Rising proudly in Blackrock stands Saint John the Baptist. Its story is etched in stone and faith. This church represents more than a building. It is a testament to a community’s devotion and architectural vision.
Imagine it is June 24th 1842. The air is filled with anticipation. Valentine Lawless, 2nd Baron Cloncurry, had donated land. A single foundation stone is laid marking the commencement of this grand project. This day coincides with the feast of Saint John the Baptist.
Patrick Byrne, educated at the Dublin Society Schools, designed Saint John the Baptist. Byrne embraced the Gothic Revival style. Saint John the Baptist became one of the first churches built in this style in the Dublin Archdiocese. Some say Augustus Welby Pugin’s ideas inspired it.
Initially Saint John the Baptist consisted of the nave, chancel, and bell tower. Look up at the rear of the church. You will spot two carved heads high on either side of the rose window. To the left is Saint John the Baptist. To the right is Archbishop Daniel Murray.
By 1850, additions were made to the east side. These included an aisle and a baptistry. A vestry and a chapel in honour of Our Lady were added too. The church expanded reflecting the growing congregation.
In the years 1931-1932, the old school to the west was demolished. Saint Anne’s aisle was constructed. This new addition included Saint Anne’s Chapel and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
Step inside Saint John the Baptist. Notice the altar. Behind it stand nine statues. They represent the “Bearers of the Word”. At the center is Our Lady. To her right are Saint Peter, Saint Mark, Saint James, and Saint Matthew. To her left are Saint Paul, Saint Luke, Saint John, and Saint Jude.
In 1925, the family of John Murphy of Avoca Avenue made a donation. Harry Clarke Studio was commissioned to create two stained glass windows. These windows are the third stained glass windows on the west and east aisles.
In 1932, Early Studios installed new stained glass windows. They illuminate Saint Anne’s aisle.
In 1955, the McGuire family presented Evie Hone’s stained glass windows. They honored Brigid Patricia McGuire. She was the wife of Senator Edward McGuire. She was also the mother of portrait painter Edward McGuire. This window was one of the last produced by Evie Hone.
Saint John the Baptist replaced the chapel of the Carmelite monastery. The old chapel was on Sweetman’s Avenue. It was demolished. Another chapel was built in its place. Today it is part of the Blackrock Hospice.
The area around Saint John the Baptist first belonged to Monkstown parish. Later it fell under Booterstown parish. In 1922, the parish of Blackrock was established.
Today Saint John the Baptist stands as a testament to faith. It is a landmark in Blackrock. Its history is long. Its architecture is inspiring. Its community is vibrant.