May Street Presbyterian Church
Belfast, County Antrim
Built in 1887, the University Road Moravian Church is one of the five Moravian Churches in Northern Ireland.
Belfast, County Antrim
It is located beside the King William Park, at the intersection of Lisburn Road and University Road. Prior to its move to this location, the congregation, which was established in 1871, previously met in several locations, including Taylor Street, off Victoria Avenue, Sandy Row, York Street and Victoria Street.
The church offers a quiet space for prayer and contemplation. In the summer time the tall steeple can be seen above the trees in King William Park, but is clearly visible when the trees have shed their leaves in the winter time.
You will find in the church hall pictures of church life, including those of leading personalities of the Moravian Church, which dates back to the 15th century. In the sanctuary you will sit facing west. The highest window at the nave on the west is a stained glass window bearing the lamb and flag emblem of the Moravian Church.
The pipe organ, which dates back to the 19th century, was built by the same organ builder who made pipe organ in Buckingham Palace. You will also find in the sanctuary memorials to outstanding members of the congregation and members who lost their lives in the 2nd World War.
Your guide will tell you the story of the stained glass windows on both sides of the sanctuary. Also worth seeing in the pulpit or when on display during baptism, is the portable baptismal fount, whose weight is betrayed by its size.
You can access the church via the cark par on the Lisburn Road entrance. Otherwise, you can enter via the small gate on University Road and make your way up the stairs. Be careful to hold the rail, especially when it is wet. For those not wanting to use the stairs or needing wheelchair access, you will need to enter via the door that leads into the church hall. In the church hall there is a lift to the sanctuary.
Belfast, County Antrim
Belfast, County Antrim
Step off Belfasts busy streets into a timeless place of prayer to explore its history and enjoy quiet moments of reflection in this beautiful place.
Belfast, County Antrim