Press Releases
Archbishop Eames returns to Derry diocese
On Wednesday 13 September the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Robin Eames, will be returning to the city and diocese where he was bishop from 1975-1980, to officially open the newly refurbished Church of Ireland Diocesan Centre in London Street. The Archbishop retires in December.
Following the declaration at 1pm that the building be open, the present bishop, the Rt Revd Ken Good, will dedicate it. He will be joined by members of the Diocesan Council, representatives from other churches, by the Mayor and by civic and community leaders.
The historic building originally opened as a theatre in June 1789 and soon became known as the Talbot Theatre. In 1870 the Church of Ireland took over the premises, and have used it as their Diocesan Offices ever since.
Speaking ahead of the opening, the Bishop of Derry, the Rt Revd Ken Good, said, ?I warmly welcome the imaginative redevelopment of this historic building at the heart of the city, situated as it is inside the walls and right beside St Columb?s cathedral. The Church of Ireland wishes to play a significant part in the life of the city and community and this investment in the cathedral quarter is a sign of that commitment.?
The new offices will house diocesan offices, the youth department, as well as the bishop?s office. A number of boards and committees will meet regularly in the building and it will be used as a centre for training for clergy and lay people.
Further information from:
Archdeacon Donald McLean Tel: + 44 (0)28 7946 8235
Archdeacon Scott Harte Tel: +353 (0)74 9136 187
Press Officer: Sarah Williams (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582
Tel: Belfast +44 (0)28 9023 2909
Notes
Refurbishment
The Diocesan Council, under Bishop Ken Good?s leadership, in a detailed consultation process explored the various options which would best meet its administrative, training and youth needs, and decided that the diocese and city would best be served by remaining in the London Street premises, but by adapting the building to bring it up to modern day standards.
Bishop Good warmly welcomed the Council?s decision, ?I am very pleased that the Church of Ireland has decided to invest in this historic building inside the city walls. We wish to play our part in contributing to the redevelopment of this fine cathedral quarter, and trust that the refurbished Diocesan Centre, as well as equipping the church to engage effectively with a fast changing society, will continue to be a place of welcome to everyone, and that it will strengthen community life.?
A major refurbishment programme, costing over £750,000, which includes the introduction of an additional floor to accommodate a youth resource area, was commenced in 2005 and completed in July 2006. The architect, Caroline Dickson, sought to retain the attractive features of the original building, while complying with disability access requirements as well as introducing modern communication systems and levels of comfort.
Purpose
The Diocesan Centre is the administrative hub of the diocese, and parishes rely on the expertise of the Diocesan staff to assist with many financial, property and legal issues. A number of Diocesan Boards and Committees meet regularly in the Centre, including the Finance Committee, Glebes and Property Committee, Boards of Youth Ministry, of Mission and Unity, of Religious Education, of Social Responsibility, and of Education, the Mothers? Union.
The building is used as a Centre for training and Continuing Ministerial Education for clergy and lay people. One of the major improvements in the new facilities is a purpose built youth office and resource area, which highlights the diocese?s commitment to youth ministry.
History
The historic building originally opened on 30 June 1789 as The Theatre, Londonderry, soon becoming known as the Talbot Theatre, named after a well known actor of the time who performed there regularly in early 1800?s. For fifty years, the theatre enjoyed much success as a centre of entertainment for the people of the city.
The street on which it is situated, close beside the city walls, was originally called Widow?s Row, as the houses beside the cathedral housed clergy widows. After those houses were demolished in later 1800?s, it became known as London Street.
Following the opening of the Theatre Royal just around the corner, Talbot Theatre was offered for rent in early 1830?s. 4th Derry Presbyterian Church used the premises for a time until their new church building on Carlisle Road was completed.
In 1870 the Church of Ireland took over the premises, and have used it as their Diocesan Offices ever since.