1843 – Former Methodist Centenary Church, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin

Architect: Isaac Farrell

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stephensgreen-methodist

Previously the congregation was based in Whitefriar St., but it was leased. After applying for a renewal, the congregation was informed that a new lease on the property had been offered elsehwhere. After a fundraising drive, some £5000 was allocated to build a new “Centenary church”. A site on St. Stephen’s Green was purchased, not leased, for £1700. The building was completed and opened in June 1843.

“Erected by the Wesleyan Methodists, which has a fine looking portico of the Ionic order, approached by a flight of steps. Its interior presents a fine appearance. Beneath the church are the commodious class-rooms, &c. A literary and Debating Society holds its meetings in the leader’s class-rooms. An excellent academical school, in connexion with the Church, is established at 79 and 80, on the same side”
Whammond’s Illustrated Guide to Dublin, 1878.

After a fire on 22nd December 1968 that destroyed everything bar the facade, this former church was developed as offices. For a time the congregation used the Wesley College Chapel next door, but with the removal of the college to Ballinteer, they moved to share Christ Church, Leeson Park in 1972. After being used by the Irish Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the facade had extra windows inserted during redevelopment. Now sadly in use by a property development firm Kennedy Wilson.

Published February 19, 2010 | Last Updated October 3, 2024