The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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Connor churches set to welcome visitors for European Heritage Open Days

Wednesday August 30th 2023

Several parishes in Connor Diocese are taking part in this year’s European Heritage Open Days programme which takes place online between September 4-10, with access to heritage buildings on the weekend of September 9-10.

Across Northern Ireland, more than 200 heritage buildings and events are opening during this weekend free of charge – a number of these properties are not normally open to the public.

The Connor churches taking part are:

Lisburn Cathedral

Lisburn Cathedral in 2023 celebrates 400 years of Christian worship on the Cathedral site, the present building dating from the 1720s. Cathedral status was awarded by King Charles II in 1663. OPENING TIMES Sat: 10:00 – 16:00

All Saints’, Eglantine

All Saints’ Parish Church, Eglantine is a small parish church, designed by Thomas Drew in the mid-1870s. Initially as a memorial chapel for the Mulholland family, owners of York Street Mill Belfast. It subsequently became a Church of Ireland Parish Church just before WW1. OPENING TIMES Sat: 11:00 – 16:00 Sun: 14:00 – 16:00

Middle Church, Ballinderry

Tours of a plantation-era ‘barn church’. Be guided by one of our enthusiastic volunteers, or feel free to wander at your own pace and enjoy the simplicity of the church at leisure. Written information will be provided to keep you informed as you walk around. OPENING TIMES Sat: 11:00 – 16:00

St Catherine’s, Aldergrove

Erected 1712, restored 2003-2004. In 1885 JJ Philips was the architect for major alterations to the building. A fine gothic revival church with Bellcote and Lych gate. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Property Located within JHC FS Aldergrove, ID Required. OPENING TIMES Sat: 15:00 – 17:00 Sun: 15:00 – 17:00

Gartree Parish Church

Visit the recently refurbished 19th Century church with its private family pew located in the grounds of Langford Lodge which also acted as Northern Ireland Base Command for United States troops during World War 2. Tea/Coffee and light refreshments will be available within the Church Hall and external seating (weather permitting) OPENING TIMES Sat: 10:00 – 16:00

St Cedma’s, Larne

St Cedma’s has a long and interesting history. The current building dates from 1350 and so is the second oldest building in continuous use in Co Antrim. Come along and marvel at the many features and be fascinated at this beautiful building’s history. OPENING TIMES Sun: 14:00 – 16:00

St Stephen’s, Millfield

St Stephen’s Church, a hidden Victorian gem on Millfield in the centre of Belfast, will surprise you from the moment you walk through the door. Come along and hear some of the history, see our beautiful stained glass window collection and enjoy warm hospitality and refreshments. OPENING TIMES Sat: 10:30-15:30

St George’s, Belfast

St. George’s Parish Church is the oldest Anglican church in use in Belfast. It is the third church to be built on that site, worship having taken place there since the 10th century if not earlier. The present building was designed by John Bowden, a Dublin architect, in the neo-Classical style and was opened in 1816, initially to take the overflow from St. Anne’s. With many interesting and notable features this church is well worth a visit. At the present time there are services every day, and it is a veritable oasis of peace in the heart of a busy city. OPENING TIMES Sat: 10:00 – 16:00 Sun: 13:00 – 16:00

Belfast Cathedral

Belfast Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of St Anne, has stood for over 100 years in the heart of Belfast – a treasure trove of art, culture and music. The InSpire Kids Trail is available for schools and families, and Visitor and Audio Guides are available in eight languages. Keep an eye on our social-media and website for more information on what to expect this EHOD. OPENING TIMES Sat: 11:00 – 16:00

St Matthew’s, Shankill

St Matthew’s Church, built to replace an older Church at Shankill Graveyard, in ‘ultra Hibernian’ style. Built in 1869 in the shape of Shamrock with Irish Round Tower as steeple. The church grounds house the Balluan Stone an ancient Christian baptismal font. OPENING TIMES Sat: 10:00 – 16:00 Sun: 13:00 – 16:00

St John’s, Malone

The Church of St John the Evangelist Malone numbers amongst its stained-glass window collection, several by three famous Irish Female artists who worked at the acclaimed stained glass workshop in Dublin – An Túr Gloine: Evie Hone, Wilhelmina Geddes and Catherine O’Brien. Come and enjoy these and many other examples of Irish stained glass. OPENING TIMES Sat: 10:00 – 13:00

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