Sinclair Seaman's Presbyterian Church EHOD 2024

About

Sinclair Seamen's Presbyterian Church was built in 1856 as loving memorial to John Sinclair, a Belfast businessman and philanthropist. For many years he and his brother Thomas were heavily involved with the Seamens' Christian    Friend Society, an interdenominational group, which promoted seamen's physical and spiritual welfare. In 1848, the Society came under the control of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and grew into a thriving congregation based on the "The Bethel " hall in Pilot Street.  With the untimely death of John Sinclair, his family initiated a movement to have a seamen's church erected in his memory and a more permanent home for the   "Bethel" congregation. Large donations from across the religious divide flowed in and Charles Lanyon, the eminent  architect was engaged to design the church. A vacant site at the corner of Corporation Square, near the newly erected Harbour Office was kindly donated by the Harbour Commissioners and the church was formally opened in October 1857. Built of Scrabo Sandstone, to a Venetian design, the church rests on 1,000 wooden piles and cost £4,500 to build. Its interior furnishings emphasise the historic links between the congregation and the busy Belfast port.  Where would you find a brass ship's wheel, a brass capstan and a binnacle? The ship's bell of HMS Hood, of WW1 vintage is rung every Sunday to begin the church services. How many congregations ask their clergy to occupy a pulpit made from wood of an old wind jammer by carpenters from Workman Clark's Shipyard - "the wee yard", standing at the prow of the ship, flanked by port and starboard lights, with a model of a flying boat overhead?  Around the walls are many plaques and artefacts, each telling their own story of nautical interest. Central to the front of the church is the carved Communion Table, above which are the War Memorial Windows. Three beautiful stained glass windows commemorating loss of life in WW1 and beyond featuring the Royal Navy, Army and the Royal Flying Corp later RAF.  The church is a memorial to  John Sinclair and his work. A fitting tribute to "all those who go down to the sea in ships" and a strong reminder of a loving God who can still bring peace in the storms of life.