Blue plaque placed on Leamington shop front to commemorate inspiring missionary and educator
A new blue plaque commemorating the missionary, educator and physician Reverend Arthur Margoschis has been erected on the frontage of the Seasalt Cornwall store on Regent Street in Leamington town centre.
Reverend Margoschis was born in Leamington in 1852.
He trained for a while as a doctor in London then made his way out to Nazareth in southern India in 1875.
During his life there, he made numerous invaluable contributions to the lives of local residents including establishing educational institutions, an orphanage, a Thrift Fund Society, a teachers training school for girls, the Art Industrial School, a theological seminary, a railway station, a spinning mill, a telegraph facility, roads and other vital infrastructures.
He died in 1908.
The plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Leamington Cllr Ruggy Singh on Thursday November (27).
Cllr Singh said: “What an incredible journey the Reverend lived.
"It was fascinating to learn about how he was born and spent his early years in Leamington then dedicated the rest of his life to improving the lives of so many others in so many ways.
“His story as a missionary, educator, and even physician is an inspiring example of what one man can achieve, and I am privileged to have been able to unveil this commemorative plaque in his honour.
The Leamington Blue Plaque Scheme, which is supported by Leamington Town Council, recognises past residents who were born, lived in and worked in Leamington and made significant contributions to the town or to the wider world.
In this instance, it celebrates the contributions of the Reverend, which might otherwise have been overlooked.
The plaque was nominated and generously supported by Mr Sam Jebakumar and also supported by a donation from the Leamington History Group.
Cllr Singh added: "Leamington Town Council’s Blue Plaques Scheme brings together a group of volunteers and local organisations dedicated to celebrating the town’s rich history.
"I wish to thank the Blue Plaque Group for their hard work in ensuring the life’s work of people like the Reverend Margoschis is recognised and appreciated”
A fuller biography of the life of Reverend Margoschis has been published by the Blue Plaque Group.
For more information about the group and the scheme visit https://tinyurl.com/4p7wcebh