ウィリアム・メレル・ヴォーリズと近江八幡
ウィリアム・メレル・ヴォーリズ（1880-1964）は、アメリカ生まれの建築家、実業家、キリスト教宣教師であり、その生涯の大半を近江八幡で過ごし、現在も近江八幡に豊かな遺産を残している。近江八幡の高校で英語を教えながら布教活動を行い、その後、建築、出版、医薬品の販売などを手がけ、宗教活動の資金を調達した。また、公共事業への強いこだわりから、学校や医療施設もいくつも設立した。
近江八幡市にはヴォーリズが設計した建物が20棟以上残っており、彼の功績が偲ばれる。また、ヴォーリズが設立した薬品販売会社「近江兄弟社」の事務所前にはヴォーリズ像があり、終の棲家であるヴォーリズ記念館では、その生涯と業績を称えている。
William Merrell Vories and Omihachiman
William Merrell Vories (1880–1964) was an American-born architect, businessman, and Christian missionary who lived and worked in Omihachiman for the greater part of his life. Vories left a rich legacy that remains conspicuous in the city today. He first came to Omihachiman to work as a missionary while teaching English at a local high school, and he later took up architecture, publishing, and medicine sales to finance his religious activities. His strong commitment to public service also led him to establish several schools and medical facilities.
More than 20 buildings designed by Vories remain standing in Omihachiman, and his contributions to local life are fondly remembered. A statue of Vories stands in front of the offices of the Omi Brotherhood, the company he founded to sell medicine, and his life and achievements are commemorated in Vories Memorial Hall, which is housed in his final place of residence.
