Background
- Listing: Grade B1
- Date of building: c1840
- Web: www.cushendunbpt.org/
- Cushendun Old Church Gallery
- Cushendun Old Church Virtual Tour
At the heart of the National Trust Village of Cushendun, which owes much of its unique architectural heritage to Ronald John McNeill, is one of its most significant buildings – the church. Formerly a Church of Ireland place of worship this is a simple, rectangular red sandstone building comprising a bell tower at the west end, a small antechamber to the east and seating for approximately 80 worshippers.
The church continued as a place of worship until declining congregations led to its deconsecration in 2003. Local people believe strongly that this historic landmark must be preserved. As a result they have set up Cushendun Building Preservation Trust with the aim of transforming the building into a broad-based arts centre for use by the local commnuity.
The graveyard surrounding the church remains consecrated and is maintained by the Cushendun Churchyard Care Group, a self-funded, voluntary group.
Today the church remains empty and unused. Though generally structurally sound the church has been placed on the Northern Ireland Buildings at Risk database. An architectural survey of the building carried out by the National Trust in 2005 pointed out a number of areas requiring remedial work, including the roof, plasterwork, pointwork and windows. There is also evidence of small-scale woodworm infestation.
Restoration would assist in returning the building to community use.
