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Special service at St Columb's Cathedral 14.12.07

PEOPLE who enjoyed the world premiere of the film 'Amazing Grace' in Buncrana earlier this year may be interested in an interdenominational service in Derry this Sunday.
The service at St Columb's Cathedral at 4pm is being held to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery and the death of slave trader John Newton, who is believed to have had a spiritual epiphany during a storm on Lough Swilly in 1748.
John Newton, the slave trader who had a spiritual epiphany during a storm on Lough Swilly. Margaret Edwards, education officer with the Museum and Heritage Service explained: "It was recorded that John Newton visited Derry in 1748 whilst his ship, the Greyhound, was being repaired in Lough Swilly.
"His journal recounts his visit to Derry and that he went out shooting with the Mayor. His own musket went off by accident as he dropped it and the shot went through his hat. Before this he had had a number of near misses on board ship as first mate and he then decided to "attend services twice daily" and then turned over a
new leaf.
"He became a Church of England clergyman and is famous for writing a number of hymns and sermons, his most famous being 'Amazing Grace'. He died on December 21, 1807, almost 200 years ago."
People of all faiths are encouraged to come along to the service and it will feature choral performances by the St. Columb's Cathedral Choir of a number of John Newton's hymns.
The service is being organised by Dr Morton and staff at St Columb's Cathedral in association with Derry City Council. It's believed that John Newton worshipped at the St. Columb's Cathedral when he was in Derry.
Further details can be obtained by contacting the Harbour Museum at 028 71 377331.
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