Second Raphoe Presbyterian Church

Although now converted to a new use, this fine mid-nineteenth century Presbyterian church retains much of its original character to the exterior. Of particular note is the elaborate classical entrance front with Ionic pilasters, Ionic columns, architraved surrounds to the window openings, and pediment over. This fine entrance front screens much more prosaic side and rear elevations, and helps give this building a strong presence overlooking the Diamond to the centre of Raphoe. This arrangement of a grand classical entrance front and plain ancillary elevations is a common feature of many nineteenth century Presbyterian churches and meeting houses, particularly in Ulster. This building also retains much of its early fabric including natural slate roof, fixed-pane windows with coloured glass and a fine panelled doorway flanked by timber pilasters with console brackets and crowned with an entablature canopy over. This church has much in common stylistically with the slightly later Presbyterian (see 40833017) church (first) on Meetinghouse Street to the west of the town centre. The yew trees to the front effectively screen the side elevations from the entrance front, perhaps a deliberate architectural ploy on behalf of the architect and\or builders etc. This building forms part of an interesting collection of churches of various denominations in Raphoe, which reflects the religious diversity in this part of Donegal. The presence of two large-scale Presbyterian churches in a small town such as Raphoe is indicative of the strong Presbyterian community in this part of Donegal, perhaps a remnant from Plantation times of the seventeenth century when this area was heavily settled by Scottish Undertakers and servitors etc. Raphoe is one of the earliest Presbyterian settlements of Ulster, although there was no church in the town until one was built in 1751 (on the site of the other Presbyterian church in Raphoe; demolished c. 1878). Presbyterians in the area went to worship in Convoy prior to the erection of this church. The Second Presbyterian congregation in Raphoe was formed following a dispute in the Presbyterian congregation during the ministry of Revd. John Thompson (1843-84) creating the First and Second Presbyterian churches in the town. The two Presbyterian congregations in Raphoe were later reunited in 1923, and this building at the Diamond eventually went out of use as a church in 1949, the congregation preferring to worship in the later Presbyterian church in the town. This church in the Diamond has been in use as a hall and sports hall since it ceased as a place of worship. This former church was originally built in 1860 to designs by the architect John Guy Ferguson (d. 1901). It opened it was opened for worship in September 1862, and apparently cost just over £1,000 to construct. Ferguson (from Derry) was also responsible for the Presbyterian churches at Buncrana and Moville (both 1862) and numerous commissions throughout Donegal from c. 1860, and was appointed as architect to the Church of Ireland Diocese of Raphoe and Derry in 1868. This fine building is an integral element of the built heritage and social history of Raphoe, and is a feature building in the centre of the town. The fine cast-iron gates and railings add to the setting, and complete this notable composition.