St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
St Stephen’s Church
Upper Mount Street
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
INTORDUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS............................................................................................................ 6
MEDIEVAL ST. STEPHEN’S ...................................................................................................... 7
Origin ................................................................................................................................. 7
Boundary ............................................................................................................................ 7
Endowment ......................................................................................................................... 7
Graveyard .......................................................................................................................... 7
Demise................................................................................................................................ 8
Legacy ................................................................................................................................ 8
THE CHURCH .......................................................................................................................... 8
St. Peter’s Union ................................................................................................................ 9
Consecration ...................................................................................................................... 9
Church’s Fabric ................................................................................................................. 9
Architect ............................................................................................................................. 9
Location ........................................................................................................................... 10
EDUCATION........................................................................................................................... 10
RECTORS ............................................................................................................................... 10
18l8-1851, John Torrens, M.A., Archdeacon of Dublin. ................................................. 10
1841 Reginald Courtenay ............................................................................................ 10
1851-64 John West, D.D., , Archdeacon of Dublin. ........................................................ 11
1864-1883, William Lee, D.D., Archdeacon of Dublin. .................................................. 11
Education ................................................................................................................. 11
Choral Society.............................................................................................................. 12
1883-1908. James Hornidge Walsh, D.D., ...................................................................... 12
1885 Education ............................................................................................................ 13
1885 Social Care .......................................................................................................... 13
1887 Organ Installation................................................................................................ 14
1889.............................................................................................................................. 14
1894 Church Lads’ Brigade ......................................................................................... 14
1896 Parochial Hall..................................................................................................... 14
1897 - 1905 James George Carleton ............................................................................ 16
1898 - 1903 Charles Herbert Pownall Price ................................................................ 16
1903 - 1907 Thomas Arnold Harvey ........................................................................... 16
1906 - 1914 Henry Ballincarrig Dobbs ........................................................................ 17
1908-35. Harvey Stewart, M.A., ...................................................................................... 17
1908 Boys Brigade ....................................................................................................... 17
1916 - 1927 John Ernest Leonard Oulton .................................................................... 17
Robert Donald Macrory ........................................................................................... 18
Mortimer O’Sullivan ................................................................................................ 18
Lewen Burton Weldon ............................................................................................. 18
1919.............................................................................................................................. 19
1924 Church’s Centenary, Sunday, 7th December ...................................................... 19
Service Details ......................................................................................................... 19
Sermon ..................................................................................................................... 19
Legacy ...................................................................................................................... 19
Traditions ................................................................................................................. 20
Strengths .................................................................................................................. 20
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Church Music ........................................................................................................... 20
Influences ................................................................................................................. 20
Devotion ................................................................................................................... 20
Social Change .......................................................................................................... 20
Social Activity ......................................................................................................... 21
Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 21
Education ..................................................................................................................... 21
1935-1952 William Thomas Grey, M.A. .......................................................................... 22
1952-59 Charles Trevelyan Aubrey Carter, M.A............................................................. 23
Education. .................................................................................................................... 23
1959-67 Samuel Greenfield Poyntz, M.A, B.D., Ph.D. .................................................... 23
1962 Organ Dry Rot..................................................................................................... 24
1963 Organ Restoration ............................................................................................... 24
1968-69 Ernon Cope Todd Perdue, B.A., B.D., M.Ed. .................................................... 24
Education ..................................................................................................................... 25
Parish reorgnaization ................................................................................................... 25
POSTSCRIPT........................................................................................................................... 25
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.......................................................................................................... 25
INTRODUCTORY NOTE ........................................................................................................... 27
MEMORIAL WINDOWS .......................................................................................................... 27
Revd. David Elrington ..................................................................................................... 27
Rev. Robert Alexander Hamilton ..................................................................................... 27
Tufnell family. .................................................................................................................. 27
Henry Cope Colles ........................................................................................................... 28
Frederick William Leeper ................................................................................................ 28
Rev. C. A. Williamson, M.A ............................................................................................. 28
Rt. Hon. Edward Gibson 1st Baron Ashbourne ............................................................... 28
George Augustus Chichester May ................................................................................... 28
George Chichester May K.C ............................................................................................ 29
Hon. Judge Townshend .................................................................................................... 29
INTERIOR .............................................................................................................................. 29
Lighting ............................................................................................................................ 29
Furniture .......................................................................................................................... 30
Lectern ............................................................................................................................. 30
Pulpit ................................................................................................................................ 30
Prayer desk ...................................................................................................................... 30
Chancel ............................................................................................................................ 30
Reredos ............................................................................................................................ 30
Communion Table cross .................................................................................................. 31
Communion Plate............................................................................................................. 31
Kingham Chalice ............................................................................................................. 31
Baptismal Shell ................................................................................................................ 31
Carpets ............................................................................................................................. 31
Frontals ............................................................................................................................ 31
WAR MEMORIAL................................................................................................................... 31
CHOIR ................................................................................................................................... 34
Choristers......................................................................................................................... 34
Charles Stanford........................................................................................................... 34
Arthur Oulton ............................................................................................................... 34
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
ORGAN .................................................................................................................................. 34
Original ............................................................................................................................ 34
John Snetzler ................................................................................................................ 34
Organists .......................................................................................................................... 35
Edward Bunting ........................................................................................................... 35
Dr. William Henry Gater ............................................................................................. 35
Legacy .......................................................................................................................... 35
Memorial .................................................................................................................. 35
Successors ................................................................................................................ 36
Specification ..................................................................................................................... 36
Great Organ .................................................................................................................. 36
Swell Organ ................................................................................................................. 36
Accessories .................................................................................................................. 37
CHRONOLOGY ....................................................................................................................... 37
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Introduction
THE Greek word from which “martyr” is derived can be translated into English by the word
“witness”. No account of the Parish would be complete without some reference to the many
sided activities associated with it. Four factors deserve special mention.
St. Stephen’s now stands in a commercial area of the city. The open church door, the tolling
of the bell, the sight of one, two and more people going up the eight steps which lead into the
church is an encouragement to men and women living and working in a dying world to enter,
rest, reflect and renew in prayer. The graceful copula, silhouetted by day and night points the
passer-by heavenward. It was once said that St. Stephen’s was holding up the business life of
the area. It was not spoken as a compliment. The speaker meant that the Church was an
embarrassment tthe traffic situated in the middle of the road leading from Merrion Square to
Percy Place, But we think that there was a truth in the criticism which the speaker did not
realise. It is the function of the Church to “hold up” the life of a city, to sustain it morally and
spiritually, to bring the light of God to bear on its problems and concerns. This has been the
primary, witness of this Church. May it be so for the next stretch of the road. Down the years
a number of organisations and clubs have been the handmaid of the Church. None of the
organisations which came into existence in the nineteenth century has survived.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Acknowledgements
I am indebted to W. Eliwood Post’s Saints, Signs and Symbols (S.P.C.K.) for the symbol of
St. Stephen on the cover of this publication. The symbol evidently of French origin is
displayed at Dijon. The three stones refer to the manner of his death and the palm to his
spiritual victory. A gold palm branch and silver stones on a red field constitute a suitable
symbol for the first martyr of the Christian Church. Much information concerning clergymen
mentioned is quoted from an unpublished book by Canon J. B. Leslie D.Lit. and the
copyright belongs to the Representative Church Body Library, Rathgar, Dublin. A
parishioner of St. Ann’s, Miss Sheila Baker, typed most of the MSS and for this I am
grateful. Mention must be made of the members of St. Stephen’s Select Vestry for without
their encouragement and support this book would not now be available. To Mr. Brittain of the
Leinster Leader and all who helped in its production the parish offers its thanks,
S.G. POYNTZ All Saints’ Day, 1974. St. Stephen’s Church
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Medieval St. Stephen’s
Origin
WHEN King John ordered the union of Diocese of Glendalough with that of Dublin he
stipulated that out of the finances of the Bishopric a religious house should be founded. It is
said that Archbishop Henry made a decree for a hospital to be founded on the sea shore of the
Steyne which was to be maintained with certain lands and endowments including the Church
of Delgany and its chapels under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin. It is reasonable
to suppose that the Archbishop settled for a more modest plan, opening a refuge for lepers on
the Steyne. Soon afterwards it was transferred to where the Mercer’s Hospital stands today
and was dedicated to St. Stephen. However, its influence lingered on at the Steyne—for the
area to become known as Leper’s or Lazer’s Hill—a name only changed as late as the end of
the eighteenth ceBtury to Townsend Street.
The Leper Hospital can be traced back to 1224 where it is mentioned in the Papal Bull of
Gregory, quoted in the Registry of All Hallows. There are also early references to it in Trinity
College Mss and in the Corporation Assembly Rolls1
In Stanihurst’s description of Dublin we find that St. Stephen’s “was erected for an hospitall
for poore lame and impotent lazars, where they alide to this daie (1584) although not in such
chast and sincere wise as the founder’s will was upon the erection thereof. The Major with
his brethren on St. Stephen his daie which is one of them station daies, repaireth thereto and
there dooth offer”. The rights and privileges enjoyed by the Mayor and Corporation appear to
have been jealously guarded for they once refused Archbishop Allen the right of visitation.
Boundary
This foundation with a chapel and graveyard and other property roughly extended from
Wicklow Street to Cuffe Street and this probably constituted the parish area. It was
administered by a Custos or Guardian appointed by the Corporation who not infreqaentiy was
a clergyman. If the person appointed were a layman he was bound to provide a chaplain. The
first known Custos is Geoffrey de St. Michael in 1334. Another Custos was John Scrop, a
layman, who successfully’contended that he was only bound to provide a Chaplain on St.
Stephen’s Day, when the Mayor came and offered. A list of custos or guardians is appended.
Endowment
In 1390 Elena Morton endowed the hospital with certain tithes which came from the
monastery Del Hogges in Dame Street, three acres of land near the chapel and a church at
Ballybogher in Taney Rural Deanery which became known as Leperstown (wrongly changed
to Leopardstown). So today when the Leper’s Hospital and the dreaded disease has
disappeared from our city, the memory lingers in the south County of Dublin.
Graveyard
The churchyard of St. Stephen’s was still in use in 1686, probably for the burials of the poor.
A few extracts from the burial register are apposite:
“A poore man and two poore girls bur. in St. Steph’’s Churchyard. Monday, November, 1st.”
For these quotations and extracts see The Records of St. Bride’s Parish—Succession of
Clergy in St. Bride’ and St. Michael Le Role ‘1884
1
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
“A poore disbanded soldier who dyed in the street, bur. Tuesday, November, 23rd. in St.
Stephnl’s Churchyard.”
“One executed bur. in St. Steph’s Churchyard, Wednesday, November, the 24th; the fees
remitted.”
Archaeologists have argued, following the discovery of an unglazed earthenware urn dug up
in the neighbourhood, that the site occupied by the old Leper Hospital had been a cremation
cemetery in the pre Christian smooth stone period. There is no doubt that this urn, presently
in the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin connects St. Stephen’s with a very remote
antiquity2, ().
Demise
The hospital was closed in the seventeenth century by the Cromwellians. In 1665 the
churchyard was walled in and, by Act of Council in 1682, St. Stephen’s was “forever
hereafter enclosed up and preserved from all common and profane uses”. It is likely that it
was demolished between 1682 and 1698 and the parochial area divided between St. Bride’s,
St. Peter’s and subsequently St. Ann’s. The hospital was rebuilt as Mercer’s Hospital by
Madame Mary Mercer in 1734 and continues to this day, giving a fine service to the
community.
Legacy
Certainly the Leper Hospital of St. Stephen can be traced back to 1224 and it gave its name to
Stephen’s Street, Stephen’s Court, St. Stephen’s Green, and St. Stephen’s Church in Mount
Street Crescent.
The Church
DUBLIN in 1824 was a city of turnpikes, tolls, lotteries, mail coaches and caravans.
Parliamentary debates tell us that in the six parish churches in the city the average number at
Morning Prayer was 9,800, while those who communicated monthly numbered about 1,100,
increasing on Festivals to nearly 7,000. The weekly collections in the six churches amounted
to £2,236, The two cathedrals were crowded (“The congregations . . . only limited by
accomodation”). Collections varied between £2,000 and £3,000. It was the hey day of charity
sermons, and the sum of £2,000.was realized in the five city churches.
The Lord Lieutenant was the Marquis Wellesley, the Lord Mayor of Dublin was Richard
Smith, the Recorder Sir Jonas Greene, and the Governor of the Bank of Ireland, Nathaniel
Hone. The Very Rev. Richard Ponsonby was Dean of St.. Patrick’s. Sahiuel Bagster was
announcing the publication of Bibles, Prayer Books and the Psalter in foreign languages.
Thomas Moore’s songs were just appearing with music by H. R. Bishop. Tea was 7s. 6d. a ib,
while whiskey could be had at 8s. 6d. a gallon. Major Sirr was in office at Dublin Castle and
the Limerick Caravan announced it would leave at 9 a.m., “dineand sleep” at Mountrath and
arrive at Limerick next day at 3 p.m. Bank stock stood at 259 in December 1824 and one of
the directors was Arthur Guinness who lived at Beaumont. Drumcondra; Dublin University
was represented in Parliament by W.G. Plunkett, the city by Sir R. Shaw and Thomas Ellis
and the county by T. W. Talbot and Thomas White. Henry Grattan (following the principles
of his father) and Richard Steele were both issuing addresses for support at the next election.
2
Mss. letter by Professor McAllister, see St. Bride’s Records
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Bishops in the Church of Ireland had salaries of £5,000 per year. Such then were the times
when the newly finished church dedicated to the first martyr was consecrated.
St. Peter’s Union
Since 1790 the residents of the squares and streets of the rapidly expanding Fitzwilliam estate
had asked for a church to be erected in their neighbourhood. However thirty years elapsed
before the Select Vestry of St. Peter’s agreed to the project, and in 1821 plans were prepared
for a Chapel of Ease to the Mother Church. Thus St. Stephen’s Church became yet another
building in the vast Parish of St. Peter’s Union which also contained St. Kevin’s, Sandford,
Rathmines, Rathfarnham, Taney and Booterstown. The parish stretched from the Three Rock
Mountain to Dublin Bay, and from Sandyford to the gates of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The first chaplain to the new Chapel of Ease was the Rev. W. Bourne who was also at that
time Vicar of St. Andrew’s Church, Archdeacon John Torrens M.A. who lived at Newtown,
Rathfarnham, (then incumbent of St. Peter’s Union) having undertaken to provide two curates
for the new church. Torrens had at that time eleven Assistant-Curates serving with him which
he allocated as follows: St. Peter’s 2 Curates; St. Stephen’s 2 Curates; Rathfarnham 2
Curates; Donnybrook 2 Curates; St. Kevin’s 1 Curate; Rathmines 1 Curate and Tawney
(Taney) 1 Curate.
Consecration
St. Stephen’s Church, Mount Street Crescent, known affectionately to generations of citizens
as the “pepper cannister” or “pepper pot” is one of Dublin’s familiar landmarks. The Church
was consecrated on Sunday 5th December, 1824, by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev.
William Magee, D.D. According to the report in The Dublin Correspondent, the Archbishop,
the Rt. Hon. Dr. Radcliffe, Vicar General, the Archdeacon and the Reverend Attendants and
Ministers arrived at the church door. Having complied with the customary form without, they
passed down the centre of the church and performed the usual ceremonials of offering up the
consecration prayers and reading and signing the licence for the celebration of Divine
Worship in that church according to the form of the Liturgy of the Established Church. Psalm
108 was sung by the choir augmented by some of the gentlemen from Christ Church
Cathedral. The Archbishop preached on a text from Psalm 122. The account continued “His
Grace, with his usual impressiveness and unaffected piety dwelt for one hour and five
minutes on the necessity of attending Public Worship, on its advantages, on its healing
influence upon the Christian mind and on the manifold exciting effects which it is capable of
creating, the better enabling us to pass from a sublunary to a celestial state”. It was further
stated that “His Grace’s sermon was indeed a masterpiece of eloquence, and was equally
marked by the true spirit of divinity and pure style of classic composition, for which he has
been so eminently distinguished.” The correspondent noted that the interior of the church was
extremely commodious, light and agreeable, the gallery extensive and adorned by an excellently toned organ, furnished in the newest taste. The collection made on the occasion
amounted to a considerable sum. This account of the opening concludes with the observation
that “the attendance, as might have been expected, was excessively numerous”.
Church’s Fabric
Architect
The church was designed by John Bowden, and completed after his death by Joseph Welland
at a cost of £5,169. Bowden made a reputation by designing courthouses around the
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
countryside. He was also architect to the Board of Education. It is possible that he was a
relative of James Bowden, a carpenter who flourished in Dublin about the turn of the century.
Location
The church was built on a site given free by the Pembroke Estate which also made a
contribution of £700. towards the building. Today the church makes a notable contribution to
an almost perfect Georgian vista, enclosing the magnificent vista from Dail Eireann in Upper
Merrion Street along Merrion Square and Upper Mount Street. Its main order is taken from
the Erectheum. The portico is of the Ionic order. Over the pediment rises a belfry tower,
which is of an octagonal form. The tower and dome are copies from Athenian models and
rise to 100 feet. The body of the church measures 111 feet by 49 feet. It has been criticised
because, being on an island, “it presents its unornamented side walls indecently to view”.
However, there are those who believe that these walls make a favourable contrast with that of
the front,
Education
Today education is uppermost in people’s minds because man sees education as the great ally
in the defeat of poverty and disease. It is everybody’s business because it is highly subsided
by the tax-payer. It should be everyone’s business for nobler reasons than financial, for it
involves everything that life involves. This concern has been keenly felt by the Church down
the centuries. Indeed it was the Christian Church which pioneered education in this country—
very often with little or no help from governments in the early days. During the nineteenth
century many parishes were indebted to benefactors who helped substantially to supply
buildings and funds available for educational purposes. St. Stephen’s Parish was no
exception. Home, Church and School can be referred to as the three legged stool upon which
Christian teaching rests and we think the illustration a good one, Within the usual framework
it is probable that the school comes , last into the picture, for the child has certainly spent four
or five years in the home and one would hope in the worshipping community of the local
church before going to school. Nevertheless, the school and its atmosphere, though they may
appear last on the horizon and time may be short, plays an important role in shaping the
character and outlook of the child.
Rectors
No Incumbent of St. Stephen’s Parish has become a Bishop. Three curates, however, have
been called to this office in the Church of God in widely different places. A scrutiny of the
list of the assistant clergy will show that a large number of them left the Church of Ireland to
exercise a ministry in England during the period from the Disestablishment of the Church of
Ireland until the end of World War I.. Possibly this was due to the suspicion that there existed
at St. Stephen’s Church “a nest of Puseyites” (the phrase was used), and many found it
difficult to obtain a living in Ireland.
18l8-1851, John Torrens, M.A., Archdeacon of Dublin.
Rector at the same time of Narraghmore, Co. Kildare. His portrait can be seen in the Chapter
House of Christ Church Cathedral.
1841 Reginald Courtenay
Who was Bishop of Kingston, Jamaica 1856-79. John Dowden became an ecclesiastical
historian ,antiquarian and hiturgiologist of international repute. He was Bishop of Edinburgh
1886-1910 and the author of a number of works including The Celtic Church in Scotland
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
(1894,) The Workmanship of The Prayer Book, The Medieval Church in Scotland, (1910,)
editor of The Annotated Scottish Communion Office. As a result of the Disestablishment Act,
clergymen of the Church of Ireland could resign and move to England or elsewhere and be
covered by a “golden handshake” to use a modern terminology. Very few availed of this
right. The majority put their trust in the untried Representative Church Body. One of those
who did “compound” was John Dowden but to his credit he handed over the sum of £2,031
l5s 8d (no small sum in those days) to the R.B. for the benefit of the Parish of St. Stephen.
John Dowden while at St. Stephen’s engaged in an exchange of letters with a number of
parishioners over his continued use of an old lectionary when a new one had been sanctioned
for use. The first of these letters dates from the 4th December, 1873. They were subsequently
printed for private circulation (now available at R.C.B. Library).
1851-64 John West, D.D., , Archdeacon of Dublin.
Dean of St. Patrick’s, 1864. Died 1890. His portrait hangs in St. Patrick’s Deanery. In 1861
St. Stephen’s Parochial Schools opened their doors for the first time on a site in
Northumberland Road given by the Earl of Pembroke. The very early days of the si, ool are
shrouded in mystery as records do not appear to be available stating what the building cost—
who built it—the number of pupils, and who paid for it. It is reasonable to suppose that the
Earl of Pembroke made a major contribution towards the cost.
1864-1883, William Lee, D.D., Archdeacon of Dublin.
Author of The Inspiration of the Holy Scripture,’ Introductory Lectures on Ecclesiastical
History; An Essay on Miracles,’ a commentary on the Revelation of St. John (in Speaker’s
commentary). A volume of his sermons was published after his death. As a result of the Irish
Church Disestablishment Act 1869 and with the death of Archdeacon Lee, St. Stephen’s
Church, together with a number of other churches in the Union of St. Peter’s, became an
independent parish. Since Disestablishment, the title of Rector has been commonly given to
the Incumbent. There were five rectors of St. Stephen’s Parish between 1883 and 1967. St.
Stephen’s Parish Reports from 1865 constantly refer to the Parochial Schools e.g. in that year
it was stated that there were 66 boys, 53 girls’ and 75 infants on roll, making a total of 194. It
was also noted that £73 15s 2d was still required to pay off the debt upon the building and the
hope was expressed that this would be cleared in the near future.
Education
By 1865 there was a Sunday School flourishing with 104 boys, 120 girls totalling 224. The
average attendance was unusually large. It met at 10 a.m. By 1880 it was admitted that the
attendance at the Boys’ School was not as large as it ought to be and that there was a need for
more Sunday School teachers. The attendance at the Girls’ Sunday School was good. In 1881
an additional Sunday School was held at 3.30 p.m. which was attended by some 40 children
(the beginnings of Sunday afternoon Children’s Service?). The Annual Parish Report for that
year noted that the establishment of the second Sunday School was made possible by the
change of hour of Evening Service from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.—”a change which has had the
effect of bringing to our church many of the Parishioners who seldom or never attended it
before”.
A resolution of the Easter General Vestry 1878, placed the schools under the Board of
National Education, Marlborough Street. Religious instruction continue4 to be given as
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
heretofore while the secular teaching was “conducted with more system and in accordance
with the directors of the Inspector appointed by the Board”. The grant allowed by the Board
was deemed to be inadequate to meet the salaries of the teachers or the other expenses
connected wilh the schools. In 1878 Mrs. Ewing resigned as Mistress, in the Girls’ School
and received a gratuity of £30 from the Select Vestry. She was succeeded by Miss Wheatley.
It would appear that at that time all was not going well as regards “order and discipline” in
the Boys’ School. However, the Report for 1880 stated that there was now reason to hope that
the school will be of even greater benefit to the parish than it has hitherto been. A gratuity of
£50 was paid to Mr. Woodley who retired after years of long service.
A Conveyance dated 14th July, 1883 authorized that “a School House for the use of the
Parish of Saint Stephen’s in connection with the Church of Ireland has been erected and now
stands upon a certain plot of ground the property of the saind Right Honorable George Robert
Charles, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery situated at Northumberland Road in the Parish
of Saint Stephen’s, Pembroke Township and County of Dublin . . .“ and that “He the said
Right Honorable George Robert Charles, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery doth grant unto
the said Representative Church Body their successors and assigns all that piece or plot of
ground situate on the North East side of Northumberland Road in the Parish of Saint
Stephen’s Pembroke Township and County of Dublin upon which the said schools have been
erected . . . provided that at no time hereafter shall the said premises or any part thereof be
made use of for any purpose or purposes other than for such schools and the recreation
ground connected with the said School for the said Parish.
Choral Society
Began in 1878 giving concerts, raised money for a variety of objects including the Organ
Fund. The Temperance Society which in 1885 had an enrolment of 406 including the Band of
Hope combined anti-alcohol principles with a strong religious fervour. The Young Men’s
Communicant Class and the Young Women’s Communicant Class held weekly meetings as
did the Dorcas,
1883-1908. James Hornidge Walsh, D.D.,
Born at Calverston, Tyrellspass, 13th April, 1837. He had a long connection with St.
Stephen’s Church. in 1870 he became Prebend of Croagh, in Limerick Cathedral; in 1884 he
became Assistant to the Regius Professor of Divinity. He was Rural Dean of St. Peter’s.
Ordained in 1860, Dr. Walsh commenced his clerical career at Dundrum where he was
curate. A ‘year later he moved to Adare, as curate. in 1864, he was back in Dublin as curate
of St. Stephen’s, only to return to Limerick Diocese two years later as Rector of Chapel
Russell, In 1871 he was again at St. Stephen’s Dublin, where he remained until he became
Incumbent in 1883. Prior to his ordination he was a Scholar of Trinity College and graduated
with a Senior Moderatorship in Classics. He was awarded the Archbishop King’s Divinity
Prize. Two years later he won a Theological Exhibition, He was successively M.A. (1864),
B.D. (1872), and D.D. (1876). He was Chaplain to the Bishop of Limerick and the
Archbishop of Dublin. Dr. Walsh became a Canon of Christ Church in 1893, and was Dean
from 1908-18.
“A courtly old gentleman of a type that was fast disappearing, not less learned in the Classics
than in Theology, of whom one felt that, whatever else he read on retiring, a few odes of
Horace or a portion of Virgil were not omitted. He showed a fine literary, discernment, I
think, in his choice of a passage for translation into Latin in my Deacon’s Orders
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Examination by setting the sentences at the graveside in the Order for Burial: ‘Man that is
born of a woman hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut
down like a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay. . .‘. He
was very kind to me and only twice did I fall under his condemnation. Once for laying too
strong emphasis on a word in a collect, and next for supporting a resolution at a vestry
meeting calling for a wider range of youth activities in the parish, of which he was not in
favour. His motto, I think was “pas de zéle”, no enthusiasm, it only created confusion. All the
same, he arranged for two missions to be held in the jarish during my almost five years there
to arouse the parish from somnolence”. (Bishop T. A. Harvey, Memories of a Dublin Parish,
Irish Times, 1965). Dean Walsh was married and had three children, Janet Mary Fitzgerald
(Mrs. Townsend), James Francis Fitzgerald, B.A. (died 1 9Q3), and Maurice Fitzgerald.
1885 Education
By the Educational Endowments (Ireland) Act 1885 the property of St. Stephen’s Schools
together with many other Parochial Schools in Dublin and elsewhere were vested in the
Dublin Glendalough and Kildare Diocesan Board of Education. That year there were on roll
70 Boys, 80 Girls and 120 Infants, total 270. During 1886, £250 was spent on improvements
to the Parish School House which appears to have been sadly deficient at that time. In 1892
there were 307 children on rolls—probably the highest peak in numbers achieved in its one
hundred or 50 years of life as a Parochial School,
1885 Social Care
As far back as 1885 there was a bed set apart in Sir Patrick Dun’s Hospital especially for the
sick poor of the parish and £25 was raised annually, the estimated cost of maintenance. A
plate with the words “St. Stephen’s Parish” was on the wall of a ward in that hospital until
recent times. There has been for many years a number of hospitals and nursing homes within
the parochial district which have made considerable demands on the ministry of the clergy of
the parish. With the amalgamation of St. Ann and St. Stephen the number of such institutions
greatly increased. A large number of doctors still consult in the Baggot Street and Fitzwilliam
areas. An Annual Service for Hospitals is held in October around St. Lukes-tide at which
several hundreds of people attend. One member of the clerical staff of the group whose salary
is almost entirely met by St. Stephen’s ministers to the sick in the many hospitals, nursing
homes and institutions of the district. The Provident Society which claimed that more than
£100 was deposited by its members with it in 1884 and the Mutual Benefit Society was some
80 strong in 1900. In a day when there was little social security, societies like these were a
boon to many people. Of all the words one might select to describe the organisations, clubs
and societies which have served the parish over the past hundred years and more, variety is
perhaps the most appropriate. Each was raised up for a specific purpose—some had a long,
others a short life. A number are still happily active encouraging worship and witness.
Towards the end of the 20th century, a Ladies Working Party met regularly at 10 Herbert
Stree’t “to help the Universities’ Mission in Central Africa by gifts of clothing specially made
for the native converts”. Today there is still a Ladies Working Party which under the
leadership of the Misses Edna and Eileen Brown knit and sew to stock St. Stephen’s Stall at
the Annual Sale of Work in aid of the Dublin University Mission to Chota Nagpur. A notable
effort is made year by year to support the Leprosy Mission by phials and subscriptions, which
owes much to Miss H. Wilmot, the local Hon. Secretary. By prayer and correspondence an
effort is made to keep in touch with the Church overseas.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
1887 Organ Installation
The Annual Report for the year 1887, states that of all parochial needs the most urgent is that
of a new organ. From time to time repairs had been made in the instrument and every effort
had been made to prolong its existence. “But it has now reached the stage at which no amount
of repair can do permanent good. It is in fact quite worn out and has been pronounced by
competent judges to be incurable. It is therefore hoped that parishioners will take immediate
steps to replace it by a new instrument. Estimates have been obtained from some of the
leading firms of Organ Builders. It is agreed among them, with singular unanimity, that an
instrument suitable to the Church cannot be had for less than £800. This no doubt is a large
sum; but it is surely not beyond the power of the Parish to make such an offering to the glory
of God and the praise of His Holy Name. It is accordingly proposed to open a subscription
list for this object. One gentleman has already promised £50. If five or six were to follow his
example, and if the Parish generally joined in the contribution in a liberal spirit, the amount
required would be quickly provided. It should be added that it is intended to utilise the case
and some of the pipes and stops of the existing organ, and that the estimates have been made
on this supposition”.
1889
The Annual Report for 1889 records that Dr. Gater prepared the specification of the new
organ and that the instrument was dedicated on 6th December with a Service of Thanksgiving
and Rejoicing. A list of subscribers was published showing that £823.18s.6d. had been
donated. The actual cost of the instrument was £800 and the old organ. As is usual there were
extras such as the “preparation of the chamber underneath the organ for the reception of the
hydraulic apparatus by which it is supplied with wind”. These extras were met by funds at the
disposal of the Select Vestry. When virtually the new organ was installed in 1889—a four
manual instrument by Peter Conacher and Co. Ltd., of Huddersfleld, lip service was paid to
Snetzler by retaining his fine case and a few ranks of pipes (but only a small fraction of the
original total of Snetzler pipes). Most of the original buffet or display pipes were retained in
the case. It is reasonable to suppose that the instrument was removed from the gallery to the
East End at this time.
1894 Church Lads’ Brigade
Had become one of the regular parochial organisations with the Rev. H. C. Browne as
Captain and with Raymond Smith, J. F. O’Brien, Wynn Posnett and John Holmes as
Lieutenants. Within a year or so there was a company of 55—35 full members and 20
members of the Junior Squad. St. Stephen’s C.L.B. became the 10th Dublin Company the
Boys’ Brigade on the 6th December, 1906 with the Rector Canon J. H. Walsh, D.D. as
President. The Captain and Chaplain was the Rev. Thomas Arnold Harvey, B.D. (later to
become Bishop of Cashel), with R. J. Colgan and C. Carry at Lieutenants. Thirty boys
enrolled.
1896 Parochial Hall
Social organisations seem to have been virtually unknown in the Parish before the
Disestablishment era. However the Annual Reports of the 1880s provide evidence that social
and recreational activities such as the Temperance Society, the Y.M.C.A., the Provident
Society and the annual Flower Show and Industrial Exhibition were making demands upon
the school in after-school hours. More organisations such as the Church Lads’ Brigade, the
G.F.S. and others were to follow. Soon leaders of organisations and the Parish as a whole
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
realised that a Parochial Hall would be an invaluable asset offering a more permanent home
to those concerned with young people and adult education.
Accordingly, in 1896 a circular was issued which stated that: “lt has long been felt that a
Parochial Hall with Reaing and Recreation Rooms, is urgently required for the Parish. This
feeling received formal expression at a meeting of the Parishioners in the Schoolhouse on
Monday, May the 17th. At this meeting it was unanimously resolved. . . that a Hall of this
nature be erected, as soon as possible on the site in Northumberland Road generously granted
for the purpose by the Earl of Pembroke . . . It has been ascertained that the cost of the
building will be about £2,000. We earnestly hope that this sum will be shortly forthcoming
and that St. Stephen’s, following the example of many other parishes in which the same want
has been felt and supplied, will at no distant date provide itself with a Parochial Hall, . .“. The
appeal rather smugly continues: “In a large city like ours, where the working classes in
particular are beset by so many temptations to what is evil, the value of helps of this kind
cannot be overestimated. Such Rooms will be useful and are required for Bible Classes and
Communicants’ Meetings”. (A little touch of post-Victorian Pharisaism!) Subscriptions did
come in. The foundation stone was laid on 7th April 1899 and by the following year the front
portion of the building was completed and in regular use for classes and meetings of various
kinds. A beginning had been made with the Library, a handsome book-case donated and
some useful books received. On the 27th November, 1901 the Hall and Class Rooms built at
a cost of £2,749 16s 8d, was opened by His Grace the Lord Lord Archbishop of Dublin. Mr.
Molyneux Barton who had played a leading role in the Building Committee reminded those
assembled that there was still some £538 outstanding. Mr. Barton acknowledged that it would
be useful for many purposes especially the Church Lads’ Brigade and “he knew that Mr.
Browne (curate and captain) was burning with anxiety to furnish it as a Gymnasium”.
The attendance at the opening ceremony included the Rev. Canon Day, Rev. C. 0. H. Mease,
Mr. J. J. Twigg, K.C., Dr. Walter Smith, Rev. H. G. Munroe, Rev. Harvey Stewart, Rev. F. C.
Hayes, Rev. J. G. Carleton, Miss Oulton, the Misses Carson and others. A plaque, which can
be seen in the hall to this day, states that “the Hall was opened by the Archbishop of Dublin,
27th November, 1901. Rev. Canon J. H. Walsh, D.D., Rector, J. F. Fuller, F.S.A., Architect”.
The year following its erection, the Select Vestry took charge of the Hall to all intents and
purposes free of debt—such was the measure of support for the latest addition to the parish
plant.
The parish now had a building which offered scope for all kinds of activities—committee
rooms, library and a large hall which brought together young people for social and
educational purposes. Older parishioners will recall concerts of high quality put on by the
school children, ably directed by Mr. Sammy Fhinn. With the 1920s and l930s there came the
era of Parochial Hall dances and many people can remember pleasant evenings spent at St.
Stephen’s Parochial Hall.
The saga of this well appointed building is particularly sad. It had a full but all too short
parochial life. By 1937 the Parish was in dire financial trouble going behind at the rate of
some £200 p.a. (considered to be an astronomical sum in those days) and the bank
threatening to close down on the Parish Funds Account.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
The powers that be of those days decided that nothing could be done to save “the sinking
ship” but to put the Hall up for auction. By October of that year the sale was completed. For a
mere £3,000 the building passed out of Church of Ireland hands. Of the sum realised £2,500
had to be handed over to the Charity Commissioners for investment on behalf of the Parish
and the balance of £500 was lodged to Parish Funds to be available for such purposes as the
Select Vestry might decide,
Some of the Hall’s equipment was transferred over to the School across the road which was
then only partially in use for educational purposes. Lord Herbert gave permission for the use
of the Parish School as the Parish Hall of St. Stephen’s Church in addition to its use as the
Parish School. So ended an unhappy chapter in the history of the parish which came to an
abrupt end.
1897 - 1905 James George Carleton
Severely orthodox, who lectured in the Divinity School of Trinity College for many years. He
was deputy to Regius Professor of Divinity 1916-18. He published a number of books
including: The Psalter of the Church and contributed to Hasting’s Dictionary of Religion and
Ethics. Bishop Arnold Harvey in his Memories of a Dublin Parish tells of the days when both
Dr. Carleton and he were on the staff of the parish at the same time. One Sunday Morning
Carleton’s sermon consisted in a relentless exposure of the errors preached by the younger
Harvey on the subject of the Holy Trinity on the previous Sunday. Such were the life and
times.
1898 - 1903 Charles Herbert Pownall Price
It was written: “A brilliant intellect but at that time, a storm tossed soul—though he
afterwards attained serenity—acutely conscious of the difficulties of belief. Some years later
he became a Canon of Christ Church and St. Patrick’s in turn. He took immense pains over
sermon composition, sitting by the fireside with a pot of tea beside him and a kettle on the
hob from which he replenished it again and again. His style was faintly redolent of Walter
Pater to whose Marius the Epicurean he introduced me but he found solace in the poetry of
Robert Browning with its robust faith and he would insist on reading it aloud to me on our
return to our rooms late on Sunday evening after a long day’s work, and was furious when I
invariably fell asleep” (Bishop T. A. Harvey Memories of a Dublin Parish, Irish Times 1965).
Then there was Henry Lyttleton Lyster Denny (afterwards Sir Henry Denny)—a keen
genealogist, and known by some of the ladies as “Dainty Denny”. “He was a regular visitor at
the ViceRegel levees in the Castle, meticulous as regards dress and made his rounds of
visiting in a dress coat and top hat, white gloves and a gold headed cane”. (Bishop T. A.
Harvey, Memories of a Dublin Parish, Irish Times 1965).
1903 - 1907 Thomas Arnold Harvey
Was elected Bishop of Cashel 1935. Earlier in his career he had been Incumbent of
Booterstown 1916-33; a Canon of St. Patrick’s 1930-33 and Dean of St. Patrick’s 1933; He
was Bishop of Cashel 1935-58. An outstanding sportsman, he was a triple Irish International.
capped for Ireland in Rugby 1901-1903, Athletics and Cricket. Sporting enthusiasts
maintained that there was no more wonderful sight than to witness Arnold Harvey hurdling in
College Park. He achieved the distinction of getting’ the great cricketer, W. G. Grace out—
caught and bowled for duck in College Park.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
1906 - 1914 Henry Ballincarrig Dobbs
Later Precentor of St. Patrick’s 1949-52——an arresting preacher especially when he got
worked up. Many bought the Dublin parochial magazine, Our Church Review, first and
foremost to read his notes written for his people at Blackrock, but always of wider interest.
One could go on talking of the saintly Harry Harriss who became Chancellor of Christ
Church—author of Refreshment from the Poets and Draw near with Faith or Jack
MacDonagh, Irish Hockey International who married Miss Barbara Sullivan, ‘i1aughter of
the Archdeacon of Dublin, and many others.
All these were honoured by their contemporaries
And were the glory of their day,
Some of them left a name behind them
So that their praises are still sung,
While others have left no memory . .
(Ecclesiasticus 44:7-8 Jerusalem Bible).
1908-35. Harvey Stewart, M.A.,
He graduated from Trinity College, Dublin as a B.A. (1881), M.A. (1894). in 1882 he was
awarded 2nd Prize in Biblical Greek. Ordained deacon for St. Stephen’s Parish in 1883, he
was a curate to the newly appointed rector Dr. J. H. Walsh. He was priested in 1885. While at
St. Stephen’s he was made a Minor Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and held this office
1892-5. After being Vicar of All Saints, Blackrock 1898-1908, he returned to St. Stephen’s
where he was Rector 1908-1935. In 1926 he was appointed Archdeacon of Dublin. He
resigned as Archdeacon in 1934. Earlier (1923-1926) he had been Precentor of Christ Church
Cathedral. His outstanding characteristics were a simple humility and a real sense of caring
for his people. When he was made a Canon and later when appointed Archdeacon of the
Diocese, he always insisted that his staff and people call him “Rector” for his parish and his
people mattered more to him than any dignity or title. Archdeacon Stewart was married and
had three children, Dr. Charles and Dr, Frederick (eminent radiologist in South Africa) and
Rebecca (Mrs .R. Bucknall).
1908 Boys Brigade
In 1908 Rev. Harvey Stewart as Rector became President and inevitably there were changes,
William H. Carry became Captain with J. A. Howe and Joseph McCracken as Lieutenants.
The company’s strength increased to 4 N.C.O’s and 31 boys and was now taking an active
part in Battalion events. The Company was fortunate in having keen Chaplains. Two in
particular were very active, the Rev. H. B. Dobbs, M.A. and Rev. W. G. Elliott who took a
keen interest in Battalion work. The session 1915/16 saw the Company reaching its peak with
4 officers, 7 N.C.O’s and 44 boys.
1916 - 1927 John Ernest Leonard Oulton
The outstanding intellectual giant a cousin of the Oulton family of Upper Mount Street, with
a long connection with the Parish. An acknowledged Patristic scholar, as Regius Professor of
Divinity in Trinity College, Dr. Oulton shaped the outlook of generations of Divinity
students— some destined to leadership not only in the Church of Ireland but in churches all
over the world, A shy man, those who knew him were impressed by his serenity, his intense
loyalty to the Church of Ireland and those sermons which ended with the unanswered
question. In a brilliant career he became a Scholar of the House, was awarded Bishop
Berkeley Medal and the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal. He was a Senior Moderator in Classics
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
and Modern Literature. A prolific writer he was author of The Credal Statements of S.
Patrick,’ Holy Communion and Holy Spirit,’ Alexandrian Christ!anity (with H. Chadwick);
The Mystery of the Cross,’ Rufinus’s Translation of the Church History of Eusebius; The
Apostles’ Creed and Belief concerning the Church,’ “Clement of Alexandria and the
Didache” (in Journal of Theological Studies, 1929, 1938 and 1940); The Holy Spirit,
Baptism, and Laying on of Hands in Acts (in Expository Times, 1955); The Roman See in the
Fourth and Fifth Centuries (St. Patrick Com. Booklets); William Reeves, Bishop, Scholar,
Antiquary,—A Memorial Discourse,’ The Study of Divinity in Trinity College, since the
Foundation,’ ‘The Chester Beatty Biblical Papyri; Confirmation. Contributor to the Standard
History of the Church of Ireland. Joint Editor (with H. J. Lawlor) of Eusebius, The
Ecclesiastical History of the Martyrs of Palestine (2 vols.). Editor of Eusebius, The
Ecclesiastical History Books VI to X (Loeb Classical Library); New and Revised Edition of
J. H. Bernard’s The Cathedral Church of St. Patrick, Dublin, 1940, further edition, 1951; A.
Robinson’s The Church Catechism Explained.
Robert Donald Macrory
In more recent times one might mention one of Dr. Oulton’s students, Robert Donald
Macrory who devoted much of his ministry to lecturing theological students at Ely
Theological College and Bishop’s College, Cheshunt, England where he became VicePrincipal 1965-68. These are but a few of a long line of men of no mean intellectual gifts.
There were others”who combined sound learning with a parochial ministry.
Mortimer O’Sullivan
Was a skilled controversialist and eloquent preacher. The author of a number of books, he
founded the Dublin University Magazine. He became Rector of Killyman (Armagh) 1830-49
and Prebendary of Ballymore (Armagh) 1849-59. William Maturin is one of the great names
linked with the Parish of All Saints, Grangegorman and of him, Canon C. E. Osborne, wrote
“Dr. Maturin represented the Old Tractarian type in its nobility of character, its high purpose,
its stern reality and its clear and logical unworldliness”. Richard Travers Smith was an
outstanding personality in Dublin, holding strong Church views which he fearlessly
advocated in the General Synod. He was author of a number of books including The Gospel
in the Miracles of Christ, Man’s Knowledge of Man and of God. Donnelan Lecturer 1884/5.
The Richard Smith Annual Lectures at st. Bartholomew’s Church kept alive his memory and
are a public testimony of his work and ministry.
Lewen Burton Weldon
A typical example of the “spiritual and brain drain” at that time was Lewen Burton Weldon.
He was curate of St. Bartholomew’s, Dublin 1872, and was Select Preacher, Univ. Dublin
1883, 1884-85, 1887-88, 1893-94. Canon Christ Church 1882-87 (while still an Assistant
Curate); he went to England in 1887, was Vicar Holy Trinity, Weymouth 1894-1914,
Prebendary of Netherby in Salisbury Cathedral 1905-1914. A talented preacher and good
debater, he had a musical voice and was a splendid parish clergyman. Then there was Richard
Arthur Oulton. Brilliant musician, devoted priest, who harmonised the Londonderry Air, and
set it to the hymn “0 Strength and Stay”. Clerical Vicar Choral of York Minster 1918.
Contributed a chapter on “Hymn Tunes” to “The Church’s Song” T. S. Lindsay and others
(2nd ed. 1920). He died on a visit to Dublin Nov. 4th 1918, his wife Nov. 7th 1918, and
infant son on Nov. 8th 1918—all victims of an influenza epidemic.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
1919
In 1919 the Company under the leadership of Mr. W. H. Carry won the Ardilaun Flag for
Company Drill, the Lewis Crosby Shield for Squad Drill, Duckett Cup for football and the
Shield for Gymnasium and two members of the Company played football for the Battalion.
During a span of 28 years in which “Cap” Carry was at the helm, he was not only devoted to
the boys of the 10th Company but also found time to give valuable advice and help to the
Battalion. For many years he was Chairman of the Football Committee during which time he
arranged with the Liverpool Battalion to send a team to meet a Dublin team which was the
beginning of many inter Battalion matches.
1924 Church’s Centenary, Sunday, 7th December
The special preacher was the Rt. Rev. Godfrey Day, D.D., Bishop of Ossory, a former
neighbour as Vicar of St. Ann’s. On the following day, the Irish Times gave full coverage to
the celebrations. In the morning there was
Service Details
Holy Communion
Corporate Communion
Morning Prayer
Matins and Holy Communion
Children’s Service
Festival Evensong
7.15am
8am
10am
11.30, Preacher being the Bishop.
4pm, when present and former members of the Boys’
Brigade and the Girl Guides were present.
Rector (The Rev. Harvey Stewart, Precentor of Christ
Church) gave an address. There were large congregations,
those present at the Services including friends of the
Church and former pupils of the schools.
Sermon
They had come there that day, said the Bishop, to thank God for the work which had been
done in connection with that church during the past 100 years, for the noble and good men
who had ministered there, and for the lives that had been redeemed and transformed by the
Holy Spirit through their ministry. That day he was made to think of the series of portraits of
former rectors and curates of St. Stephen’s that hung in the vestry of the church.
Legacy
There was William Lee, Archdeacon of Dublin, the massive scholar and author, whose great
work was ever an inspiration; John Dowden, afterwards Bishop of Edinburgh, an historian
and a great authority on liturgical worship; Richard Travers Smith, scholar and saint, a
devoted parish priest, whose influence was still a living reality in the Church life of Dublin;
and James Hornidge Walsh, afterwards Dean of Christ Church, of whose goodness and
kindness he (the Bishop) personally had grateful remembrance’ and who was the friend and
pastor of many who still worshipped at St. Stephen’s. There were portraits of others who had
received their first training at that church, under the wise and kindly guidance of the present
Rector. Some of them were his (the Bishop’s) own friends. They were doing splendid work,
and were carrying on the tradition of St. Stephen’s, some of them in England, some in
Scotland, and some in the Dublin Diocese. Of those younger men he thought especially of
Arthur Oulton, the brilliant musician, the cheery, warm-hearted and devoted priest of God,
who had passed through the veil—as so many of those others who laboured so faithfully there
at St Stephen’s had passed into the higher, fuller service beyond.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Traditions
He had spoken in passing of the traditions of St. Stephen’s. Let them now think of what those
traditions had been, of what St. Stephen’s had stood for in this City of Dublin for the past one
hundred years. It had stood from the very first for sober, moderate, and comprehensive
presentation of the faith and doctrine of the church, and it had never been possible to label St.
Stephen’s as belonging to any party. There had been churches in Dublin that might have been
called “party churches”—churches where the gospel had been preached with great zeal and
devotion, but where sometimes the truth had been presented in a narrow or one-sided way,
and great stress had been laid on certain doctrines, while other doctrines equally important
had been neglected or ignored. But it was the glory of St. Stephen’s that from the very first
the Creed of the Church had been presented there in its fullness and its many sidedness, and
in its due proportion. The teaching there had been in the highest and best sense of the word
Catholic, and the Services in the Church had been in keeping with the teaching—dignified
and beautiful.
Strengths
The Bishop dwelt for a moment on another fault in the Church of Ireland. Only too often, he
said, their churches had been bare and ugly, ill-cared for and meagrely equipped. But that,
happily, he proceeded, had never been the case with St. Stephen’s. Always a substantial and
well-equipped church, as the years passed by it had been adorned and beautified with many
pious gifts, which were witnesses of care and devotion which had been lavished on the
church—a devotion which was never satisfied with what was mean and common, but which
believed that nothing was too costly for the House of God.
Church Music
Of the music—what pains had been taken to render it as reverently and beautifully as
possible. It would not be out of place on such a day to say one word of appreciation of the
work of the veteran musician, who, for so many years had presided at the organ and trained
the choir in that church. In the Services of their church they had a noble inheritance.
Influences
They had been thinking that day of the men who ministered there in past years. Would they
not resolve, every one of them, in their day and generation to do their part in maintaining and
developing what they had received from those who went before them, and handing it on to
generations to come, even more complete and beautiful? The best service they could offer to
the church to which they belong was to live pure and kindly lives, and to be useful, bringing
their religion into the duties of the week,
Devotion
What influence, asked the Bishop, had the services at St. Stephen’s upon their character and
life; were they making them better and more useful men and women? There was a great
danger that, to some of the regular Church-goers, religion had become conventional and
formal; and those people were quite content with the habit of attending church every Sunday,
as if that was an end in itself. Real religion was much more than that; it was a life, a service.
Let them never leave without consecrating themselves anew to the Master’s service, without
resolving to use the grace and strength which He had given them in loving work for Him.
Social Change
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
The Bishop deplored the changes that have been wrought in the Parish of St. Stephen within
recent years. At on; time, he said, St. Stephen was a wealthy parish. The stately Georgian
houses in its squares and streets were inhabited by wealthy and influential people. But Dublin
had been changing very rapidly of late. There were still prosperous people living in the
parish—among them leading barristers, physicians, surgeons, and other professional men—
but many of the old Georgian houses now were divided up into flats, some into lodging
houses, and some even into tenements.
Social Activity
Indeed, there always had been many people living in the back lanes of that parish. In a parish
like St. Stephen’s there was a great need—an ever-increasing need—for schools, guilds,
clubs, brigades, and other organisations which kept the young in touch with the Church, and
brought brightness and cheer into the lives of the poor. There all these things had been
provided by the energy and self-sacrifice of a splended band of workers, inspired and guided
by the clergy. He had worked for several years in a neighbouring parish, and knew something
of the splendid service which had been done in St. Stephen’s. They had their excellent
schools, Sunday and daily; they had their branches of the Mothers’ Union ‘and Girls’
Friendly Society, their Girls Guides, their company of the Boys’ Brigade and their men’s
club. The Bishop compared the parish with a machine room, It was, he said, full of
machinery—organisations, societies, clubs, and the like—and the energy and motive powers
that drove them all came from a quiet power room. It was in the regular services and frequent
communion of its Church that the power was generated that drove the engines—God. The
Bishop concluded by saying:
Conclusion
“May this church be evermore a centre of life and energy, a powerhouse of the Lord. May
you be inspired more and more with the love of our Divine Master and filled with His Spirit,
so that as we thank God for the labours and devotion of the good men and women of the past,
we may look forward to even greater things in the future in Jesus Christ our Lord.” “And,”
added the Bishop, “may His grace and the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the
Holy Spirit be with this parish and all connected with it now and for evermore.”
Education
A number of children from the married quarters of the nearby Beggar’s Bush Military
Barracks attended the school in those days. Prior to World War I it is estimated that about
200 children were on the rolls annually.
With the Easter Rebellion on Monday 24th April 1916 the school found itself in the thick of a
mini battle around Mount Street Bridge. Both the School and the Parochial Hall were seized
by the Rebels. They were retaken by the Military on the following Wednesday evening.
There were casualties on both sides including a horse which was temporarily buried in the
round grass plot in front of the School. Today a dip in this portion of ground marks the spot.
Many of the school desks which had been used as barricades on the bridge carried in them
bullet marks and pieces of shrapnel. These marked desks continued in use until 1961.
Following the withdrawal of British troops from Ireland and changes in the housing trends,
numbers began to fall.
In the early l900s Mr. S. Fhinn was Principal and he lived in the adjoining school-master’s
residence with his wife until his retirement in 1925. In those days many of the assistant
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
teachers had accommodation in the little rooms, an unusual feature of the building, above
some of the class-rooms. Prior to 1912 when she retired and the school became coeducational, Mrs. Little taught the girls. Cookery and sewing formed part of their curriculum,
the domestic science room being the present kitchen. Miss Burland and Miss Dickson were
among the assistant teachers. St. Stephen’s School was no narrow educational institution.
During Mr. Sammy Flinn’s time he taught music and formed a school choir and orchestra.
Concerts were given in the Parochial Hall which attracted large audiences. One of his pupils,
Walter Flood, later became a member of the Gaiety Theatre Orchestra. Jack Cheatle, also a
music pupil of Mr. Flinn, formed his own band which became popular in Dublin circles and
later he was leader of the Radio Eireann Light Orchestra. Miss Bowesman, a teacher in the
Junior School became a well-known Abbey actress. In the world of business former pupils
made their mark. William McCoubrey rose to be General Manager of the B +1 Steam Packet
Company. William Warnock entered the External Affairs Department and became Irish
Ambassador to Germany, Switzerland and India. Dublin University honoured him with an
Honorary LL.D. Assistant teachers included Mr. Freddie Philips (subsequently ordained and
later to die in a tragic car accident) Miss Robinson, Miss Shegog, Miss Kelso, Miss M. S$uart
(now Mrs. T. H. Mack), Miss Elizabeth Hall (now Mrs. A. Pbrcell), and Miss Thelma
Deacon.
When Mr. E. G. Armstrong became Principal on 1st October, 1925, there were approximately
160 children on roll. During his period of office numbers fell to 70 when he retired in 1955.
During the latter years he was assisted by his daughter Miss Jill Armstrong now Mrs. J. D.
Stokes. The Sunday School had an enrolment of 240 with an average attendance of 160 in
1898. Like the Day School, numbers in the Sunday School began to drop from 1920. The
parish owes a debt to successive rectors’ wives who have done much for the mothers of the
parish in general and the Mothers’ Union in particular. St. Stephen’s Social Club founded in
1934 by Mr. and Mrs. Fred McDowell continues to offer a Whist Drive to parishioners and
friends on Mondays at 8 p.m. A Table Tennis Club flourished for many years under the
direction of Mr. W. H. Carry.
During the incumbency of Archdeacon Harvey Stewart a Company of the Girl Guides
flourished ably supported by such stalwarts as Miss Dorothy Gillespie and Miss Violet
Henderson now Mrs. Carney. Miss Rebecca Stewart, daughter of Archdeacon Stewart (now
Mrs. R. Bucknall) dd wonderful work as Captain. The work of St. Stephen’s Mothers’ Union
began during the early days of the Archdeacon. Meetings offering lectures, films, demonstrations and visits to places of interest continue to take place on the first Monday in the
month. A corporate communion is held on the second Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. Today
the branch meets with that of St. Ann’s .
1935-1952 William Thomas Grey, M.A.
He took his B.A. in Trinity College, Dublin (1900 , and M.A. (1903). Ordained deacon in
1900 for the Parish of Seagoe (Down) he moved to be Curate of St. Luke’s, Belfast, 1903. He
went overseas as a S.P.G. missionary to Japan in 1905 where he ministered until 1917 when
he returned to Ireland as Resident Preacher and Librarian of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork.
He was Rector of Moviddy (Cork) (1921-6), Secretary of the Jews’ Society for ireland, 19268, Minor Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 1928-30, Rector of Chapelizod 1930-35, and of St.
Stephen’s 1935-52. He became Treasurer of Christ Church Cathedral. Canon Grey was
deeply committed to the Overseas Work of the Church. His’ deep spirituality could be felt the
moment one heard him conducting a service or leading in prayer. He was an outstanding
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Missioner, as many parishes still remember. A good sportsman, he is also remembered as the
person who introduced Hockey to Japan, and on the Golden Jubilee of this. event the
Japanese Hockey Union suitably responded by presenting him with a magnificent
commemorative plaque. Canon Grey was married and had four children, two daughters and
two sons, Patricia (Mrs. R. P. MacDermott), Sophia, Dennis H’. C. (lost serving with R.A.F.,
1939-45 War), and Barry.
1952-59 Charles Trevelyan Aubrey Carter, M.A.
Graduate from T.C.D. with B.A. (1936) and M.A. (1946); On obtaining Divinity
Testimonium he’ was ordained deacon to ‘serve in Sandford Parish 1937 and was made priest
the following year. He has held the following appointments Chaplain of the Female Orphan
House, 1943-1952. Rector of St. Stephen’s, 1952-59; Rector of St. Mary’s, Crumlin, 195967. He was appointed Incumbent of Sand-ford 967 and a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral
1971. Canon Cartei is married with three children, a son Charles Stopford and two daughters
Daphne (Mrs. David Rowell), Valerie (Mrs. Mac Millan).
Education.
Mr. S. M. Atkinson was School Principal, 1955-56. Miss Hilda Foster was the last Principal
holding the office from 1956-1969. The two classrooms then in use were extensively
modernised in 1961, the school’s centenary year. New equipment including desks were
purchased and the ceilings were lowered to conserve heat. The old toilets were pulled down
and a new lavatory block erected. The tall chimneys, a feature of the building had become
dangerous and were rebuilt. The total cost of these renovations and improvements was
£2,100. There were 42 children on roll. In 1969 the Department of Education decided to close
a number of two teacher schools in the district in an effort to have fewer, bigger and more
economical schools. In this retrenchment plan, it was decided that St. Stephen’s School
would be numbered among those to close. Reluctantly, the parish accepted the ruling of the
Department for with the closing of a school inevitably part of a parish dies. For 108 years this
building and generations of teachers had served the parish well, Today the building serves a
wider community through Vocational Education by day and as a Parochial Hall by night. A
feature of the winter programme is St. Stephen’s Ministry of Teaching led by the clergy
which through lectures, bible-classes and discussion groups provides further adult education.
In 1964 there were 30 children with four teachers; today there are 12 children who are
instructed by Miss Meta Evans and Mr. Kenneth Kearon Jnr. This is an eloquent comment on
the inroads which commerce has made into the district, forcing people to seek homes in the
suburbs,
1959-67 Samuel Greenfield Poyntz, M.A, B.D., Ph.D.
Born in Deloraine, Canada, 4th March 1926. His father was Rector of Arklow. Educated at
Portora and Trinity College, Dublin. He graduated with a 2nd Cl. Moderator in Mental and
Moral Science and a 2nd Cl Moderatorship in Oriental Languages B.A. 1948, M.A., 1952,
B.D., 1953, Ph.D., 1960. Prizeman, Hebrew, Arabic, Aramaic, and Syriac, Downes
Composition Prize (1st and 2nd), Robert King Memorial Prize, Pastoral Theology Prize. 1st
Class iTvinity Testimonium. Curate-Assistant St. Georges’ 1950-52; Bray 1952-55; St.
Michan and St. Paul 1955-59. He was instituted to the Incumbency of St. Stephen’s Parish on
9th September 1959. Chairman of the Youth Department of the British Council of Churches
1964-69. Hon. Secretary of Tripartite Conversations 1968-74. Vicar of St. Ann’s 1967.
Archdeacon of Dublin, 1974. Author of The Exaltation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Editor o
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Christ, the Way, the Truth and Your life. Dr. Poyntz is married with three children, Jennifer
Maud, Timothy James and Stephanie Catherine.
After the appointment of Dr. Poyntz to the Incumbency of St. Ann’s, the City and Town
Parishes Commission announced that St. Stephen’s Parish had been scheduled for
examination. Pending final agreement on a solution of church population and buildings in the
Pembroke area, it was agreed that a clergyman-in-charge be appointed by the Archbishop of
Dublin after consultation with representatives of the Parish, There was but one holder of this
office. The Wednesday Club founded in 1960 by the Rev. Dr. S. G. Poyntz and as the name
suggests, it met on Wednesdays until 1967. The Club was open to young people in their teens
and twenties and a feature of their varied programme was an Annual Variety Concert. Since
the closure of St. Mark’s Church, the Parochial Hall has become the Headquarters of St.
Mark’s Athletic Football Club—a club with roots going back as far as 1892. During the
current season the club has three teams playing—two in the Athletic Union League and one
in the United Churches League— bringing a large number of young men together in the
character building pursuit of football.
1962 Organ Dry Rot
An outbreak of dry rot was discovered in the organ chamber. On the advice of experts—
architects and organ builders—it was decided that the magnificent four manual instrument
must be removed if the fabric of the church were to be saved and immediately work was
started. The dry rot was dealt with and the organ rebuilt at a total cost of £7,314, met by
direct giving of parishioners and friends, The task of rebuilding the organ was entrusted to
Peter Conacher and Co. Ltd.— the firm which originally built the organ in 1889.
1963 Organ Restoration
On Tuesday, 26th November 1963 with a Fanfare of Trumpeters supplied by the Stedfast
Band the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev. G. 0. Simms, Ph.D., D.D. dedicated the
rebuilt instrument. This was but one event in a week of festivity and thanksgiving which
included a Columban Year Choral Festival with the choirs of St. Peter’s Rural Deanery
participating, an inaugural recital given by Mr. William Watson, Mus.B,, F.R.C.O., Organist
of St. Ann’s Church, a public lecture on Anglican Worship by the Rev. Dr. S. G. Poyntz and
a play “Christ in the Concrete City” performed by the Dublin Religious Drama Group.The
rebuilt organ has a detached console, which incorporates stop-key lighting. Sited in the main
aisle of the church—possibly a novel position for Church of Ireland architecture—the console
enables the organist to hear the choir and the congregation while he can see the officiating
clergyman at all times. The new position of the console attracted much interest in the musical
circles of Dublin at the time.
1968-69 Ernon Cope Todd Perdue, B.A., B.D., M.Ed.
His father, the Rev. F. L. Perdue was Rector of Trinagh (Cork). He was awarded a
Moderatorship in Classics at Trinity College, Dublin 1st Class Divinity Testimonium.
Archbishop King’s Prize (2) Bishop Forster’s Prize (2) Weir Prize, Downes Composition
Prize, Theological Exhibitioner. He was ordained deacon for the Curacy of North Strand and
Drumcondra 1954-58. He was successively Curate Assistant of Booterstown 1958-60. Dean
of Residence Trinity College, Dublin, 1960-68; Clergyman in charge of St. Stephen’s 1968
69 Rector of Rathmlehael 1969 Mr Perdue is married with four children, iregory Keith,
Gilhian Dawn, Adrienne Denise’ and Ian Conor.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Education
In 1969 the Department of Education decided to close a number of two teacher schools in the
district in an effort to have fewer, bigger and more economical schools. In this retrenchment
plan, it was decided that St. Stephen’s School would be numbered among those to close.
Reluctantly, the parish accepted the ruling of the Department for with the closing of a school
inevitably part of a parish dies. For 108 years this building and generations of teachers had
served the parish well, Today the building serves a wider community through Vocational
Education by day and as a Parochial Hall by night. A feature of the winter programme is St.
Stephen’s Ministry of Teaching led by the clergy which through lectures, bible-classes and
discussion groups provides further adult education. In 1964 there were 30 children with four
teachers; today there are 12 children who are instructed by Miss Meta Evans and Mr.
Kenneth Kearon Jnr. This is an eloquent comment on the inroads which commerce has made
into the district, forcing people to seek homes in the suburbs,
Parish reorgnaization
On March 20, 1970, St. Stephen’s became part of the grouped Incumbency of St. Ann with
St. Stephen. The Incumbent of St. Ann’s was instituted on that day to the charge of St.
Stephen’s in addition to that of St. Ann’s and prospectively to that of St. Mark’s. St. Mark’s
Church closed for public worship on the Monday in Whitsun Week 1971 after 240 years of
service. Today St. Stephen’s continues as part of a trinity of parishes—St. Ann, St. Mark with
St. Stephen. With the amalgamation of St. Ann with St. Stephen in 1970 a B.B. Company
was again in the parish and today the 3rd Company of the Boys’ Brigade serves the group
extending Christ’s Kingdom among boys.
Postscript
NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evi,dence of things not seen; for by it the
elders obtained a good report . By faith Abraham . . . By faith Isaac . . . By faith Jacob . . . By
faith Moses . . . (Heb. 11).
By faith men created such a worthy place of worship, a sanctuary of beauty and dignity that
those who might enter from the heat and burden of the day would find hearts turned to God .
By faith a parish—a fellowship was created where men and women were brought to newness
of life through the power, of Jesus Christ . .
By faith great numbers of God’s servants toiled here . .
By faith we achieved 150 years of worship and witness . .
By faith we look forward to the next stretch of the road. .
Acknowledgements
I am indebted to W. Eliwood Post’s Saints, Signs and Symbols (S.P.C.K.) for the symbol of
St. Stephen on the cover of this publication. The symbol evidently of French origin is
displayed at Dijon. The three stones refer to the manner of his death and the palm to his
spiritual victory. A gold palm branch and silver stones on a red field constitute a suitable
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
symbol for the first martyr of the Christian Church. Much information concerning clergymen
mentioned is quoted from an unpublished book by Canon J. B. Leslie D.Lit. and the
copyright belongs to the Representative Church Body Library, Rathgar, Dublin. A
parishioner of St. Ann’s, Miss Sheila Baker, typed most of the MSS and for this I am
grateful. Mention must be made of the members of St. Stephen’s Select Vestry for without
their encouragement and support this book would not now be available. To Mr. Brittain of the
Leinster Leader and all who helped in its production the parish offers its thanks,
S.G. POYNTZ All Saints’ Day, 1974. St. Stephen’s Church
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Introductory note
SOMEONE once said that places have a soul and people make it for them by living in them.
When people die and the place with a soul becomes depopulated and changed, something of
it, be it only a memory, remains. The stranger who comes to such a place learns of the people
who lived there, becomes influenced and impressed by such a spot. Those who enter St.
Stephen’s Church will be impressed by the atmosphere—a legacy bequethed by generations
of devout Christian men and women who made this sanctuary their spiritual home. The full
story of this Church and Parish cannot be told. Unfortunately, the Parochial Magazines which
could have taken us back month by month to 1885 and before, were probably destroyed when
the Parochial Hall was sold. Fortunately, a bound copy of the Annual Reports 1865-1902
came to hand and this, together with Vestry minutes and jottings from here and there, have
been combined to tell something of the history of this church which, though now standing in
a business district of Dublin, still points men and women to the Everyday Christ.
Memorial Windows
In the apse there are three windows. The centre window depicts
the stoning of Stephen, the Martyr, with words “Lord Jesus, receive
my spirit”.
Revd. David Elrington
The inscription reads “In Memory of the Revd. David Elrington” a member of a family with
many and close ties to St. Stephen’s Church. His father was Mr. J. Faviere Elrington, Q.C.,
who lived at 24 Upper Fitzwilliam Street and was a member of the first Vestry of the Parish
elected in 1871. Regrettably this window can be only partially seen as the reredos
subsequently erected spoils
8
9
Interior, facing East, showing the apse added in 1852
10
the windov:.
Rev. Robert Alexander Hamilton
On the left cf this centre piece there is a window donated “In memory of the Rev. Robert
Alexander Hamilton” which depicts Simon and Andrew leaving their trade and livelihood to
follow Jesus, with the inscription: “They left all and followed him”. To the right the window
portrays Jesus with Mary and Martha and the words “Mary hath chosen the good part”. This
window is in memory of Charlotte Hartney Barry.
Tufnell family.
Two windows on the north aisle nearest the organ chamber are memorials to the Tufnell
family. The upper window, depicting the Good Samaritan, is to the memory of Jolliffe
Tufnell Ex President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, born May 24th 1819, died
November 27th 1885. Dr. Tufnell who lived at 58 Lower Mount Street, had been a member
of the first Vestry of St. Stephen’s. The lower window is in memory of Henrietta his wife,
born 1817, died July 30th 1886, and was erected by her three daughters.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Henry Cope Colles
The next stained glass window on the North Aisle was erected in 1893, depicting the
Resurrection scene with the words “Why weepest thou”. It is to the memory of Henry Cope
Colles, M.A. a former Churchwarden and Select Vestryman—a highly esteeined parishioner
“ever ready into every good work” and his daughter—Minnie Burnside. The plaque beneath
is inscribed with the words “Until the break of day and shadows flee away”.
Frederick William Leeper
The resurrection is the theme of the Leeper window with the words “He is not here. He is
risen”. Beneath is the inscription “In loving memory of Frederick William Leeper, B.A., T.C.
D., Secretary to the Councils of the United Dioceses. Born April, 1858. Died at Davos Platz,
Switzerland, 12th June 1891. Devoted Churchman”. The artists werd Messrs Heaton, Butler
and Bayne, London. Next there is a window “To the glory of God and in loving memory of
Harriett Carson, Born January 5th, 1817. Died June 28th, 1884. His Banner over me was
Love”.
Rev. C. A. Williamson, M.A
The Baptistry Window, representing Christ blessing little children was erected in 1898 in the
immediate neighbourhood of the font. It was the work of Messrs. Powell and Son,
Whitefriars, London. By 1895 more than half the estimated cost of about £50, had been
contributed in five shilling subscriptions from those who had been baptized in the church.
The cost of the window was in the main defrayed by those who had been baptized in it.
Before leaving the North side of the church, one should step out into the centre aisle and look
up at the window in the gallery. Beneath is the inscription “To the glory of God this window
was erected A.D. 1901 by the Rev. C. A. Williamson, M.A., in loving memory of his dear
parents, Charles Williamson born 20th April, 1820, died 21st July 1882. Rebecca his wife
born 24th September, 1817 died 28th October 1896 and of Charlotte their youngest daughter
born 9th May, 1857, died 23rd December 1893. The Williamson family lived at 14 Upper
Mount Street, and Mr. Charles Williamson was another member of the first Vestry of St.
Stephen’s.
Rt. Hon. Edward Gibson 1st Baron Ashbourne
The upper window in the South Aisle beside the War Memorial depicts the Resurrection with
the words “Because I live ye shall live also”. Dedicated in memory of the Rt. Hon. Edward
Gibson 1st Baron Ashbourne, this stained glass window remembers one who enjoys a long
connection with the Parish. He was first elected to the Vestry when he was Mr. Edward
Gibson Q.C. in 1873. He was subsequently elected an M.P. Lord Ashbourne became
Chancellor of Ireland and a member of the British Cabinet. He attended St. Stephen’s Sunday
by Sunday when the House of Lords was not in session and always left a gold sovereign on
the plate. Bishop Harvey in his “Memories of a Dublin Parish” recalls “I often pitied him
sitting alone in his pew, deserted by all the members of his family. Lady Ashbourne had
become a Christian Scientist and did not attend the Church; his eldest son, heir to the title,
had married a French woman and jointed the Church of Rome, a daughter had followed her
mother, etc., etc.” At the turn of the century he lived at 12 Merrion Square.
George Augustus Chichester May
Underneath the Ashbourne window there is another memorial window to a famous legal
family. A brass plaque states “To the glory of God and in loving memory of the Right Hon.
George Augustus Chichester May, Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, born 16th August, 1815,
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
died 15th August, 1892; and of Olivia, his wife born 14th March, 1825, died 16th July, 1876.
This window was placed by their children”. By his will the ex Chief Justice left a sum of
£500. to the Representative Church Body for the benefit of the parish. This was duly invested
in £440 Dublin Wicklow and Wexford Railway 5 % Debenture Stock, such was the
confidence in railways in those days. The Income on this stock was to be applied towards the
Incumbent’s stipend. At a meeting it was resolved “That the Vestry desires to record its sense
of loss which the Parish of St. Stephen’s has sustained through the death of the Right Hon.
G.
A. C. May ex Chief Justice. As a constant worshipper in the Parish Church, a liberal
contribution to our funds, and one of our Parochial Nominators, he will long be remembered
by the parishioners with respect due to his integrity and generosity, and to the example of
unaffected earnestness in every good cause which he invariably exhibited. We also wish to
express our sincere sympathy with his family in their bereavement”.
George Chichester May K.C
Underneath the brass plaque to cx Chief Justice May there is another to his son which reads:
“To the glory of God and in loving memory of George Chichester May K.C., 2nd son of the
Rt. Hon. G. A. C. May, 25th May 1857—3rd November 1924, for many years churchwarden
of this parish. His body rests at Campton, Winchester.
Hon. Judge Townshend
There are two other memorial windows on the south aisle. One is to the memory of the Hon.
Judge Townshend a member of the Select Vestry who had lived at 30 Upper Fitzwilliam
Street. Beneath is the inscription “In memory of John Fitz-Henry Townshend LL.D., for 25
years Judge of the High Court of Admiralty in Ireland. Born 31st December 1811, died 2nd
February 1893, erected by his daughter”. The other has as its centre-piece the Book chapter
and verse St. Luke 2 v. 26 but the text is not quoted “And it was revealed unto him by the
Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” This window
was erected in memory of James Carlyle who died December 1906, by his wife.
Interior
Internally the church is Victorian Renaissance in style and this disappoints many when
compared with the exteri9r. The galleries are spacious and well constructed. There is a flat
tirdber ceiling. The box pews which were part of the original furniture of the church have
gone.
Today St. Stephen’s Church is enriched by a beautiful apse at the east end. On its
Consecration Day it was probably rectangular shape with a double decker pulpit which was
then in fashion. In M. Starrat’s History of Ancient and Modern Dublin (1849) there is a print
of St. Stephen’s before it was extended. The extension with apse and vestry was skilfully
achieved in 1852, but the join is still clearly visible in the oitside wall. Annual Reports after
this date refer to improvements being made to the Chancel from time to time. A typical
example of this is in the Report for the year 1878 where it was stated that “a very
considerable improvement has been made in the Chancel under the superintendence of
Thomas Drew, Esq., R.H.A. The cost exceeds £150. The sum of £50. is still due to the
decorator, Mr. Mannix”,
Lighting
During the year 1884-85 two brass coronae, similar to one already in the chancel were
installed to replace the old I’ashioned gasaliers. Apparently the latter had proved difficult to
kee clean and were a constant source of expense owing to the frequency with which the
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
globes needed to be renewed. The coronae costing more than £40, proved more ornamental,
suitable and economical. The old gasaliers were removed to the school where they proved to
be a great improvement on their predecessors. Alas, with the advent of electricity it was
decided to dispense with the coronae and so furnishings of considerable beauty were lost.
Furniture
Lectern
The handsome lectern was presented in 1885 to the Church by the husband and family of
Agnes Jane Kirwan “who entered into her rest March 14 — 1884”. It is recorded in a report
that the lectern was erected on the former site of the font which had been moved to the
entrance of the north aisle—a place more suitable in light of our understanding of the
sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Pulpit
Undoubtedly the pulpit with canopy, made of beautifully carved Italian rosewood, dominates
the church. On four panels are carved the symbols of the four evangelists: a man (St.
Matthew), a lion (St. Mark), an ox (St. Luke) and an eagle (St. John).
Prayer desk
In Italian walnut carved like the pulpit was installed and the cost was met by a number of
parishioners. Mr. H. V. Jackson paid for the carriage from Siena. Engraved on the desk are
the words: SIENA. 1891 S. CAMBI FECIT.
Chancel
The annual report for 1895 regretted that the fittings of the Chancel had not yet been
completed by the erection of the Sedila corresponding in material and work-manship to the
pulpit and reading desk. This need was duly met by the Jackson family who donated a
Sedila “in memory of Henry Vincent Jackson who died 13th March 1896 and Arabella his
wife who died 3rd February 1896”. The Select Vestry subsequently placed on record the
sense of loss which the parish sustained through the lamented death of Mr. Vincent Jackson.
“From the time of his becoming a resident in the parish there was nothing that concerned its
welfare in which he did not take a warm and intelligent interest. While he was a resident
among us the new organ was erected in the church and the Glebe House was purchased;
besides that he was a generous contributor to each of these undertakings, much of their
success was due to his wise counsels and active co-operation while the beautiful pulpit that
adorns our church is a memorial of his open handed liberality. His good sense and sound
judgment combined with unfailing courtesy made him an invaluable member of the Vestry,
whose meetings he regularly attended so long as his health permitted”. The beautiful chancel
which occupies the site of former vestries is elaborately decorated with painted angels and
arcading.
Reredos
Mosaic work depicting Christ in Glory, was erected by parishioners “as a thank offering for
victory and preservation of many who served God and their country in the Great War 1914I8”; This adornment was not a happy choice for it rather spoils the effect of the chancel apse
which should have a free standing altar.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Communion Table cross
In brass mounted in Connemara marble was given by the family of the late Canon W. T. Grey
and his wife Sophie. It was dedicated on 29th October 1970 by the Most Rev. A. A.
Buchanan, D.D., and the sermon was preached by the Ven. R. G. F. Jenkins, Archdeacon of
Dublin.
Communion Plate
Only one piece pre dates the church, a fiddle paten spoon made in London in 1812. Most of
the plate dates from 1824. These are: a flagon, two chalices, two patens and collecting plates,
made in Dublin by Joseph Fray. The chalices are a copy of seventeenth and eighteenth
century design with the exception of the wire rim, obviously presented at the time of the
consecration of the church.
There is also a fine silver gilt flagon which was
made in London 1867.
Kingham Chalice
In 1933 a modern Chalice was presented in memory of Louisa Kingham who died 29th
September, 1932 and her son Lieut. A. E. Kingham, killed in the Great War 1916. It has a
petal base and is the work of John Smith, Clarendon Street, Dublin.
Baptismal Shell
One other item of interest in the Vestry safe, this was mde in London 1930.
Carpets
The exquisite sanctuary carpet was a gift from the May family already mentioned. The
beautiful red carpet which covers the centre aisle and choir area was presented by Mr. T. R.
G. Oakes, who is presently Hon. Treasurer of the Parish.
Frontals
No account of the furnishings would be complete without a reference to the altar frontals
which are among the most beautiful to be seen in the Church of Ireland. No reference can be
found of who made them or when they were donated. In 1973 they were wonderfully restored
by Miss M. I. H. Ferrar.
Many other furnishings given in more recent times are not mentioned in this account, but are
none the less treasured.
War Memorial
On the East End of the Church beside the pulpit, there is a memorial to those who died fsom
the parish in two World Wars.
To the Glory of God
and in memory of those from this Parish or Congregation who gave their lives for King and
Country in the Great War (1914-1919).
War Initial
1
J
Surname
Arnott,
M.C.,
Rank
Capt
Service Unit
A
15th
Regiment
Hussars.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1
1
1
1
E
TH
F. J. T
H.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
M.
J.
C
J. A.
A J.
C. H.
R. T.
J.
G
F
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
GR
VH
W
CH
G
W.
J.
T.
J.
J.
S
T
A.B. E.
A. E.
H
S.
V. H.
H
S. F
F. P. D.
1
1
1
1
1
A.
C. F.
F. L. L.
P. S.
H. F.
1
1
1
E. T.
J.
T. S.
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Beatty
Lt
A
6th
Connaught Rangers.
Bowen,
2nd Lt
A
6th
Leinster Regt.
Boxwell,
A.B.
N
H.M.S., “Good Hope
Brown
2nd Lt
A
A.T.Td., 1st 30th
Punjabis.
Burgess
V.A.D
Canham
R.F.A
A
R.I.R.
Cann
Artificer
N
H.M.S., “Hogue”.
Carson
Pte
A
1st
R.D.F.
Castle
R.F.M
A
R.I.R.
Coote
Trooper
A
12th
Lancers,
Coote
Sergt.-Major
A
Irish Guards.
Curry
Pte,
A
10th
R.D.F.
Evans
Trooper
A
12th
Lancers.
Farrell
Co.
Sergt. A
S.I. Horse.
Maj,
Fausset
2nd Lt
A
R.I.R.
Fausett
Pte
A
R.D.F.
FitzGerald
Pte
A
R.D.F.
Graham
2nd Lt
A
3rd
R.D.F.
Graham
Pte
A
9th
R.D.F.
Graham
Pte
A
Worcester Regt.
Gilhigan
R.F.M
A
R.I.R.
Gyves
2nd Lt
A
R.D.F.
Harrison
Pte
A
R,D.F.
Haskins
Pte
A
R. Australian I. Forces.
Haskins
Corpl
A
R.D.F.
Hillas
Capt
A
7th
Gordon Highlanders.
Kingham
Lt
A
8th
R.I.F.
Malley
Pte
A
28th
R. Canadian E.F.
May
Pte
A
Leinster Regt.
Marks
R.F.M
A
12th
Co. London Rgt
Maxwell
Capt
A
13th
Cheshire Rgt.
Moran
2nd Lt
A
9th
R.I.F..
Newland,
Lt
A
90th
Winnipeg Rifles
M.C
Nolan
L. Corpl
A
R.M.F.
Payne
R.F.M
A
2nd
R.I.R.
Rogers
2nd Lt
A
R.F.A.
Snell
2nd Lt
A
6th
R.I.F.
Vernon
Sub Lt
N
R.N.,
H.M.S
Hampshire”.
Weatherill
2nd Lt
A
7th
R.D.F.
Williams
Pte,
A
R.D.F
Woods
2nd Lt
A
R.F.A.
Also the following who gave their lives in the war of 1939-1945.
2
Charles K. Armstrong, A.B
N
H.M.S., “Glowworm”.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
2
2
2
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Denis H. Grey,
Sergt. Obsr
R.A.F
.
C.
Wm. C. T. McFetridge, 2nd Lieut
A
Irish Guards,
Patrick J.
Walters,
Sergt
A
North Irish Horse.
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Choir
Choristers
It would not be out of place to put on record our appreciation of the choristers and choir
members who down the years have made a real contribution to public worship in this place.
In earlier days it was a robed choir of boys and gentlemen; in the early 1900s ladies were
welcomed sitting in the front pews of the church. They were robed in 1948. By 1965 it
became a choir of girls, boys, ladies and gentlemen.
Charles Stanford
One of the greatest Irish contributors to Church music probably heard his first music in St.
Stephen’s when he worshipped there as a boy. Stanford’s name has figured frequently in
services sung all over the world, the stirring service in B Flat, the lyrical service in G or the
great C and A setting. Generations too have listened to his Prelude and Fugue in C minor Op.
193 No. 2 and the Fantasia and Toccata in D minor Op. 57, probably the finest of the organ
works.
Arthur Oulton
Local boy—a brilliant musician who came back to the parish of his birth to minister as
Curate-Assistant who would have made a considerable contribution to church music had not
his life been cut short so tragically in 1918. He composed songs, hymns, music for piano and
violin, a Suite for the piano and a Symphony but never had time to write them down; save
some musical score for the last named which was practised once or twice at his father’s house
in 19 Upper Mount Street and gave pleasure to all who joined in it or listened—though he
himself was dissatisfied with it. The Rev. H. B. Dobbs who had been his fellow curate at St.
Stephen’s afterwards wrote of him: “He played hymns on the wheezy harmonium in the
schools with apparently as great a delight as he played a cathedral organ at a Festival. His
playing at the monthly Parish concerts was as brilliant as when he played for Plunkett-Greene
at his London Recitals or to a distinguished company at the Castle, and to all appearances one
gave him as much pleasure as the other. With the poor and sick, Arthur was amazing. They
loved him one and all—in Holles St., Denzill St., Grant’s Row, etc. They told me many a
time of how he would sit down and sing all their favourite hymns to them. He was indeed
gifted in many beautiful ways; whether he played, or sang or talked, or preached . .
In so many ways St. Stephen’s has provided a goodly heritage— not least in the field of
music.
Organ
Original
John Snetzler
Sr. Stephen’s has always enjoyed a splendid tradition in church music. The organ is one of
the most historic parish church organs in the country. The front casework facing westwards
down the north aisle is an example of the craftsmanship of John Snetzler. This is the case of
the organ built by Snetzler in 1754 for the chapel of the Rotunda Hospital. It was never
erected in the chapel (for some obscure reason, possibly because it was too large), but found a
place in the Rotunda Rooms in days of eighteenth-century elegance. It is also believed to
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
have been at one time the property of Lord Mornington and could be seen at his house in
Upper Merrion Street. Less elegant days saw its removal to St. Stephen’s Church, where for
many years it stood on the west gallery. Snetzler was one of the foremost organ builders i
18th-century London. The friend and protégé of royalty, he numbered Handel among his
close friends. Of Swiss parentage, Snetzler was born in Schaffhausen in the canton of Zurich
in 1710. His work, although adapted to the unprogressive English organ scene of the 16th,
17th and 18th centuries, was representative of all that was best in the golden age of organ art.
St. Stephen’s Church, Dublin, thus possesses one of the most precious organ cases in
Ireland—an example of Snetzler craftsmanship.
Organists
Edward Bunting
Among the most famous of organists is Edward Bunting (1773- 1843), collector of Irish airs.
He appears to have been organist at St. Stephen’s Church circa 1827 and subsequently at St.
George’s Church. Bunting, a native of Armagh and resident of Belfast, moved to Dublin in
1819, on his marriage to Mary Anne Chapman, whose uncle (in orders) was a Fellow of
Trinity College. In the Dublin University Magazine for January, 1847 (p. 64) there is a
memoir of Bunting. It is unsigned but is probably written by Dr. George Petrie. It is there
stated (p. 72): “Through the influence of his northern connections, he soon got into extensive
practice as a teacher in the higher circles, and was appointed organist of St. Stephen’s
Chapel.” There is a letter in a M.SS. at Queen’s University, Belfast, from Bunting to Mary
McCracken, with whose family he had lived for many years in Belfast. It is dated the 27th
December, 1827, from 28 Upper Baggot Street, and says: “I received aft unsought letter from
the Trustees of Georges Church (where a new organ price £1,000 has been put up lately) to
be their organist with a salary of from £90 to £100 a year. I am indebted for this place to the
Attorney-General.” The Attorney General for Ireland at the time was Henry Joy, Mary
McCracken’s first cousin, after whose father her brother Henry Joy McCracken (hanged,
1798) was named. Bunting was one who attended a party on the eve of Wolfe Tone’s
departure from Belfast with his family—1lth of June, 1795, along with “the Simmses,
Neilsons and Rnssell”, and H. J. McCracken.
Dr. William Henry Gater
Legacy
Many former choristers remember with reverence Dr. William Henry Gater—organist and
choirmaster for 50 years who died 1928. At a meeting of the Select Vestry of St. Stephen’s
Church after his death the following resolution was passed: “That the Select Vestry of St.
Stephen’s Parish desire to express their deep sense of the loss the Church and the Parish have
sustained on the death of William Henry Gater, Doctor of Music; who has been organist at St.
Stephen’s Church for the last 54 years. The late Dr. Gater carried out his duties during all that
time in a most painstaking conscientious and efficient manner. The Vestry are conscious that
in him they had a musician of great ability, an organist who had the highest ideals as to the
part taken by music in the worship of God, and a man of high moral character and of a
humble Christian spirit”.
Memorial
On Sunday, the 28th of July, 1929 Canon D. F. R. Wilson, Precentor of St. Patrick’s
Cathedral, dedicated a brass plate to the memory of Dr. Gater. At that service Canon Wilson
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
spoke of Dr. Gater as a link with great Church musicians who formed’ a distinguished school
of music in Dublin for over a century and a half— a school of Church music second to none
in Europe. Dr. Gater, he pointed out had been a pupil of the late Sir Robert Stewart, and
carried on the fine tradition of Church music. Canon Wilson said that he was a very devout
quiet, learned gentleman, a “holy and humble man of God”. His patience was wonderful, and
his love for his glorious art endeared him to all who knew him and loved the high service of
music.
The memorial, Canon Wilson added, would remind worshippers in days to come, when all
our names were forgotten, of one who served God with love, with reverence and with
gratitude. His compositions included a Setting for the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in ‘A’
Major.
Successors
Mr. F. R. Egan succeeded Dr. Gater as organist. Julian Dawson well-known in Dublin
musical circles in the 1950s was also organist at St. Stephen’s and later became accompanist
to B.B.C. Scotland. Other organists include F. G. Flewitt, Ruarc de B. Gahan, Ronald
Dowson, Philip Walker and Charles Pearson. The present organist is Mr. Peter Paxton
appointed in 1973.
Specification
Rebuilt by Peter Conacher & Co. Ltd., Springwood, Huddersfleld, 1963
Compass of Manuals CC to C.61 Notes
Compass of Pedals CCC to F, 30 Notes
Great Organ
1
Mixture—
2
Fifteenth
3.
Flauto Traverso
4.
Principal
5.
Dulciana
6
Clarabella ...
7
Gamba ...
8
Open Diapason
9
Great Octave
10 Swell to Great
11 Swell to Great Octave
12 Swell to Great Sub Octave
Swell Organ
13. Clarion
14. Oboe
15. Cornopean
16. Mixture—3 rks
17. Fifteenth
18. Wald Flute
19. Principal
20. Voix Celeste—T.C.
3 rks
2 ft.
4 ft.
4 ft.
8 ft.
8 ft.
8 ft.
8 ft.
183 Pipes
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
8ft.
8ft.
2ft.
4 ft.,
4ft.
8ft.
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
183 Pipes
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
61 Pipes
49 Pipes
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Salicional
8ft.
6.1Pipes
Open Diapason
8ft.
61 Pipes
Lieblich Bourdon—T.C.
16 ft.
49 Pipes
Bourdon Bass
16 ft.
12 Pipes
Swell Octave
Swell Sub Octave
Tremulant
Flute
4 Feet 30
Notes from No. 31
Bass Flute
8 Feet 30
Notes from No. 31
Octave
8 Feet 30
Notes from No. 32
Bourdon
16 Feet
54 Pipes Extended
from old Organ
Open Diapason
16 Feet
42 Pipes Extended
from old Organ
Harmonic Bass
32 Feet 30
Notes from No. 31
Swell to Pedal
Great to Pedal
Accessories
Three Double Touch Thumb Pistons to Great Organ adding suitable Pedal on second touch.
Three Double Touch Thumb Pistons to Swell Organ adding suitable
Pedal on second tduch.
Three Toe Pistons to Great and Pedal Organs.
Four Pedal settings on switchboard).
Reversible Thumb and Toe Pistons to Great to Pedal Coupler.
Reversible Thumb and Toe Pistons to Swell to Great Coupler.
Canceller Name Plates to the stops of each section—Great, Swell and Pedal.
Balanced Swell Pedal in centre of kneeboard.
The latest design Console stop-key lighting.
Detached all-electric Console.
Chronology
There was a Church of St. Stephen on the site of Mercer’s Hospital from 1224. As already
indicated it was a chapel to a leper hospital. “The tenants of this hospital” wrote Dr. Mills
“were freed from parochial ties and the master of the hospital came to be regarded as their
rector; and the hospital lands were in time treated as a district parish.” St. Stephen’s Hospital
with the parish attached seems to have been united with St. Bride’s about this time.
Guardians
John
Talbot is
Parson of St. Stephen’s (
“Parson of St. Stephen’s b
1334
Guardians
Geoffrey
de St. Michael
Clk is Guardian or Custos
1347
Guardians
Gaifridus
de Stinelle
Clk is Custos.
1378-1393 Guardians
John
Scrop
is Custos (Mem. Roll. V
1385).
1408
Guardians
Henry
Ossygham
is Custos (Chanc Roll.).
1421
Guardians
John
Probte i
s Custos (Roll—ex Whitel
1508
Guardians
John
English.
is Custos or Master (Cotto
St. Patrick’s
1525
Guardians
John
Triguram is
Custos (M.P.) Also Preb. K
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1538
1565
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Guardians
Guardians
John
Kerdiff (or Cardiff)
1579
1594
Guardians
Guardians
Henry
Launcelot
Fitzsimons.
Morny
1599
1604/5
Guardians
Guardians
Francis
James
Cary (ib).
Cary
1634
1641/2
1824
Guardians
Guardians
Curate
Daniel
Richard
William
Wood
Cragg (or Craig)
Bourne
1824
1825
1841
1843
1843-45
1844-5
Curate
Curate
Curate
Curate
Curate
Curate
Mortimer
Philip
Reginald
John Hopkins
John
Francis
O’Sullivan.
Berry
Courtenay.
Armstrong.
Grant.
Blake Woodward.
1848-51
Curate
W. B.
Atkins,
1852-58
1855
1855-60
1858-71
Curate
Curate
Curate
Curate
Robert John
Henry
Thomas
Richard
Moffett.
Galbraith.
Twigg.
Travers Smith.
1860-63
1862
1863-4
Curate
Curate
Curate
Robert
John
Edward
Monck Mason.
Nicholson
Bray.
1864-66
1871
1871
Curate
James
Church Warden
William
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th J. F.
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th Charles
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th W. R.
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th M. N.
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th C.
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th G. W.
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th Alderman R.
1871
1871
1871
1871
1871
1871
app. by Corp. of Dub
Hospital (Gilbert’s Recor
1579.
app. Custos
Michael’s.
(Corp
R
app. Custos resigned to
1634. (Gilbert’s Records 1
app. (ib).
Lie. C. Feb. 10 (D.R.).
The first chaplain who wa
St. Andrew’s (1804-1862).
Rector of Killyman(Armag
Vicar of Castlelyons 1830Bishop of Kingston, Jamic
Vicar of Staines 1873-1900
He was British Chaplain
1866.
possibly WALTER BAK
ordained Priest in 1842
Ossory.
Vicar of Kilternan 1858-18
He was Archdeacon of Gle
Vicar of Swords 1860-190
Vicar of St. Bartholomew’
1905.
Hornidge Walsh.
Gibson
Elrington, Q.C.,
(probably John Aldwell Ni
Rector of St. Paul’s, Sh
1882.
Rector of St. Stephen’s fro
E. de Moleyns
24Upper Fitzwilhiam Stree
Williamson,
14 Upper Mount Street.
Le Fanu,
59Fitzwilhiam Square.
Clarke,
11 Fitzwillhiam Square.
Lodge
25 Pembroke Road.
Maunsell.
10 Merrion Square.
Durdin,
88 Lower ‘Mount Street
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1871
1871-83
1872
1873
1873-4
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Apr,
G.
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th Johiffe
Tufnell,
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th John
Stanford,
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th H. P.
Jellett, Q.C.,
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th Captain G.
Huband,
Apr,
S Vestry 1st Elected 11th B. E.
Whitestone,
Apr,
Parish Clerk
Joseph
Digges,
Curate
James
Hornidge Walsh.
Church Warden
H. P.
Jellett
Church Warden
W. R.
Le Fanu
Curate
John
Dowden,
1874
Church Warden
Christopher
Lodge
1874-80
Curate
Ccoper.
1875
1876
1877
1878
1879
1880
1880-83
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
Theod7ore
James
M.
B. B.
H. M.
Rober
G. W.
W. R.
William
Brady
Stoney
Pilkington
Reeves
Maunsell
Swanzy, M.D.
Lee, Junior,
1881
1881-82
1882
1882-84
Church Warden
Curate
Church Warden
Curate
P. I.
William
Martin 0.
Wilfrid
Mayne
Fitzgerald
Kirwan
Rathmell Ogle.
1883
1883-98
1884
1884-88
Church Warden
Curate
Church Warden
Curate
Mayne
Stewart.
Kirwan
O’Hara Mease
1885
1886
1887
1888
18881905.
1888-89
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
E. I.
Harvey
M. 0.
Charles
William,
H. M.
E. I.
D. H.
R. E.
Vicar of Highgate, London
1896-1908.
M. 0. Kirwan I.
Rector of St. Stephen’s 190
Mayne B. J.P.
Dean of the Chapel Royal
Pilkington, Q.C.
Mayne
Madden, Q.C.
Meredith
Martley, Esq, Vincent Jack
Vincent
J.P.
Jackson, M.D.
Swanzy, Hon. Townshend
Edward.
Champion
1871
1871
1871
1871
1871
Curate
58 Lower Mount Street.
2 Herbert Street.
32 Upper Pembroke Street
39 Upper Mount Street.
55 Upper Mount Street.
27 Lincoln Place.
Rector of St. Stephen’s fro
Char1es,ilhiamson
Marshall N. Clarke
Bishop of Edinburgh 18
1910.
Captain
George
Hu
Williamson
Incumbent Barkly Cape Pr
1885.
Robert Reeves
Woods Maunsell
George Allen
Rt. Hon. E. Gibson, M.P.
D. Madden,Q.C. J. E. M
Son of Dr. William Lee, A
Trinity Gosport 1889
Mainhead 1915-16.
Scott, Robert Reeves
(Curate again 1889-90).
Wade
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1889
1889-90
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Hannan
Church Warden
H. Vincent J
ackson
Curate
William
Fitzgerald.
1890
Church Warden
1890-1894 Curate
1891
1892
1894-1902
1895
1895
1896
1897
1897-1905
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1898
Church Warden
1898-1903 Curate
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1903
1903-07
Church Warden
Curate
1904
1904-07
Church Warden
Curate
1905
1906
1906-14
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1907
1908
1909
1910
1910-13
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1911
1912
1913
1914
1914-18
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
Judge Townshend
Rector Castletown, Arv
1895-1900).
H. Vincent
Jackson
Judge J.P.
Thomas
Macmurrogh Murphy The O’Morchoe”, Recto
Arthur.
1894-1921.
1. I.
Twigg,.Q.C.
Jackson, H. Vincent J.P
Fane
Vernon
Jackson,
Henry Chester Browne.
Vicar of Clonsilla 1902-19
G C. May
M J. Brady
Lvi J. Brady
Archibald Robinson
James George Carleton.
Lecturer in Divinity T.C.D
1888-19 16.
Molyneux Barton
Charles
Pownall Price
Rector of Kilbride Bray 19
Herbert.
Hugh S. Moore
Hugh S. Moore
George C. May
George C. May
Edwyn
Heaton Thomas
Joined the Anglican comm
Francis ,.
England.
George N. Oulton, K.C.
Thomas
Harvey.
Bishop of Cashel 1935-58.
Arnold
G’eorge N. Oulton, K.C.
Henry.
Lyttleton
Lyster (later Sir Henry Denny,
Denny
7th Bart.). Rector Burwas
53
George C. May
G. C. May
Henry
Dobbs.
Vicar of All Saints, BlackBallinacarrig
Moylneux Barton
William Lawson
G. C. May
Major Vincent
Richard
Oulton.
Vicar Choral York Minster
Arthur
1918.
George N. Oulton, K.C.
Dr. Trevor Smith
F. A. Buckley
G. C. May
William
Elliott.
Rector St. James, Edinburg
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1917
1918
1919
1919
1919
1919-32
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Gerald
Church Warden
Curate
Albert
Robinson Fowler,
Church Warden
Curate
John Ernest Oulton.
Leonard
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
Henry
Mackenzie Harris.
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1927-36
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1933-34
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1934
1935
1936
1936
1937
1939
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1939
1939
1940
1941
1942
1942.
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1943
Church Warden
1915
1915-16
1916
1916-27
Maurice
Arthur
Matthew
Thomas
Handy
Rector St. Ninian, Glasgow
I. G. Oulton
Rector Heveringham 1937
Sir R. Benson
Regius Professor of Div
1935-1957.
H’. C. Tisdall
F. A. Buckley
E. Leared
Dr. MacFetridge
Capt. Lauriston J. Arnott
Rector of Kilhiney 1951-6
Chancellor Christ Church
63
R. W. Oulton
W. J. Grierson
J. T. Herrick
J. P. Moore, M.D.
Dr. T. D. Good
Dr. W. C. MacFetridge
J. T. Herrick
E. R. Mackey
Now Rector of Hacketstow
Porteus
W H. Carry
A. C. Newett
E. G. Armstrong
Dr. W. C. MacFetridge
H. C. Tisdall
A. C.Newett
Now Vicar of West Haddo
Edward.
Crawford Mack
Jack Albert.
Middleton
Macdonagh
Robert
Donald
Macroy.
W. H. Carry
M. J. Growcock
Community of the Resurre
H. R. Swanzy, M.D.
G. C. May
Assit, Master Rugby Scho
Vicar of Orton on the Hill
G. C. May
Hon. Judge Meredith
Archibald Robinson
Molyneux Barton
Molyneux Barton
Now Vicar of Stevington 1
William Lawson
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
John
Sheean Fraser.
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1967
1968
1969
1970
1970:
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1970-72
Curate
1970-73
Curate
1971
1972
1972
1973
1974
Church Warden
Curate
Church Warden
Church Warden
Curate
1974
1974
Church Warden
S Vestry
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
Mervyn
Searight
William
Simpson
Robert John
Gibbons.
Hubert Cecil
Mills.
Black.
William Lawson
W. S. Ward
W. S. Ward
F. Elrington Ball
F. Elrington Ball
G. F. Brunskill
Now Canon Residentiar
Cathedral.
Dr. Trevor Smith
Dr. John Barton
Francis A. Shore
Hon. Cecil Atkinson
George N. Oulton, K.C.
H. C. Tisdall
I. G. Oulton
I. T. Harrick
Wm. Lawson
H Cole Bowen
A. H. Bates, K.C.
Granby Burke
G. L. Bennett
G. L. Bennett
H. Cole Bowen
W. 0. Murphy
R. W. Oulton
Rector of Kilemogh) ser
period 1967/68.
Dr. W. G. Smith
Capt. L. J. Arnott
F. A. Buckley
H. C. Tisdall
Following have ministered
St. Ann and St’ Mark with
Now Rector of Kill-o-TheG
Now Curate Assistant of S
Stillorgan.
R. W. Oulton, B.A.
0. Murphy
E. R. Mackey
Clement
Adrian
1
N.T.
Empey.
Dancey,
W. Reeves
34 Ballinaclea Heights, Ki
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
l840c
1974
1974
1974
1974
1893
1894
1893
1894
1924
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
S Vestry
Brian
Clements,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
K.
Kearon, Snr.,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
C. N.
Macken,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
Miss I. F.
Jones,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
Miss L.
Wilson
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
Peter
McCrodden,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
H.H.
Brown,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
W A. S.
Brown,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
Peter
Paxton
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
K.
Kearon, Jnr.,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
Curate
William
Matur1n.
S Vestry
Mrs. E.
Shera,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
T.R. G.
Oakes,
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
S Vestry
D
Evans
Sesquicentennial Year
Elected 23rd Apr
Sextoness
Mrs. Susan
Parry,
- Church Warden
Hugh S.
Moore
-
Robert
Baggotrath Church
Closed
8 Hastings Street.
16 Lakelands Avenue, Stil
25 Nugent Road, Rathfarn
92 Lower Baggot Street.
8 Albert Place.
103 Tritonville Road.
1 Upper Cherryfield Avenu
32St. Alban’s Park.
48 Crannagh Park, Rathfar
16 Lakelands Avenue, Stil
Vicar of G’rangegorman 1
31 Derrynane Gardens.
2 Wilton Place.
24Grand Canal Street, Upp
2 Northumberland Road.
Fane Vernon Hugh S. Moo
Reeves
Baptismal and Marriag
Baggotrath Church now
Stephen’s Vestry
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1924
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Parish Boundary Revision
1956
1957
1961
Church Redecoration
Funeral March 30
British
Council
Churches Meeting
1961
April 25
Jack B..
of Sunday April
23 Services in St.
Stephen’s: 11
Matins,
Preacher
Rt.
Rev.
Roger
WilsonD.D.,
Bishop
of
Chichester. 7
Evensong,
Preacher
Rt.
Rev. A. C.
Craig,
D.D.,
Moderator of
the
General
Assembly of
the Church of
Scotland.
St. Mark’s Day
- 8 o’clock
H.C.
Attendance
included The
Most Reverend
Geoffrey
Fisher,
flD.,
Archbishop of
Canterbury.
The Most Rev.
G. 0. Simms,
Archbishop of
Dublin. The Rt.
Rev.
Roger
Wilson, D.D.,
Bishop
of
Chichester.
The Rt. Rev. R.
C. H. Elliott,
D.D., Bishop
of Connor. The
Most Rev. A.
W.
Barton,
D.D., formerly
Divided between the p
Stephen’s, St. Bartholom
Church, Leeson Park.
June 18—July 20
Yeates, R.H.A
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1962
1962
1963
1963
1963
1966
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Archbishop of
Dublin. Ven.
C. R. Kitching,
formerly
Archdeacon of
Kildare.
July 15
Royal
Canadian Navy
9th
Escort
Squadron, Visit
of 390 men and
Officers
paraded to St.
Stephen’s
Church.
Preacher Very
Rev. T. 0.
Olufosoye,
Provost
St.
Stephen’s
Cathedral,
Ondo Benin,
Nigeria
Sept. 28
Funeral
Service Most
Rev. A. W.
Barton, D.D.,
formerly
Archbishop of
Dublin,
Feb. 3
: Rt. Rev.
Robert
Stopford,
C.B.E., D.D.,
D.C.L., Bishop
of
London
attended 8 a.m.
Holy
Communion
Mission
March 3—10:
Very Rev. C. I.
Peacocke,
M.A., Dean of
Belfast, now
Bishop
of
Derry.
Festival of Music and Art Rebuilding of Nov. 21—30
the organ
Thanksgiving Service
Sir
Patrick June 5 - 150th
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1967
1967
1967
1969
l973
1974
1974
1930
1935
1936
1937
1939
1939
1940
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Dun’s
anniversary of
Hospital.
foundation
Restoration
Church
reroofed,
reslated, new
copper gutters
installed. Total
cost £6,819.
Holy Week
Conductor Rt,
Rev,
Roger
Wilson, D.D.,
Bishop
of
Chichester.
May
7—11
a.m. Preacher
Rt. Rev. T. 0.
Olufosoye,
D.D.,
now
Bishop
of
Ibadan,
Nigeria.
Annual Hospitals’ Service Oct. 18
inaugurated.
Church cleaned.
Interior walls
Sesquicentennial
Dec. l-8
Celebrations.
Thanksgiving Service:
Dec
8—
Preacher Most
Rev. A. A.
Buchaan, D.D.,
Archbishop of
Dublin.
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden
E. R.
J. C
Dr. R. V
W. D.
E. G.
R. W.
J.
W D.
A. C.
J. E.
H C.
the
Mackey
O’Brien
Dowse
Gillespie
Armstrong
Oulton
Grierson
Gillespie
Newett
Stokes
Tisdall
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
`
66
1974
1939
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Church Warden A. E.
Pickett
Church Warden A. E.
Pickett
Church Warden E. G.
Armstrong
Church Warden F. J.
McDowell
Church Warden William
Reeves
Church Warden W. H.
Carry
Church Warden J, D.
Stokes
Church Warden S. G.
Wilson
Church Warden W H.
Carry
Church Warden R. W.
Oulton
Church Warden
Church Warden
Church Warden Major F. R.
Collins
Church Warden W. B.
Hackett
Church Warden W. A. S.
Brown
Church Warden E. A.
King
Church Warden J.
Morrison
Church Warden J
Morrison
Church Warden R.
Jackson
Church Warden D.
Evans
Church Warden Major F. R.
Collins
Church Warden C. E.
Ryan
Church Warden W.
Reeves
Church Warden E.
Wrest
Church Warden N. T.
Dancey
Church Warden N. T.
Dancey
Church Warden N. T.
Dancey
Church Warden R
Jackson
Church Warden D.
Woods
Church Warden K.
Kearon, Snr.
Church Warden H.
Burke
Church Warden D.
McCrodden
Church Warden W.
Reeves
Church Warden E. G’.
Armstrong
Church Warden W.
Brown
Church Warden A. E.
Wynne
Church Warden S. G.
Wilson
Church Warden A. E.
Pickett
Church Warden D.
Evans
Church Warden J. E.
Stokes
Church Warden E
Pickett
Church Warden Major F. R.
Collins
Church Warden Edward J.
Armstrong
Church Warden M. J.
Growcock
Church Warden Major F. R.
Collins
Church Warden D.
Towers
Church Warden M. J.
Growcock
Church Warden J. D
Stokes, LL.B.
Church Warden W. B. ,
Hackett
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD
1974
St. Stephen’s Church Upper Mount Street, Dublin 4
Church Warden Major F. R.
Collins
Church Warden Major F. R.
Collins
Church Warden W.
Brown
Church Warden F. A.
King
Church Warden I.
Pickett
Church Warden J.
Morrison
Church Warden R.
Jackson
Church Warden D.
Evans
Church Warden Major F. R.
Collins
Church Warden C. E.
Ryan
Church Warden W.
Reeves
Church Warden R.
Jackson
Church Warden W. A. S.
Brown
Church Warden H. J.
Graham
Church Warden W.
Reeves
Church Warden H.H
.Brown
Church Warden H. H
Brown
Church Warden K.
Kearon, Snr.
Church Warden H.
Burke
© 1975 S.G. Poyntz Archdeacon of Dublin © 2005 Layout Patrick Hugh Lynch, BA.A
(Hons) UCD