Dunmurry: Old Manse

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.

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 successfully within the McCleery Hall, as it is called.

The Rev John McCleery was Minister from 1941-69.