Abbey Presbyterian Church Archives - THE CHURCH AND THE GRAVE

PHOTOGRAPHED 15 MARCH 2023

Findlater’s Church, a striking Presbyterian church on Parnell Square in Dublin, has attracted attention due to its prolonged scaffolding presence. Here’s what I know about the situation:

Reasons for the Scaffolding:

Structural Deterioration: The primary reason for the scaffolding is the church’s deteriorating condition. Over time, the historic building has suffered wear and tear, particularly with water damage impacting the spire and other elements of the stonework.

Safety Concerns: The extended scaffolding serves as both a protective measure to prevent falling debris and a work platform for necessary repairs.

Restoration Project: The church is amidst a significant restoration project aimed at addressing these structural issues. This involves complex stonework repair, roof restoration, and likely the eventual disassembly and restoration of the spire itself.

Why It’s Taking So Long:

Scale and Complexity: The restoration of a heritage building of this size is a complicated undertaking. Detailed assessments, careful planning, and coordination with specialists is required to ensure historical integrity is preserved.

Funding: Raising the necessary funds for a project of this magnitude is often an ongoing process. Fundraising efforts and grant applications can take time to secure the full financing.

Modern Additions: The newer scaffolding around the entire building suggests the project may have expanded in scope. This could indicate additional areas requiring attention were discovered as the work progressed.

Current Status:

Unfortunately, there’s limited up-to-date public information about the project’s precise timeline. However, given the presence of scaffolding for multiple years, it’s safe to assume the restoration is a major endeavour.

Findlater Church Or The Abbey Presbyterian Church

Rising imposingly on Dublin’s Parnell Square, Findlater Church (officially the Abbey Presbyterian Church) is a testament to both religious devotion and the city’s architectural heritage. Its story unfolds like this:

The Benefactor: Alexander Findlater, a successful Dublin wine merchant, generously funded the church’s construction in the mid-19th century. It stands as a lasting symbol of his philanthropy and Presbyterian faith.

Architectural Splendour: Designed by Andrew Heiton of Perth, Scotland, the church embodies the ornate Gothic Revival style. Its soaring 180-foot spire and intricate stonework create a sense of awe and reverence.

Joyce’s Dublin: Notably, the church features in James Joyce’s works, mentioned in both “Ulysses” and “Dubliners,” cementing its place within the literary landscape of Dublin.

Changing Identities: Originally known as Rutland Square Presbyterian Church, it has undergone several name changes over the years. Often called “Findlater’s Church” in honour of its benefactor, it gained its current name, Abbey Presbyterian Church, after the 1916 Easter Rising.

AS SEEN FROM THE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE

I refer to it as a work in progress because I do not remember ever seeing it without scaffolding around the spire.

Abbey Presbyterian Church is a church located at Parnell Square, Dublin. Designed by architect Andrew Heiton of Perth, Scotland, it is a decorated Gothic building, with a spire 180 feet (54.9 m) high. The church was erected in 1864.

Over a century and a half this church gone through several name changes: Rutland Square Presbyterian, Abbey Presbyterian, and colloquially as ‘Findlater’s Church’ (after the Dublin merchant who paid for the construction of the building); and through seismic shifts culturally, historically, socially and economically. Indeed the reconstituting and renaming of the congregation came as a direct result of the 1916 Easter Rising and its aftermath.

Abbey Presbyterian Church

THE FINDLATER CHURCH STEEPLE IS NOW SURROUNDED BY EVEN MORE SCAFFOLDING

ABBEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS