A chilling wind whispers through the skeletal remains of what once stood tall. This is the site of the Church of St John the Evangelist a place steeped in Dublin’s rich history.
Picture the Church of St John the Evangelist in its prime. It stood proudly on Fishamble Street. Founded way back in 1168 by Giolla Michell an Irishman it was initially linked to Christ Church Cathedral. The area was different then. Fishamble Street only stretched as far as Neal’s Music Hall. Beyond that lay Bothestret where the church was located.
Within its walls two chapels existed one for St Mary another for St John favored by the Tailors’ Guild. Imagine the sounds of their work the rhythmic snip of shears the hushed conversations. In the 14th century the Church of St John the Evangelist hosted miracle plays. They recounted the resurrection story on Easter. A truly spectacular event in its time.
Arland Ussher a nephew of Dublin’s mayor rebuilt the church in the 16th century. The new structure boasted a chancel nave and aisles. Beneath it lay vaults. A belfry housed three bells their pealing echoing through the medieval streets. Another rebuilding in 1681 saw walls only 24 feet high. Forty-two pews were shared by families like the Bladens Hutchinsons Forsters and many more. Their names etched into the fabric of this community.
Then came 1773. A major restoration designed by George Ensor. Thousands of pounds were raised for this project funds from the government and other donors. The pews were auctioned off the wealthiest securing the best seats. Alderman Robert Smith donated funds for an organ. Sadly it proved problematic never quite working to perfection. Yet the Church of St John the Evangelist’s interior was lauded plain but handsome with oak galleries. A tailor’s guild crest adorned one gallery. Its motto “I was naked and you clothed me” a poignant reminder of their craft.
Sadly the Church of St John the Evangelist closed its doors in 1878. Its parish united with that of St Werburgh. The pulpit and other items found new homes. In 1879 it became a parochial hall. Finally in 1884 the church was demolished. A new Mission Hall replaced it a testament to change and the ever-shifting landscape of Dublin. Yet the memory of the Church of St John the Evangelist lingers. It lives on in parish records and the stories passed down through generations. The thousands of souls buried in its graveyard each with their own tales to tell. Think of Henry Grattan baptized here or Jeremiah John Moore who would later open Sydney’s first bookshop. The Church of St John the Evangelist a significant chapter in the story of Dublin.