St Molua’s shorlisted in Best Modern Churches competition
St Molua’s Church building on the Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, is one of 24 churches shortlisted in the Best Modern Churches competition.
The church, which serves the parish of Stormont in the Diocese of Down, was designed by Denis O’D Hanna. It was built in 1961/2 financed largely by diocesan funds, supported by substantial contributions from Knock parish. A large mural, The Son of Man, by Desmond Kinney, fills the east wall behind the sanctuary; other bronze sculptures are by James McKendry. The organ came from Saint Matthias church in Dublin and was rebuilt at Saint Molua’s.
The competition is held by the National Churches Trust, The Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association, and the 20th Century Society. The “Top 10 Best Modern Churches” built in the last 60 years, will be announced on 7 November.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust said in a press release, “As a nation we are rightly proud of our magnificent heritage of historic churches. But there are also many exciting churches which have been built in the last 60 years designed for the changing nature of religious liturgy and practice which reflect modern architecture and design.”
24 churches have been shortlisted, and the top three winners will receive a National Churches Trust Diamond Jubilee Architecture prize. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will present the awards.
“The challenge of helping people catch a glimpse of heaven has always produced highly creative and imaginative architecture,” Walker said.
Source: Huffungton Post
For a slideshow of the other entrants please visit their site here.