Belfast St Mary Magdalene Church
St Mary Magdalene Church Photos
About St Mary Magdalene Church
The original building of Saint Mary Magdalene Church dated to 1838 however, tragedy struck in the belfry in 1893 destroying the whole building. The church was then rebuilt using Scrabo stone and subsequently opened on October 20th 1900. The present rector is Reverend Terence P Kerr.
Interestingly, this church which was part of the ancient parish known as Shankill, and provided asylum for ‘penitent females’ was named The Ulster Magdalene Asylum and Episcopal Chapel. The present car park is where the women would have once worked in the laundry.
Just inside the entrance is this antique water font made from marble with a wooden top. It was donated to the church by the family of Sarah Gribbon who died in 1963.
Between the 1950s-60s St Mary Magdalene was filled to capacity. Girl Guides, Brownies, Youth and Badminton Clubs made up a considerable social circle here which created the backbone to society here in Donegall Pass. The church also proudly claims to be the home of the 1st Irish Boys’ Brigade Company, begun in 1888. Unfortunately, due to falling numbers, the 25th Guide Company is no longer present.
A covered passage went from the laundry to the church and it is actually behind where these organ pipes are now that the ‘fallen women’ would have sat so as not to be seen. It was considered safer for them behind the partition rather than have people staring and gossiping throughout the mass services.
Before the main altar is this smaller Chapel of the Holy Spirit which was dedicated by Rev Arthur H Butler, Bishop of Connor in 1979.
In 2006, the chapel was repainted and a new Altar Frontal, Pulpit Fall and Bookmarkers were purchased. The pulpit is in memory of William Robert Patterson who died April 29th 1900 and considered one of the main founders of the church. St Mary’s was rededicated on Sunday 3rd September 2006 by the then Rector, Rev Robin H Moore.
Apart from the stain glass windows in the chancel here there are only a few other antique furnishings. Some of the chairs are particularly beautiful and illustrate rich wooden sculptures. On the steps is a brass eagle lectern regarded as being one of the finest in Ulster.
Most church roofs were constructed by the shipyards in those days and this one was no different. A sure sign of this fact is by the shape of its design. By looking up at the roof the upturned shape of a boat can clearly be noticed.
A unique and little know feature of this church is that it is home to the original bible that was once housed in the former Presbyterian Church down the street. It’s kept in the vestry here behind the altar and where other past photos of ministers occupy the walls. There’s a particularly interesting painting of Rev E.J Hartrick born 1846 and died 1880.
Finally, one last artefact from the past here is this poster from the XIX century and printed by T Mills & Son from Chester. It probably would have been placed at the entrance of the church.
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