THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION IN BOOTERSTOWN ]
THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION IN BOOTERSTOWN [A HOUSE OF GOD IN DISGUISE]
The Church of the Assumption in Booterstown, County Dublin, stands as a testament to both faith and discretion. This unassuming Roman Catholic church, which looks more like a grand house than a place of worship, has a fascinating history interwoven with the Fitzwilliam family and the changing religious landscape of Ireland.
The story begins with the establishment of the Parish of the Assumption, Booterstown, in 1616. This extensive parish originally encompassed a vast area, stretching from Irishtown through Donnybrook, Milltown, Churchtown, Rathfarnham, and up to the summit of Three Rock Mountain. Its boundaries also included Sandyford, Seapoint, Dundrum, Stillorgan, and Galloping Green. Over time, several new parishes were carved out of this large area, including Donnybrook (1747), Dundrum (1879), Blackrock (1922), Mount Merrion (1948), Merrion Road (1964), and Newtownpark (1967), reflecting the growth and development of the surrounding communities.
The present church building, however, dates back to the early 19th century. Replacing an older chapel on the site, its foundation stone was laid on 6 August 1812. The construction was financed by Richard Fitzwilliam, 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam, who, remarkably, instructed the architect to design the church to resemble a private residence rather than a traditional ecclesiastical building. This unusual request stemmed from Fitzwilliam's desire to avoid causing offence to his Protestant tenants and acquaintances in the area. He sought to provide a place of worship for his Catholic tenants without drawing undue attention or potentially stirring religious tensions.
Completed and dedicated on 15 August 1813, the Feast of the Assumption, by Dr. John Troy, Archbishop of Dublin, the church's outward appearance belies its true purpose. Its design is a subtle nod to the Catholic faith while respecting the sensitivities of the local community.
A further intriguing detail is the high cross located outside the church. Erected around 1868, it was funded by a bequest from an unnamed female servant from the Pembroke estate. While her generosity is evident, her name remains curiously absent from historical records, adding a layer of mystery to the church's story.
The Church of the Assumption in Booterstown, County Dublin, stands as a testament to both faith and discretion. This unassuming Roman Catholic church, which looks more like a grand house than a place of worship, has a fascinating history interwoven with the Fitzwilliam family and the changing religious landscape of Ireland.
The story begins with the establishment of the Parish of the Assumption, Booterstown, in 1616. This extensive parish originally encompassed a vast area, stretching from Irishtown through Donnybrook, Milltown, Churchtown, Rathfarnham, and up to the summit of Three Rock Mountain. Its boundaries also included Sandyford, Seapoint, Dundrum, Stillorgan, and Galloping Green. Over time, several new parishes were carved out of this large area, including Donnybrook (1747), Dundrum (1879), Blackrock (1922), Mount Merrion (1948), Merrion Road (1964), and Newtownpark (1967), reflecting the growth and development of the surrounding communities.
The present church building, however, dates back to the early 19th century. Replacing an older chapel on the site, its foundation stone was laid on 6 August 1812. The construction was financed by Richard Fitzwilliam, 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam, who, remarkably, instructed the architect to design the church to resemble a private residence rather than a traditional ecclesiastical building. This unusual request stemmed from Fitzwilliam's desire to avoid causing offence to his Protestant tenants and acquaintances in the area. He sought to provide a place of worship for his Catholic tenants without drawing undue attention or potentially stirring religious tensions.
Completed and dedicated on 15 August 1813, the Feast of the Assumption, by Dr. John Troy, Archbishop of Dublin, the church's outward appearance belies its true purpose. Its design is a subtle nod to the Catholic faith while respecting the sensitivities of the local community.
A further intriguing detail is the high cross located outside the church. Erected around 1868, it was funded by a bequest from an unnamed female servant from the Pembroke estate. While her generosity is evident, her name remains curiously absent from historical records, adding a layer of mystery to the church's story.
THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION IN BOOTERSTOWN ]