Parish Church Of St George

A welcoming, peaceful, gem of a place in the heart of the city. I love getting back home to visit. Meditative morning prayer/​s as well as full Anglican Eucharists & and beautiful music.

This fascinating Georgian chapel was built in 1811 – 1816 by Dublin man John Bowden. It is the oldest Church of Ireland/​Anglican church in Belfast. There is seating accommodation for over five hundred people. The church deems itself «An open door in the heart of the city– a place of prayer and peace.»
As far as architecture is concerned this building retains many of its (stunning) original features. You can still see the Victorian chancel with its beautiful paintings as well as the 1788 full height portico which came from the unfinished palace of Ballyscullion House in County London/Derry.The church boasts a number of beautiful stained glass windows; The north side windows depict the Crucifixion, the east window depicts The Cross, and the main design is of stunning discs in amazing pattern, colour and style. There are a number of people commemorated in the windows including; the architect W J Barre as well as several members of the Purdon family (Belfast’s leading medical family in the nineteenth century) The altar (made by Knox & Co, Belfast) is oak, and is used as a memorial to those belonging to the parish who died in the Second World War.
The church is well known for its musical celebrations. It was famous form the start for being a flamboyant and exciting congregation. This has inspired the clergy to keep this tradition on going. The church is home to an impressive organ. The first man to be known as the churches organist was a man named Edward Bunting who was known for his wide Irish music collections and ongoing work at the Belfast Harpers’ Festival.
There are a number of historical facts which make this church even more interesting; King William once attended a sermon here on his way to the Battle of the Boyne. (The Divine Service at Corporation Church — 15^th June 1690) The famous sermon — ‘Arise, great king!!!’ — was preached to him here. There is a large oak chair (the carving of which dates from 11^th century) which the church still uses in which the famous King sat.
It’s amazing what you learn about your city when you do a bit of work. This church is serene, calming and unimposing. I enjoyed learning all the fascinating history and I actually do believe this is An open door in the heart of the city– a place of prayer and peace.”

As there isn’t much classical architecture in Belfast, the elegant portico of St Georges Church at the end of High Street is a lovely sight to me anyhow. Although it is opposite the major landmark of the Albert Clock the church is easily missed when driving past — you are more likely to appreciate it when on foot. As one of the oldest churches in Belfast with the earliest reference to its site as a place of worship dates from1306 it is hard to avoid a little history lesson about this building which was built in 1816. The portico was originally part of Ballyscullion House near Bellaghy which was dismantled and the pieces were transported to Belfast by horse and cart and canal. St George’s is Anglican and there are regular church services and an active congregation here.