St Matthias’

A church funded by the people. That’s what St. Matthias’ Church was all about. Here on Hatch Street, it stood as a testament to the community’s devotion. It was 1842 when the first stone was laid, a gift from Rev. Sir Samuel Synge-Hutchinson who lived nearby. The man behind it all? Rev. Maurice Day, a visionary who dreamt of a place where faith echoed in every corner. St. Matthias’ Church became that sanctuary. Daniel Robertson, the architect, crafted a masterpiece. Imagine the elegance of the Corinthian portico, welcoming worshippers with open arms. But fate had other plans. Wellington Square, the grand development St. Matthias’ was meant to be part of, never materialized. Instead, the adjacent land was claimed by progress – the Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford Railway. The year 1859 saw the railway line roar to life, forever changing the landscape. Yet, St. Matthias’ endured. Lady Gregory herself, the renowned playwright and Abbey Theatre co-founder, exchanged vows within its hallowed halls in 1880. For over a century, St. Matthias’ served as a beacon of faith, but times changed. By 1956, dwindling numbers led to its heartbreaking closure. Anger and sadness filled the air during the final service on March 25th. Two years later, the wrecking ball fell, silencing the hymns forever. St. Matthias’ Church may be gone, but its memory lives on, a reminder of a time when faith and community were etched in stone.