In 1749 a new parish was born. St Thomas Parish emerged from St Mary’s. It was a time of growth in Dublin. The population boomed. St Mary’s could no longer serve everyone.
Imagine the bustling streets of 18th-century Dublin. This is where St Thomas Parish began its life. It wasn’t a grand building at first. Growth in this part of Dublin meant more souls needed a church. Parliament recognised the need. They provided funds for the new parish.
St Thomas Parish wasn’t just bricks and mortar. It was a community. In 1825 over 17000 people lived within its boundaries. That’s a lot of people! They relied on St Thomas for more than just Sunday services. There were schools and community support. Life revolved around the church.
The original church building was something to behold. It was built between 1758 and 1762. John Smyth designed it. His design was based on a Venetian church. The facade was incredibly beautiful. People considered it the finest in Dublin. A Palladian style. Elegant and grand.
Tragedy struck in July 1922. A fire swept through the area. Most of Upper Sackville Street was destroyed. St Thomas Church was damaged too. Though the main structure survived it was eventually demolished in 1926. A new church was built later on Cathal Brugha Street. The old parish lived on in its new home.
The foundation stone of the original St Thomas Church. It’s still there. In the new church. It’s a silent witness. To the history of St Thomas Parish. Its growth its struggles. Its enduring presence in the heart of Dublin. The legacy of St Thomas Parish 1749 continues to this day.