Cathedral celebrates 120th Anniversary of laying of foundation stone
Imagine heading into your parish church to worship on a Sunday while the walls of this great Cathedral were literally raised around you…
That is what happened during the construction of Belfast Cathedral, known locally as St Anne’s, to whom the building is dedicated.
The foundation stone was laid on 6 September 1899. Building began around the old church, which continued to be used for services until the end of 1903. By which time the tower of little St Anne’s had been dismantled and the church was no longer visible from the street! For five months the congregation worshiped in the Clarence Place Hall in May Street.
Come along to Belfast Cathedral on Saturday 7 September and meet architect Sir Thomas Drew, Constance Ashley–Cooper – Countess of Shaftesbury who laid the foundation stone, and Henry O’Hara, the Dean of Belfast Cathedral in 1899.
Victorian guests from Footsteps NI will be telling their stories and reliving memories from 11.30 am–1.00 pm and again from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm.
There will also be fun arts and craft activities for kids to enjoy.
Bring your family and friends to learn more about the history of the Cathedral and the Victorian era!
Normal admission fees apply.