Lock Out.
Gwynn is buried in Whitechurch graveyard and a short act of commemoration took place at the graveside before the seminar concluding with a wreath being laid by Archbishop Michael Jackson.
Three speakers delivered enlightening papers providing a picture of Gwynn and the wider context of the 1913 Lock Out. The seminar was a local contribution to the centenary commemorations of the Lock Out and was held against the backdrop of the Commemorations Committee established by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland to mark the significant historic centenary dated on this island between 1912 and 1922.
The speakers on the night included Archbishop Michael Jackson who addressed the subject of ‘Gwynn, the Educationalist’. Canon Patrick Comerford talked about ‘Gwynn, the Priest’. Padraig Yeates of SIPTU gave a talk about ‘The Lock Out 1913’.
You can read the full contributions prepared by the speakers by clicking on the following links:
The Revd Professor RM Gwynn (1877–1962): priest – Patrick Comerford
The Lockout 1913 – Padraig Yeates
Photo Catpions: Top – Archbishop Michael Jackson, Canon Patrick Comerford, Padraig Yeates and Canon Horace McKinley.
Bottom – Canon Horace McKinley and Archbishop Michael Jackson at the graveside of RM Gwynn in Whitechurch.