The first church in Blackrock was actually a chapel within the Carmelite Monastery now Blackrock Hospice. Think about that for a moment. A hospice now stands where the earliest Blackrock RC Parish services were held.
Today we stand before St John the Baptist Blackrock. This magnificent church is the heart of the Blackrock RC Parish. Its history is rich and fascinating. The parish itself was established in 1922. It was formed from the older Booterstown parish.
The foundation stone of St John the Baptist was laid on June 24 1842. This was a significant day the feast day of the birth of St John the Baptist. Father Theobald Matthew OFM Cap presided over the ceremony. The land itself was a generous gift from Valentine Lawless Lord Cloncurry. The church finally opened its doors on September 14 1845.
Interestingly the church’s construction was quite strategic. Lord Cloncurry donated the land. He wanted to ensure that the design didn’t offend his Protestant neighbours and friends. The architect was instructed to make it resemble a house more than a traditional church building.
Now picture the scene in 1845. The newly opened St John the Baptist church would have been a beacon of hope for the growing Catholic community in Blackrock. It served as a place of worship a gathering place and a symbol of faith.
Fast forward to the present day. The Blackrock RC Parish continues to thrive. St John the Baptist church still stands tall. It’s a testament to the enduring faith of the community. It’s a living connection to the past a witness to the history of Blackrock and its people. And remember the humble beginnings in the Carmelite Monastery chapel. This parish has a long and fascinating story. It’s a story still unfolding.