The damp weather did not detract from an interesting and enjoyable event in East Belfast; even the traffic was muted. It did however, curtail the 'on the street' part of the proceedings. So the plaque was unveiled by Sir Samuel's grand nephew, Kelly Wilson and after posing for photographs, the guests retired to an upper room in the Mountpottinger Dental Surgery, the former 'Bella Vale' where Sir Samuel was born. Doreen Corcoran, Chairman of the Ulster History Circle, acting as MC, thanked Belfast City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund for their generous support of the Circles work, Robert McMitchell, the owner of the premises, for allowing the plaque to be erected on it, and Linda McVeagh, the Practice Manager, for the arrangements for the refreshments.

Kelly Wilson gave a full and interesting account of Sir Samuel's life and achievements. Michael Browne, Chair of the City Council's Development Committee and Jane Williams of the Heritage Lottery Fund, outlined their support for the work the Circle was doing in drawing attention to individual achievement and helping to preserve, in a visible way, community memory. This was supported by Dr Charles Ludlow who had written a biography of Sir Samuel for the East Belfast Historical Society.