1830 – SS Mary & Peter Church. Rathmines, Dublin

Described in The Dublin Penny Journal, September 14 1833: “A handsome church, in the Gothic style, has been recently erected in the neighbourhood of Rathmines. The architecture is peculiar ; and although tie dark colour of the stone used causes rather a heavy appearanceV, upon the whole it has a pleasing effect. The architect has built for posterity; and this edifice, and other similar structures, although cavilled at by superficial observers, may justly claim precedence over the many gim-crack structures of modern times, mis-called Gothic: in his design he has approximated to the ancient roofed crypts, the roof being a solid arch, and the walls and ceiling in the interior forming a continued vault.”

A Gothic church constructed for Canon William Stafford, architect unknown, for new parish of Rathmines on site purchased from Earl of Meath in 1824. Dedicated to SS Mary & Peter by Archbishop Murray, 15 August 1830, while still only a shell, at a cost of £5000. Although described as “built for posterity”, it was demolished as the new classical church was constructed around it circa 1850-1856.