Union Theological College EHOD 2025

About

Union Theological College has been at the heart of the Queen's Quarter since 1853. The building was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, architect of other notable nearby buildings, such as the Lanyon building of Queen's University Belfast and the Palm House in Botanic Gardens. The College is one of less than thirty Grade A listed buildings in Belfast. In 1853, the College was opened for the training of Presbyterian Ministers. A role it still fulfils today, 172 years later, alongside the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Notably the College was the location of the first Northern Ireland Parliament in 1921 to 1932. The College still retains photos and some artifacts from this time, including the very chairs used by the parliament members. The College also served as a hospital in the First World War and was then used as the city police headquarters between 1941 to 1948. The Gamble Library, on the first floor of the College, is the largest theological library in Northern Ireland. It holds around 64,000 books, 20,000 pamphlets and several special collections. For example, items in its rare books collection date back to the 1540s.

For European Heritage Open Day, the College will be opening its doors to the public to explore the College building and its rich history. Members of the public can take a self-guided tour around the building and exterior: exploring College Chapel; visiting the entrance hall which houses portraits of notable Presbyterians and a nineteenth century Japanese temple bell; and discovering the Gamble Library home to a wealth of theological writing. Visitors will be able to explore exhibitions relating to the College and its history.