St George’s Church

Gazing up at St George’s Church, one might hear whispers of its intriguing past. St George’s Church stands proudly in Dublin’s Hardwicke Place. Designed by the renowned Francis Johnston, it’s considered one of his finest creations. The church’s construction began in 1802 for the Church of Ireland parish of St. George, established in 1793. Its magnificent 200-foot spire quickly became a beloved landmark. St George’s Church shares a striking resemblance to London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields, almost like a stylish daughter church. Interestingly, St George’s was a “free church,” meaning no pew rents were collected. It relied solely on the generosity of voluntary subscriptions. The church’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Twenty-two years after its completion, the expansive roof began to spread due to the weight of its timber trusses. Robert Mallet, a civil engineer, ingeniously designed cast-iron trusses to restore the church’s elegant form. The church’s Greek inscription, ΔΟΞΑ ΕΝ ΥΨΙΣΤΟΙΣ ΘΕΩ, proclaims “Glory to God in the Highest.” The church’s history is intertwined with notable figures. In 1806, the temporary chapel on Whitworth Road hosted the wedding of Sir Arthur Wellesley, later known as the Duke of Wellington, and Catherine Pakenham. The scientist Richard Kirwan found his final resting place within the church’s walls in 1812. Even the architect, Francis Johnston, rests in the churchyard attached to the Whitworth Road chapel. Sadly, St George’s Church faced difficulties in the late 20th century. Cracking Portland stone on the spire necessitated scaffolding. Despite fundraising efforts, the Church of Ireland sold the building in 1991. Its bells, once heard by Leopold Bloom in Ulysses, now chime at Taney Parish church in Dundrum. The ornate pulpit found a new home, adorning Thomas Read’s pub. Today, St George’s Church stands as a testament to its rich history, having served as a theatre, a nightclub, and now, beautifully restored offices. Its legacy lives on, a landmark with tales to tell.