Help restore C. S. Lewis legacy
at St Mark's, Dundela
An Old Rectory and its exciting future
The Old Rectory at St Mark’s, Dundela, is one of the few remaining buildings with a direct link to world-renowned Christian author Clive Staples (Jack) Lewis. St Mark’s was his home parish, his grandfather was the first Rector, and it was here that Lewis was baptised and claimed for Christ. He returned here many times later in life, not least to mark his journey back to faith and memorialise his parents in the stained-glass Lewis window in the church.
Our Vision: restoring a building for the sake of the Gospel
Lewis’ writings are not impactful because he was good with words. They are powerful because he believed the Gospel. It is our hope that restoring the Old Rectory and its future ministry will provide a new and accessible space for pilgrims and visitors to be inspired and touched by Jesus on their journey of faith so they may grow as disciples of Christ.
Get involved: Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/31uUwQoXac3NVVPd6
Our vision for the Old Rectory is a multi-use facility providing:
St Mark's Parish, Dundela, aims to:
Get involved: Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/31uUwQoXac3NVVPd6
Our Vision: restoring a building for the sake of the Gospel
Lewis’ writings are not impactful because he was good with words. They are powerful because he believed the Gospel. It is our hope that restoring the Old Rectory and its future ministry will provide a new and accessible space for pilgrims and visitors to be inspired and touched by Jesus on their journey of faith so they may grow as disciples of Christ.
Get involved: Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/31uUwQoXac3NVVPd6
Our vision for the Old Rectory is a multi-use facility providing:
- rooms for a C. S. Lewis exhibition and a welcoming hub for tours where refreshments would be served;
- a library with an inviting space for study and writing, as well as a seminar venue;
- a self-contained residential flat with own door accommodation for visitors and scholars – a writer’s retreat that could provide a small but steady income from the accommodation.
- an option for office or hot-desking spaces.
St Mark's Parish, Dundela, aims to:
- restore the building to modern standards of plumbing, heating, insulation and accessibility, whilst preserving its character and features as a Grade B listed building; and
- make such alterations, improvements and investments that will allow a sustainable future use, generating sufficient income to continue its maintenance and preserve it for future generations.
Get involved: Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/31uUwQoXac3NVVPd6
“I wholeheartedly support this exciting project which will benefit and be a blessing to both the parish of St Mark’s and the Diocese of Down and Dromore.” |
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The Building
Cultural and historic importance
The Old Rectory was built in 1886/87 by the first Rector of the parish, Revd Thomas Hamilton. He was the father of Flora Hamilton and grandfather of C. S. Lewis. The Hamilton family lived in this 9-bedroom Victorian villa assisted by several members of staff. The house continued to be used as the Parish Rectory until the mid-1970s when its size and condition was deemed unsuitable for modern family life. For a period of some 25 years the building was used as office accommodation for a range of Christian organisations and charities but has been unoccupied since 2018. The Old Rectory is listed Grade B by the Northern Ireland government as being of special architectural or historic interest and sits in the middle of the parish site between the Grade A listed church (1878) and Grade B listed parish hall (1929).
Current Condition
St Mark’s parish regularly carries out basic maintenance, including treatment for ongoing dry rot, window repairs and gutter clearance work. The building has been used for several film shoots to raise funds for its upkeep. However, if it is to have a useable future, it will require a complete restoration including re-roofing, installation of suitable double glazing, insulation, plumbing, electrical and heating systems, whilst maintaining the many original Victorian features including fireplaces, cornicing and window shutters.
The Way Ahead
How long will it take?
As we continue to work with our team of conservation professionals, we anticipate a period of 12/18 months to develop the restoration plans fully, then a further 12 month rebuild period. An opening date in November 2028 would be a wonderful target, to celebrate the 130th anniversary of C. S. Lewis’ birth.
How much will it cost?
Plans will help to clarify the fundraising target, both for the initial capital outlay and the ongoing operational costs. We expect to need to raise a minimum of £2 million.
Who will benefit from this new facility?
Visitors from home and abroad, pilgrims and seekers, students and scholars – anyone keen to explore and preserve this unique heritage and celebrate one of East Belfast’s most important sons. A restored Old Rectory offers an unique opportunity to proclaim Christ, make him known, loved and followed.
Get involved - Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/31uUwQoXac3NVVPd6
We are very excited and hope you are as well. If you agree that this is work worth doing, we would love to hear from you and add you to our database of supporters. We will be in contact once our fundraising campaign is launched.
Pray for this project!
Join with others across the world in praying the following:
Almighty God,
by your grace your servant C. S. Lewis
became a faithful disciple
and with eloquence and clarity preached Jesus Christ.
As we build on his legacy,
bless this initiative.
May it preach the living Christ
to men and women, young and old,
and help them to grow in faith.
May lives be transformed in Belfast and beyond,
in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Cultural and historic importance
The Old Rectory was built in 1886/87 by the first Rector of the parish, Revd Thomas Hamilton. He was the father of Flora Hamilton and grandfather of C. S. Lewis. The Hamilton family lived in this 9-bedroom Victorian villa assisted by several members of staff. The house continued to be used as the Parish Rectory until the mid-1970s when its size and condition was deemed unsuitable for modern family life. For a period of some 25 years the building was used as office accommodation for a range of Christian organisations and charities but has been unoccupied since 2018. The Old Rectory is listed Grade B by the Northern Ireland government as being of special architectural or historic interest and sits in the middle of the parish site between the Grade A listed church (1878) and Grade B listed parish hall (1929).
Current Condition
St Mark’s parish regularly carries out basic maintenance, including treatment for ongoing dry rot, window repairs and gutter clearance work. The building has been used for several film shoots to raise funds for its upkeep. However, if it is to have a useable future, it will require a complete restoration including re-roofing, installation of suitable double glazing, insulation, plumbing, electrical and heating systems, whilst maintaining the many original Victorian features including fireplaces, cornicing and window shutters.
The Way Ahead
How long will it take?
As we continue to work with our team of conservation professionals, we anticipate a period of 12/18 months to develop the restoration plans fully, then a further 12 month rebuild period. An opening date in November 2028 would be a wonderful target, to celebrate the 130th anniversary of C. S. Lewis’ birth.
How much will it cost?
Plans will help to clarify the fundraising target, both for the initial capital outlay and the ongoing operational costs. We expect to need to raise a minimum of £2 million.
Who will benefit from this new facility?
Visitors from home and abroad, pilgrims and seekers, students and scholars – anyone keen to explore and preserve this unique heritage and celebrate one of East Belfast’s most important sons. A restored Old Rectory offers an unique opportunity to proclaim Christ, make him known, loved and followed.
Get involved - Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/31uUwQoXac3NVVPd6
We are very excited and hope you are as well. If you agree that this is work worth doing, we would love to hear from you and add you to our database of supporters. We will be in contact once our fundraising campaign is launched.
Pray for this project!
Join with others across the world in praying the following:
Almighty God,
by your grace your servant C. S. Lewis
became a faithful disciple
and with eloquence and clarity preached Jesus Christ.
As we build on his legacy,
bless this initiative.
May it preach the living Christ
to men and women, young and old,
and help them to grow in faith.
May lives be transformed in Belfast and beyond,
in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The Old Rectory Restoration Project is being managed by the Select Vestry of St Mark’s Dundela, Church of Ireland, Diocese of Down and Dromore.
Charity Number: NIC102090
Rector and Incumbent: Revd Canon Dr Helene T. Steed
Postal address: St Mark’s Dundela, 2 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast BT4 2DR, Northern Ireland
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://dundela.down.anglican.org/
Charity Number: NIC102090
Rector and Incumbent: Revd Canon Dr Helene T. Steed
Postal address: St Mark’s Dundela, 2 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast BT4 2DR, Northern Ireland
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://dundela.down.anglican.org/
