In 1847 the shadow of the Great Famine loomed large over St Thomas Parish. Its 17108 inhabitants faced starvation and disease. This wasn’t just any parish. St Thomas Parish was a vibrant community. Its heart beat in Marlborough Street. The grand Palladian church stood proud. Its beautiful facade once the envy of Dublin. It was built between 1758 and 1762. This was a time of expansion. St Mary’s parish had been divided to cope with growing numbers. Architect John Smyth designed the church. It was inspired by Palladio’s Il Redentore in Venice. Parliament granted £2000 for its construction. Another £1000 was later given to complete it.
Life in St Thomas Parish wasn’t easy even before the famine. Poverty was widespread. Many lived in overcrowded tenements. The church served as a beacon of hope. It offered solace and community. However the parish was more than just a place of worship. It boasted a parochial school for girls. A bequest and donations supported it. There were also day and Sunday schools. The National Education Board’s buildings stood within the parish boundaries. A savings bank offered a glimmer of financial security. The presence of the Feinaglian institution’s Episcopal chapel added a further layer to the community.
The year 1847 was particularly harsh. The potato blight had devastated the crop. The parish priest along with many others tirelessly worked to offer aid. Soup kitchens were set up. Public works provided some temporary relief. But the winter was severe. The public works program ended. The relief offered became inadequate. Starvation and disease claimed many lives. The year brought untold suffering. The people of St Thomas Parish faced immense hardship. Their faith and community were tested to their limits. Yet the spirit of the parish persevered. It endured the hardship. It would eventually see brighter days. The church would eventually be destroyed. Its memory lived on. A new St Thomas Church was built. It stands as a reminder of this community’s resilience. A symbol of faith that endured the worst of times. A testament to the enduring spirit of St Thomas Parish.