St George's Church, Belfast facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St George's Church |
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| 54°36′0.4″N 5°55′29.9″W / 54.600111°N 5.924972°W | |
| Location | High Street, Belfast |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Churchmanship | High Church |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Completed | 1816 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St George's |
| Archdiocese | Diocese of Armagh |
| Diocese | Diocese of Connor |
St. George's Church is a special church in Belfast, Northern Ireland. You can find it on High Street. It's the oldest Church of Ireland church in the city! An Irish architect named John Bowden designed it, and it first opened its doors in 1816. The church got a big makeover in 2000 to keep it looking great.
Contents
The Story of St. George's Church
St. George's Church stands where two rivers, the River Lagan and River Farset, once met. This spot was a "fording place," meaning people could cross the water there. The very first mention of a church here was in 1306. It was called the Chapel of the Ford. This chapel helped people who were waiting to cross the muddy areas that are now central Belfast. Later, it became known as Corporation Chapel.
From Chapel to Main Church
By the time of the Plantation of Ulster (when many people from England and Scotland moved to Ireland), this church became the main one for the area. In 1613, King James I of England made Belfast an important town. St. George's then became the city's "corporation" church. A famous leader, William of Orange, even visited the church in 1690 on his way to the Battle of the Boyne. A special sermon was preached for him there.
A New Beginning
By the late 1700s, the church building was getting old. So, a new main church for Belfast was built nearby. This new church later became St Anne's Cathedral.
However, Belfast grew very fast in the 1800s. More churches were needed! So, a new St. George's Church was built on the old site. It opened in 1816.
Modern Times and Community Spirit
Over the years, St. George's became known for its special style of worship. As people moved out of the city center, the number of church members went down. The church was also damaged a few times during a difficult period in Northern Ireland's history called The Troubles.
Today, St. George's is still famous for its music and worship. It has one of the few church choirs in Ireland with men and boys singing together. The church also helps the business community and people experiencing homelessness in Belfast. It's a welcoming place for people from many different backgrounds. Since 1994, the church's leader has been Reverend Brian Stewart.
Amazing Architecture
The church was designed by John Bowden in 1811. Building started in 1813, and it opened in 1816. It's built from sandstone and has a simple design inside.
The Grand Entrance
The front of the church, facing High Street, has a huge entrance with tall Corinthian pillars. This makes it look like a two-story building. This grand entrance, called a portico, has an amazing story!
It was first made in Egypt for a bishop named Frederick Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol. He wanted it for his palace in County Londonderry, built in 1788. After the bishop passed away, his palace was taken apart. The portico was then bought and brought all the way to Belfast!
To get it to its new home, the portico was first pulled by horses and carts to Lough Neagh. From there, it traveled by boat on the new Lagan Canal. This was one of the first things ever brought to Belfast using that canal! The symbols on the top of the entrance show the Diocese of Down and the city of Belfast.
Unique Traditions
St. George's Church has been a leader in many ways. It was the first Anglican church in Ireland to:
- Celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving.
- Have musical concerts inside the church.
- Hold early morning Holy Communion services.
- Have a robed choir.
- Put on plays in the church.
- Have a Christmas Midnight Eucharist service.
- Observe the Three Hours Devotions on Good Friday.
- Use the 1984 Alternative Prayer Book of the Church of Ireland.
Notable People
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The first person to play the organ at St. George's Church was Edward Bunting. He was the organist from 1817 to 1821. Edward Bunting is famous for collecting and writing down traditional Irish music, especially from the Belfast Harp Festival.
