UNESCO plaque unveiled as Gracehill’s global status takes centre stage

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons is pictured at the unveiling of the UNESCO plaque at Gracehill along with (L-R) Sarah Groves, former Bishop of Gracehill Moravian Church, outgoing Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tyler Hoey, outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, Alderman William McCaughey, Alderman Thomas Gordon, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Mr David McCorkell and Chair of Gracehill Old School Trust, Dr David Johnston OBE.

Northern Ireland’s first cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site has marked another landmark moment after an official plaque was unveiled in the historic village of Gracehill, cementing its place on the global stage.

The unveiling ceremony brought together international guests, civic leaders, cultural representatives and members of the local community to celebrate Gracehill’s recognition as part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation known as the ‘Moravian Church Settlements’.

The recognition is expected to boost tourism, increase international interest in the village and strengthen long-term efforts to preserve one of County Antrim’s most historically significant settlements for future generations.

Gracehill was formally inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 26 July 2024 as part of a transnational partnership linking four Moravian settlements across the world.

The designation includes:

• Gracehill, Northern Ireland

• Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States

• Herrnhut, Germany

• Christiansfeld, Denmark

The international partnership is collectively recognised under the title ‘Moravian Church Settlements’.

Historic village gains global recognition

Gracehill has long been recognised for its remarkably preserved architecture, cultural importance and strong community identity.

The plaque unveiling was deliberately timed to coincide with the annual in-person meeting of the transnational UNESCO partners, with this year’s gathering taking place in Northern Ireland.

The day-long programme celebrated both Gracehill’s heritage and its growing international connections.

Alongside the plaque unveiling, attendees witnessed the opening of a new garden dedicated to Sister Shaukirk (1730–1797), officially opened by US Consul General James Applegate.

Musical performances from Gracehill Primary School and Ballyduff Silver Band also formed part of the celebrations.

Sister Shaukirk is regarded as a symbolic link between the four UNESCO-recognised Moravian settlements, having lived in each of the communities during her lifetime.

She spent her final years in Gracehill and is buried in God’s Acre, the graveyard beside Gracehill Moravian Church.

Management plan launched to protect future of site

The occasion also marked the formal launch of the Gracehill Local Management Plan by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA.

The plan is designed to support the ongoing protection, conservation and promotion of Gracehill as a World Heritage destination while ensuring the site’s historic character is safeguarded.

The document was signed by:

• Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA

• Outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford

• Chair of Gracehill Old School Trust, Dr David Johnston OBE

• Recently retired Bishop of Gracehill Moravian Church, Sarah Groves

The Minister also announced a joint investment with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in a dedicated World Heritage Site manager for Gracehill.

The role is intended to help oversee the long-term management and international profile of the village following its UNESCO designation.

Leaders hail ‘historic day’ for Gracehill

Outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, described the event as a defining moment for both Gracehill and the wider borough.

He said:

“This is a proud and historic day for Gracehill and for Mid and East Antrim. The UNESCO designation recognises not only the unique heritage of this remarkable village but also the dedication of generations who have safeguarded its character.

“We are delighted to celebrate this achievement with the community and to share this special place with the world.

“The UNESCO plaque will serve as a lasting symbol of international recognition, ensuring that Gracehill’s story continues to be shared with audiences locally, nationally, and globally.”

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the unveiling and wider investment marked an important step in protecting Northern Ireland’s first cultural World Heritage Site.

He said:

“It was great to be at Gracehill to announce, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, our joint investment in a World Heritage Site manager for the village, to launch the Local Management Plan for the site and to unveil a plaque on the Moravian Church.

“These are crucial investments as we work with local stakeholders and our partners in the Gracehill Moravian Church and Gracehill Trust to ensure that the outstanding universal value of Northern Ireland’s first Cultural World Heritage Site is well understood and managed.

“I am pleased to see representatives from the three other parts of this transnational site here today as well, demonstrating the strong ties and connections that continue to sustain the overall World Heritage Site.”

Chair of Gracehill Old School Trust, Dr David Johnston OBE, said the occasion reflected both Gracehill’s history and its future international potential.

He commented:

“This is an exciting day for Gracehill as we think about the 400th Anniversary of Ballymena and the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

“We celebrate not only Gracehill’s rich historic international ties but also our growing partnerships as we welcome our World Heritage guests and add another chapter to the story of this special place.”

The newly unveiled UNESCO plaque now takes pride of place on the exterior front-facing wall of Gracehill Moravian Church, serving as a permanent symbol of the village’s international cultural significance and its growing role in Northern Ireland’s tourism and heritage landscape.