Corpus Christi

1938. The aroma of freshly quarried granite filled the air in Drumcondra. The foundations of Corpus Christi Church were being laid. Here at Corpus Christi, Robinson and Keefe envisioned a magnificent structure, a blend of Romanesque and Renaissance styles. Corpus Christi Church arose, a testament to their vision, completed in 1941. The church stands as a striking landmark on Griffith Avenue. Its gray granite facade, accented by the gleam of a copper roof and dome, exudes a timeless elegance. The design is cruciform, with a five-bay nave, transepts, and a truncated apse. A copper-clad lantern, topped with a cross, sits atop the dome. Notice the subtle details: the stepped granite base of the dome, the pinnacles adorning the crossing returns, and the cross finials gracing the nave and transepts. Inside Corpus Christi, the barrel vault ceilings of the nave, transepts, and apse are adorned with octagonal coffers. Look up at the shallow crossing dome. You’ll see a central oculus, surrounded by plaster reliefs of the four Evangelists. The sanctuary arch proclaims “Adore te devote latens deitas,” a fitting inscription above the high altar and baldachin. The original timber pews and parquet flooring, with a central marble-effect vinyl aisle, remain. Corpus Christi Church has witnessed countless services, weddings, and funerals. It has served as a cornerstone of the community since its inception. The church is more than just a building; it is a living testament to the faith and dedication of the people of Drumcondra.