Our building is more than a physical space—it is a heritage building with a beautiful story, a home for our community, a place of worship and a hub for connection and mission. Investing in it will ensure a welcoming place for both our church family and the wider community for years to come…
History
For over 200 years, since 1804, this has been a church where a community have gathered to worship and support the local community.
Buildings have come and gone — from The Tabernacle in 1804, through the Brown designed church in 1860, the alterations in 1900 as the church grew and grew through the ministry of John White to the John Deeds designed church of 1934 and the rose window in 1955 post blitz.
This heart of the people that served and were a part of the community can also be found in the open-mindedness of the men and women here to invite a black slave turned abolitionist here to share their story and advocate against oppression and slavery and for the freedom of every man. On 5 December 1845, by invitation of the church, Frederick Douglass gave a lecture in this very building during a time when slavery continued to be practiced extensively across the world, not least by many Christian slaveowners.
There is a legacy in this place to give a voice to the voiceless. We want to see this continue.
Survey
Over the past few weeks in May an extensive conservation survey has been conducted of 101 Donegall St. The purpose of the survey is to provide a detailed assessment of the building’s condition, identify any defects, potential issues and repairs. It will help us when considering the project of a full renovation to understand the building's current state and make informed decisions.
The survey is being undertaken by CONSARC conservation and they have been looking at the following areas:
Exterior fabric – Element by element – Roofs / Rainwater Goods / Walling / Windows etc.
Interior – Room x room / element x element – Ceilings, walls, floors , windows doors, special items.
Mechanical & Electrical Survey – Non-intrusive survey / compliance / recommendations
Structural Survey – Non-intrusive survey of structural items and potential defects
Refurbishment Costs
We will make this report available to the community once it has been finalised. The survey will also help us in our negotiations with the owners of the building - Donegall Street Congregational Church Trustees.
Proposal
On Wednesday 21st May we are meeting with the building owners to present our final proposal for taking on the ownership of 101. We will share our findings on the condition of 101 Donegall St and our vision for its future. It is our prayer and hope this will help bring a positive outcome and help us move forward as a community at 101.
Taking on a heritage building is a big responsibility and commitment — it will require fundraising through community giving, grants and investments. The refurbishment work will take a number of years to complete. This will be a 3-5 year project! Therefore, we will be presenting the outcome of our meeting at a community conversation gathering. This will be an opportunity for us to pause together, make room for questions, but also discern together if this is something we are all prepared to step into — in faith.
Please do continue to pray over all of this — Your prayers and support are deeply appreciated.
“Redeemer central is an integral part of Belfast’s most dynamic and young neighbourhood with whom St Patrick’s enjoys a warm and growing relationship. Straddling the Cathedral Quarter and Ulster University New Campus, Redeemer is a bridge between communities and a haven of spiritual and human values amidst the hustle of the city. St Patrick’s has worked closely with Redeemer on projects as diverse as arts outreach and cultural heritage. We are particularly proud to have been invited to share in Redeemer’s outreach to the homeless and lonely, The Long Table. I am honoured to support Redeemer in their creative, innovative and faith-filled initiatives which are an inspiration to me and my parish community”
“As Dean of Belfast, and Belfast’s Black Santa, I have been proud to support the ministry of our close neighbours at Redeemer Central, with a substantial grant from the 2024 Black Santa Appeal towards their really important work done through the “Long Table” project. The needs of those caught in the homelessness crisis in the city of Belfast require responses which are imaginative and compassionate. It is my hope that the community of Redeemer Central will be able to continue this vital work operating out of their current location at 101 Donegall Street, and will be able to expand their practical care to the people of the Cathedral Quarter area and the wider area of North Belfast”
“Ulster University and Redeemer Central are neighbours and partners in North Belfast, with a common interest in supporting North Belfast to flourish. Redeemer Central have approached this task with enthusiasm, passion, and commitment from their base in Donegall Street for several years now, making a marked and distinctive contribution to the life of the community. We look forward to continuing to find ways to work together for the good of this area.”
“Redeemer Central has been an important member of the North Belfast Heritage Cluster for several years. Their curiosity and appreciation for the history of the Congregational Church has ensured that over 200 years’ worth of history has remained accessible to a wide audience.”
“Redeemer Central is a strong vibrant organisation that is well governed and well managed. It truly delivers on its mission and works to improves the lives of many people within society who others chose to forget or ignore. It has played an important role in the development and life of the North Belfast Heritage Cluster (NBHC) and I, as Chair, am delighted to have Redeemer Central as part of the team!”
“Belfast City Centre Chaplaincy is an extension of the local Church, reaching out into the City Centre making Jesus and His kingdom tangible to those with no connection to Church. As Lead Chaplain, I have been profoundly encouraged by Redeemer Central, who are a truly a welcoming ‘koinonia’ (Christian community). The reality and effectiveness of the Redeemer Central community is evidenced in the diversity of its members and in its ministries, such as ‘The Long Table’ and ‘Lesser Heard’. Redeemer Central is a blessing from God in our City.”
“As a member of Belfast City Council Shared Partnership I recently reached out to Redeemer Central and had a very good experience of the church hosting a consultation event for Belfast Stories. The church was very obliging and supportive, creating a warm and welcoming environment for council officers and guests. I am also aware and grateful for the community meal on Friday evening which Redeemer hosts which is open to everyone.”
“Redeemer Central’s approach and commitment to governance provides an exemplar to other voluntary organisations and is driven by their core values”
What does Redeemer Central and 101 Donegall St mean to you?
Over the past few weeks we have been gathering endorsements from partners to help our case in highlighting why we think Redeemer Central should be the custodians of 101. Here are some excerpts…
To help support our case for taking on the ownership of 101, we would love to hear from you!
Take a few moments to write a short paragraph about your experience of Redeemer Central and 101. What does Redeemer Central mean to you and your journey of faith? What difference has 101 made to you, the community and the people of belfast?