GOSPEL HALL

IRISHTOWN GOSPEL HALL

The inscription is a bit misleading as it was originally a school which was established in 1904.


Irishtown Gospel Hall: From Schoolhouse to Spiritual Centre

The Irishtown Gospel Hall, standing on Irishtown Road, is a testament to adaptive reuse and community spirit. The building wasn't originally designed as a place of worship; it began life in 1904 as St. Matthew's National Schools. This is reflected in its solid granite construction and distinctive red brick dressings, typical of school buildings of that era.

Design and Construction

The architect behind the original schoolhouse was J.F. Fuller, a name associated with several educational and ecclesiastical buildings in Dublin. The construction was likely funded by a combination of public funds and contributions from local philanthropists, as was common for National Schools at the time.

Transformation into a Gospel Hall

At some point in the 20th century, the building ceased functioning as a school and was repurposed as a Gospel Hall. This likely reflects shifting demographics and educational needs in the Irishtown area. The congregation that occupied the hall for many years, the Abundant Grace Christian Assembly, had previously been based in the more elaborate Merrion Hall in the city centre.

Present Day Ownership

While records on the precise ownership of the building are not readily available, it is likely held by a religious trust or organisation associated with the Abundant Grace Christian Assembly. However, in recent years, the building has also been us