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Crescent Church
The Crescent Church here on University Road boasts a remarkable and beautiful tower which not only dominates the neighbouring buildings, but sets it apart from the many other churches of its period.1 It was constructed between 1885-1887 and designed by the prolific Glasgow architect John Bennie Wilson.
The building is a solid looking church and hall in the 14th century Gothic style, built of grey rubble with ashular dressings. A mixture of English and French inspiration but fairly plainly treated. Most notable feature is the remarkable and beautiful tower. Almost half of the height of the tower is taken up with an open belfry stage of high narrow lights, crowned with a steep hipped roof... A stylised North and South Transept is created with heightened window arches.2
Grey rubble stone, said to have been salvaged from ships ballast from Scotland, was used in its construction and thus lend it a robust character as well as having aesthetic features worth wasting time just to browse at.
This Church opened for worship in September 1887 having been built at a cost of £8000 for the Presbyterian congregation in Linenhall Street. The new premises were needed due to the growing congregation and limited facilities.
Internally, the Crescent Church is every bit as attractive. One of the highlights is the tall organ at the front. Unfortunately, there’s currently no information on its history. At the bottom of it, a pulpit overlooks the nave from which ministers would preach to the congregation.
The halls behind the pulpit are used for organising events and official engagements. Young and old alike are catered to in one of their Friendship centres.
In 1977 the building was extensively refurbished and became the home of the Assembly of Christian Brethren whose premises in May Street were no longer adequate.3
From upstairs there’s a magnificent view over the main auditorium. The main feature though is this East wing stain glass window. It’s a superb illustration of the Holy Family and is a final celebration of the historical worth that is evident throughout this ancient Church.
References
1 http://www.isu.edu.tw/upload/04/5/files/dept_5_lv_3_2951.doc
2 Larmour, Paul. Belfast. An illustrated architectural guide, Belfast 1987, p51.
3 http://www.isu.edu.tw/upload/04/5/files/dept_5_lv_3_2951.doc
External Links
http://www.crescentchurch.org/index.php
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