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| The old manse (Image: First Dunmurry Presbyterian Church) |
The old Georgian manse of First DUNMURRY Presbyterian Church stands immediately to the south of the church.
It is believed to date from about 1770, making it one of the oldest extant buildings in Dunmurry today.
Ordnance Survey memoirs of the early Victorian era allude to a small farm within the grounds of the church; and a "neat cottage for the accommodation of the minister for the time being."
The old manse was subsequently remodelled once or twice; the mid-19th century renovation (ca 1850) possibly being a remodelling of a manse dating from a century earlier.
Alterations to the rear of the building occurred about 1850, it is thought.
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| Section of ca 1830 historic OS map with manse to south of church |
The Rev Dr Henry Montgomery, Minister from 1809-65, resided in the old manse; and his successors continued to live there until a new manse was built.
In 1975 or thereabouts a substantial hall was attached to the rear of the manse.
Today the old manse is incorporated within the McCleery Hall, as it is today called.
The Rev John McCleery was Minister from 1941-69.
First published in July, 2022.
Very interesting post. I hadn't come across the idea of a building prior to Henry Montgomery's time but that is certainly plausible. It has been suggested to me that the Glebe dated to some time early in Henry Montgomery's ministry (ie after 1809). I think at least part of the time Montgomery lived at Inst, he certainly kept his cattle there! For a reasonbaly well-off minister with a large family, servants and, apparently, students in training living in the manse, it must have been very cramped.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your excellent blog my Lord.
Dear David, the noble Earl aims to provide satisfaction. Seriously, though, many thanks for your comments. Tim.
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