Belfast, Corporation Square 1897

Photo ref: 40177

More about this scene

The broad straight streets tell of land recovered from river and docks. The church tells of the human needs that followed. It was as early as 1832 that the Seamen's Friendly Society was set up; by 1836 it had a small building of its own in Pilot Street. In 1848 it became part of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and a few years later it was decided that there should be a new congregation. At the same time a wealthy shipper died, and his widow asked for a church to be built in his memory. The Sinclair Seamen's Presbyterian Church we see is the work of the leading Belfast architect John Lanyon. The minister was always to devote part of his time to seamen, and 50 seats were reserved for sailors. The Seamen's Friendly Society was to have a voice in church affairs. A few years after this photograph was taken, the church came under the care of a man who began to furnish the interior with nautical emblems. The bowsprit pulpit is still there, complete with bow and starboard lights. He persuaded the congregation that it would not be sinful to sing hymns at public service.

An extract from Belfast Photographic Memories.