Funding boost for Mount Merrion Parish Church, Belfast
Mount Merrion Parish Church, in Belfast, is set to benefit from a £10,000 National Churches Trust Repair Grant to help fund urgent roof repairs to prevent the main roof collapsing.
The project will ensure that this modern listed building, which is in an unsafe condition, can continue its contribution to the community.
A total of 41 churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will benefit from a £247,205 grants package from the National Churches Trust, the UK church repair and support charity.
Broadcaster and Journalist Huw Edwards, Vice–President of the National Churches Trust said:
“I’m delighted that the future of Mount Merrion Parish Church is being secured by a National Churches Trust grant to fund urgent repairs.”
“According to a recent ComRes opinion poll, more than four in five Britons (83%) agree that the UK’s churches, chapels and meeting houses are an important part of the UK’s heritage and history.”
“In good repair and with increased use by local people, Mount Merrion Parish Church can continue to play a vital role in the life and well–being of Belfast for many, many years to come.”
BELFAST, Mount Merrion Parish Church www.mountmerrionchurch.org.uk
Northern Ireland – Anglican – Grade B1
Mount Merrion Parish Church is a symmetrical double–height red–brick church in the modernist style, dominated by a vertical glazed gable with a spire. It was built in 1963 to designs by Dennis O’Donoghue Hanna. Of particular interest is the unusual and impressive roof structure, and supporting frames made from laminated timber, or ‘glulam’.
The two laminated portal frames which support the main roof of this B1 listed building are ‘delaminating’ – the layers are separating. This is due to water ingress. If allowed to continue, this could result in the collapse of the roof. By replacing the timbers, the structural integrity of the roof will be secured. Further works will prevent water entry and heat loss.
Mount Merrion Parish Church is used by a huge variety of local groups. There is an Allotment Project, a Community Drop–in, a toddler group, Messy Church, holiday clubs, youth work, homework club, keep–fit classes, music tuition, hosting of public meetings, parties and fundraising events. A members of the congregation is trained as a ‘Christians Against Poverty’ Lifeskills Coach, and runs courses helping residents in the local community.
The project to keep the roof secure means that the church can remain central to its community.