Disestablishment 15015 Dec 21

Framed Disestablishment Stamp presented to RCB Library

A framed first day cover of the Disestablishment Stamp was presented to the RCB Library yesterday (Tuesday December 14) in recognition of the contribution of the Library and its staff to the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland.

The special stamp was issued in January 2021 by An Post to mark the milestone anniversary and was the first time that the state had recognised the Church of Ireland in such a way.

The  €1 ‘N’ rate stamp, by Dublin’s Vermillion Design, features an image of the Sun, Moon and Stars stained–glass panel in the Cathedral of Saint Fin Barre in Cork City.

Making the presentation to Librarian and Archivist Dr Susan Hood, Archbishop Michael Jackson said the stamp, which now occupies a prominent position in the Library would act as a reminder of the gift of Disestablishment.

“The Library plays a pivotal role in the life of the Church of Ireland and in our connection with the wider scholarly world,” he stated. “The Stamp represents a unique recognition of the role played by the Church of Ireland through its Disestablishment in the life of Ireland over a century and a half.

“The RCB Library is the right place for the stamp to be and I hope that future generations will be reminded of the responsibility and the opportunity given us by Disestablishment in being free to shape our future in the societies in which we live.”

Dr Hood added: “The RCB Library is honoured to receive this significant presentation from the Archbishop of Dublin, at the conclusion of the 150th anniversary year. It brightens our small display area, where it can be viewed by visitors in the short–term, and thereafter will be kept safe in the context of other Disestablishment anniversary archives for future generations.”

The Stamp is based on the West Window in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, itself built in 1870, the year the Church of Ireland was disestablished. It depicts creation through images of the sun, the moon and the stars along with water, taking us back to Genesis chapter 1.

It is part of the work of William Burges whose design and execution of the cathedral are internationally renowned.