The Church of Ireland parish of Monkstown, Co. Dublin, will launch a major fund-raising appeal on Sunday, 7th November, 2004, at 7.15 p.m., during a special service attended by the Archbishop of Dublin, Most Reverend John Neill. Invitations to this special event in the history of the parish have been extended to dignitaries including politicians, members of the Judiciary, representatives of the Heritage Council, An Taisce and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. We also hope to have in attendance a number of well-known celebrities to add their support to our endeavour. Following the service, a cheese and wine reception will be held in the Knox Hall, Monkstown Road.

One week following the Launch Service, on Saturday 13th November, a Gift Day will be held in the church. Parishioners be able to choose from various options by which they can contribute to the fund while also having the opportunity to view a photographic exhibition, to tour the church and to speak to members of the steering committee about the details of the restoration project.

Later that same evening, at 8 p.m., as a celebratory kick-off to the programme, the church will play host to a concert by David MacKenzie and Josh Johnston, who will bring their unique blend of Jazz and Folk music to our beautiful building. David and Josh are currently on tour with a series of concerts to promote their new album, ‘A Minor Happiness’. They have very kindly offered to donate the entire proceeds of the concert to the restoration fund, and we are indebted to them for their generosity. Tickets for the concert, priced at 15 & 12 Euro, are available at the door on the night.

The decision to begin this fundraising programme was reached following the commissioning of a detailed report by Lindsay Conservation Architects. Their investigations yielded a structural picture of the historic church building, revealing the need for major repairs to the roof, windows and decorative exterior, as well as preventative measures required against further ingress of damp caused by ageing guttering and leadwork.

A steering committee appointed by the Rector, Rev. Kevin Dalton, has outlined a five-year schedule of fundraising and restoration works to begin in 2005. The committee’s appeal for funds will extend to the local authority, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, as well as to corporate bodies in the area. It is hoped that the project will qualify for one or more grants.

The church ‘in the middle of the road’ in Monkstown has stood as a landmark for over two centuries, the present building being completed by the renowned and sometimes controversial architect, Richard Semple, in 1789. With its turreted and castellated roofline, the building owes less to the traditional ecclesiastical style and more to Semple’s admiration for Eastern styles as well as his wish to move away from the gothic trends of his day.

In December, 2003, an important work of architectural and historical research was published by Dr. Etain Murphy. Entitled ‘A Glorious Extravaganza’ – this book is a detailed history of Monkstown Parish Church with a particular emphasis on its architecture, but also provides an insight into the people involved in the church over the generations.

This new fundraising effort will continue a tradition of dedicated stewardship which has run through successive member of the congregation over the years. It is hoped that it will receive the support of both members of the parish and adjoining parishes, as well as that of members of the United Dioceses also.

For further information please contact:

Kevin Dalton, Rector,Tel: 2806596
Fiona Deverell Tel: 01-2844426, 087-6823951