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Local History Library

The Philip B. Wilson Local History Library, officially opened in 1998, at Waterside House, Oxford Island, is named in honour of a past Curator and Historian in recognition of his contribution to local history. It houses almost 6,000 reference books relating to the history of the local area, in particular, two unique Christian Heritage book collections. The first meeting of the Society of Friends in Ireland took place in Lurgan in 1654. The Society had an important social and economic influence in the area over a period of time and was particularly significant in the development of the local linen industry. The first Lurgan Meeting House was built in 1696. The Quaker Book Collection was donated to Craigavon Museum Services by the Ulster Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. The Quaker book collection includes biographies, obituaries, writings on social issues and travels in ministry dating from the 17th century through to the 20th century. The Rev. John Wesley visited Ireland over twenty one times in the mid eighteenth century and preached in Lurgan, Portadown and the surrounding area many times. The Methodist Book Collection includes writings by John and Charles Wesley, for example, letters, sermons and journals. There are a number of volumes detailing the history of the Methodist Church in Ireland and Great Britain along with local church histories and a range of hymnbooks and biographies of prominent Methodists. The broader aspect of this collection is one of its strengths and it includes Moravian books and books on the influence of other denominations on the development of Methodism. SeeJ0561 : Enterprise barge beside Waterside House Museum, Oxford Island