The Parish Church of
Saint George Belfast
"An open door in the heart of the city- a place of prayer and peace."
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The Parish Church of
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"An open door in the heart of the city- a place of prayer and peace." |
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TOUR OF THE CHURCHThe ChancelThe Chancel, almost square in plan, was added in 1882 to designs by Edward Bradell and in memory of the Reverend Dr William McIlwaine who was Rector from 1836-1880. Its High Victorian style of architecture and rich and colourful ornamentation are in distinct contrast to the plain Classical line of the nave. Noteworthy features of the chancel are:- Choir Stalls: These were added as soon as the chancel was completed. A robed choir was introduced in the 1860s in keeping with the High Church tradition and it is nowadays regarded as one of the best church choirs in Ireland. The choir frequently goes on singing tours to Cathedrals and Churches in England, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and recently to Switzerland. Organ: Built in 1863 by the renowned London finn J W Walker & Sons, the organ is one of the oldest instruments extant in the Diocese of Connor. Originally built as a two manual of 28 speaking stops on the west gallery, it was removed to the spacious loft on the south side of the new chancel in 1883, this work undertaken by Conacher of Huddersfield. Some years later, in 1896, the organ was rebuilt and enlarged to three manuals and 42 stops by George Benson of Manchester, who provided a new choir organ including fine solo reeds, some additional stops to the Great, Swell and Pedal divisions, and pneumatically assisted tracker key action. Fundamentally this is the form the organ remains in today, having undergone comprehensive mechanical restoration and refurbishment in 1978 at the hands of N P Mander, London, who at the same time renovated the Mulholland Grand Organ in the Ulster Hall. In consultation with Mr Edwin Leighton, organist 1948-82, the late Lord Henry Dunleath acted as advisor to the project, and at his instigation certain tonal alterations were carried out to further develop the organ's musical scope. It is a significantly large and resourceful instrument for a parish church, although quite in accordance with the musical demands made upon it in both liturgical and concert use, as well as its important function as an instrument for teaching and study. Paintings: These were executed on canvas in the early twentieth century by Alexander Gibbs and are located on the north and south walls of the chancel. Those on the north side depict five miracles of Our Lord and His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, whilst that on the south side shows Our Lord carrying the Cross to Calvary Murals: The east wall is adorned with Gothic panels showing :- The Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, the Baptism of Our Lord, Saint Raphael and Saint Uriel. The style of both the canvas paintings and the murals is reminiscent of Italian Renaissance work and is of a very high standard. Similarly, the roundels over the chancel arch show the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph and date from 1914 and 1918 respectively. Chancel Ceiling: The chancel ceiling is flat and is divided into sixteen panels or coffers by means of ribbing and is richly painted. Among the themes are the Alpha and the Omega. Stained Glass Windows: The best stained glass in Saint George's is concentrated in the chancel, where all the windows are round-headed. One window on the north side depicts the Crucifixion. The east window consists of three lights depicting The Cross, whilst the main design is of roundels whose pattern and rich colours are redolent of mediaeval stained glass. Among the twelve people commemorated are W J Barre, the architect, and several members of the Purdon family, one of Belfast's leading medical families in the nineteenth century. Altar: The altar, by Knox & Co of Belfast and made of oak, is a memorial to those of the parish who were killed in the Second World War. It is always, except on Good Friday, decorated with a beautiful frontal embroidered in the colours appropriate to the prevailing liturgical season. Reredos: This is located immediately behind the altar and comprises five mosaic panels showing, in the centre, the Lamb ofGod, flanked on each side by the Four Evangelists described in the Book of Revelation . King William's Chair: Located in the chancel, this is a large oak chair the carving of which is clearly of 11th century date. It is said to be the chair in which King William III sat when he attended Divine Service in the Corporation Church on 15th June 1690. He was then in Belfast on his way to the battle of the Boyne.
Last Updated: Monday 14 February, 2005 |