Exactly 100 years after thousands attended his funeral and lined the streets to say farewell, a packed meeting heard from organisations that are carrying on his work.
They heard of education for all ages including for the retired, of affordable housing plans, of tackling the causes that lead to people having to depend on food banks and tackling injustice, poverty and divisions.
“We are not just celebrating one man, we are honouring the ideals of what that man stood for,” said the society’s chief executive Nick Smith.
The event at the Friends Meeting House in Friargate, organised by Joseph Rowntree Society was the first of several events in the next 12 months marking the centenary year of the death of Joseph Rowntree, philanthropist, businessman, educationalist, Liberal and member of the Society of Friends.
Afterwards, Mr Smith said the event had been “fantastic”.
“York would be such a different place today if it were not for Joseph Rowntree, but also his family,” he said.
He encouraged any organisation arranging its own event to contact his society as it can help promote it.
This weekend’s event began with Mr Smith describing the weekend of the six funeral events on February 28 and March 1, 1925, including the Quaker meeting at the same Friends Meeting House and lengthy cortege and processions through the streets of York.
Quaker and former head of The Mount School Barbara Windle explained Society of Friends philosophy and funeral traditions before organisations that were represented at the funerals or have taken over from such organisations spoke.
Current student at the Mount School and head of its Rowntree House Lisa Savranska and Bootham School head Deneal Smith and its head boy Joe Mottram described how their schools continued the Rowntree philosophy and how Bootham School provided bursaries for students from poor backgrounds.
Joseph Rowntree was a lifelong supporter of adult education, for many years teaching evening adult classes after finishing a day’s work at his factory.
Prof David David Maughan Brown of the University of the Third Age described its activities.
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Michael Sturge, chair of Cober Hill centre for residential schools and events near Scarborough, founded by Joseph’s nephew, Arnold Rowntree, spoke of how it continues to carry out his mission of providing a centre of refreshment and inspiration for many of those engaged in difficult public services.
Giles Naish of Nestle in York, formerly the Rowntree Cocoa Works, and great great grandson of Joseph Rowntree, spoke of how the York factory had a calmer atmosphere than other Nestle factories.
Representatives of the three Rowntree Trusts and one Rowntree limited company who owe their existence and endowments to Joseph, spoke of their work today.
Hannah Darton, of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust spoke of its role in providing millions of pounds in funds for organisations that promote Joseph’s ideals and how it is needed more than ever in today’s world.
Richard Watson, president of York Lib Dems, spoke of Joseph’s political legacy and Cllr Michael Pavlovic of City of York Council spoke of its affordable housing plans.
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