On Saturday, 15 October a seminar was held to mark the retirement of Dr Raymond Refaussé as Librarian & Archivist of the Representative Church Body Library, the main library and archive of the Church of Ireland.
Dr Raymond Refaussé, recently retired Librarian & Archivist at the Representative Church Body Library.
The event took place in the Music Room at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, where, between 10:30pm and 1.00pm, seven speakers made presentations reflecting upon Dr Refaussé’s 35 year contribution to the archival heritage of the Church of Ireland. This was followed by the presentation to Dr Refaussé of the Archives and Records Association of Great Britain & Ireland’s Distinguished Service Award by its president, Dr Alex Buchanan.
In reply Dr Refaussé thanked the speakers warmly for the kind words and humour and spoke of many happy hours meeting and working with historians and genealogists alike. He indicated too that although now retired he did not intend to stop working!
The speakers were.
Opening Reflection: Rev. Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh
Why Study the Past or Specifically the Church of Ireland Past: A
Not So Serious Look: Rev John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher
Ray Before Ray: Church of Ireland Record Keeping
Before Ray Refaussé:
Prof. Raymond Gillespie, University of Maynooth
Dr Refaussé (second from left) being congratulated on his retirement by Máire Mac Conghail (second from right), President of Accredited Genealogists Ireland. Also John Grenham and Joan Sharkey, both AGI Council members.
Ray and the Church’s Historiography & Publishing Story:
Dr Kenneth Milne, Church of Ireland Historiographer/
Chairman of the Literature Committee
Ray and the “Genies”:
Steven ffeary-Smyrl, Chairman of the Irish Genealogical
Research Society & immediate past president of Accredited Genealogists Ireland
Editing Ray and Humorous Library Anecdotes:
Canon Adrian Empey, Christ Church Cathedral & formerly
Principal of the Church of Ireland Theological College
Raymond’s Contribution to Irish Archival Development – An
Archivist’s View: Dr Elizabeth Mullins, School of History
University College Dublin