Belfast's landmark '˜Methodist Cathedral' is saved from near ruin

Former parishioners of Belfast's one-time '˜Methodist Cathedral' have been briefed on the restoration of the site.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Mar 2016, 15:56 BST
Updated 13th Mar 2016, 22:44 BST
Bright February sunshine floods into the now disused Carlisle Memorial churchBright February sunshine floods into the now disused Carlisle Memorial church
Bright February sunshine floods into the now disused Carlisle Memorial church

Carlisle Memorial, between the centre and north of the city, was one of Ireland’s great churches but closed in 1980.

Part of the premises was sold to become an Indian community centre but the main building fell into disrepair.

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In 2012 it was within days of being declared dangerous. The Belfast Buildings Trust, however, secured emergency funding from sources including government to carry out £1.5m in stabilising work and a later permanent roof repair.

Outside view of Carlisle Memorial church between Belfast centre and the north of the city. It was once known as the 'Methodist Cathedral'Outside view of Carlisle Memorial church between Belfast centre and the north of the city. It was once known as the 'Methodist Cathedral'
Outside view of Carlisle Memorial church between Belfast centre and the north of the city. It was once known as the 'Methodist Cathedral'

Much more work is required but the trust is trying to promote possible uses of the building and is hosting a premiere of the Belfast Opera in June, that will make full use of the interior space and acoustics (see below).

Last month the trust briefed the News Letter about that project and their overall aim of regenerating the church. We then contacted some former worshippers, several of whom were recently shown inside the building by Shane Quinn of the trust.

They included a minister from the 1960s, Rev Alan Meara, and the last minister before closure, Rev Edmund Mawhinney. Also present were people who attended Carlisle Memorial as children: the journalist Anne Hailes, the economist John Simpson (son of the late Vivian Simpson MP), Adrienne Catherwood (mother of the ITN presenter Andrea), Betty Orr (daughter of Austin Ardill MP), and two brothers, Dr Sidney Lowry, a retired oncologist, and Eric Lowry, a former accountant.

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The group were delighted to see that the church had been saved from ruin, and reminisced about past Sundays there and famous visitors including Donald Soper and Norman Vincent Peale.

Shane Ritchie of the Belfast Buildings Trust explains to former ministers and parishioners the emergency work that saved Carlisle Memorial. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyeShane Ritchie of the Belfast Buildings Trust explains to former ministers and parishioners the emergency work that saved Carlisle Memorial. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Shane Ritchie of the Belfast Buildings Trust explains to former ministers and parishioners the emergency work that saved Carlisle Memorial. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

• See video of the visit here

FIRST EVER ‘BELFAST OPERA’ TO MARK REGENERATION OF CHURCH

Belfast Buildings Trust has commissioned a new opera for Carlisle Memorial in June.

The event is part of the bid to regenerate the church and use its huge interior.

From left, John Simpson, Betty Orr, Adrienne Catherwood, Sidney Lowry, Eric Lowry, Rev Edmund Mawhinney, Rev Alan MearaFrom left, John Simpson, Betty Orr, Adrienne Catherwood, Sidney Lowry, Eric Lowry, Rev Edmund Mawhinney, Rev Alan Meara
From left, John Simpson, Betty Orr, Adrienne Catherwood, Sidney Lowry, Eric Lowry, Rev Edmund Mawhinney, Rev Alan Meara

Shane Quinn of the trust said the idea for the opera is “inspired by Belfast people’s personal connection to the industrial and commercial heritage of the city”.

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The Belfast Opera is a combination of a libretto by the author Glenn Patterson and a score composed by the musician Neil Martin. Mr Quinn said: “The Belfast Opera is about Belfast’s people telling the Belfast story.”

A specially assembled 120-member community chorus will sing alongside a professional cast in the opera’s premiere performances on June 18 and 19.

Production aspects will be delivered by a 50-strong community creatives team. The trust, in partnership with the Prince’s Trust, says it has just launched the recruitment for young people from across the city to get involved in set building, costume making, and front-of-house roles for the event.

The church's grand interior will be a good location for the Belfast Opera in JuneThe church's grand interior will be a good location for the Belfast Opera in June
The church's grand interior will be a good location for the Belfast Opera in June

Mr Quinn added: “It is the first opera written about a city on these islands: Belfast will rank alongside Seville, with Carmen, and Rome, with Tosca.”

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Anyone wishing to join the chorus (no experience needed) can come to a workshop in Grosvenor Hall, Glengall Street, at 7.30pm on Tuesday. More online at www.thebelfastopera.com about the community creatives.

Related topics:Belfast