Cairnalbana Presbyterian Church

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Relatively large, plain single storey gabled Presbyterian church of 1866 much extended and altered in 1989 and 2000 and now essentially a modernbuilding with a large gabled porch extension to front and a large two storey gabled hall extension to rear. The building sits on the E side of the Carnalbanagh Road just S of the intersection with the Glenview Road, c.6 miles SW of Glenarm

To the centre of the W (gabled) elevation is a large gabled porch; added in 1989. The N face of the porch has a recessed front glazed door and screen. This has a small gable feature over. To the W face are two evenly spaced semicircular-headed windows. High up on the gable is a small plaque (repositioned) which reads ‘Cairnalbana Church Built A.D. 1866’. Directly beneath in black plastic letters is the name Cairnalbana Presbyterian Church. The S face of the porch has three evenly spaced semicircular arch headed windows.

To the right side of the N elevation are three large semicircular headed windows; these light the church proper. To the left is a small square headed door opening. To the far left is the (1989) two-storey extension (the ground slopes to allow for this). To the right side is a recessed door opening while to the left are three unevenly spaced small semicircular-headed windows. To the first floor are two widely spaced semicircular headed windows. The E elevation is symmetrical with 2 (paired) semicircular arch headed windows to the left and right of the ground and first floors.

To the left side of the S elevation are three semicircular-headed windows, all as before. To the right the modern two storey extension. To the left of this is a small hipped roof porch. To the right is a steel fire escape stair which leads from a plain first floor door. To the right of the door are two small semicircular arch headed windows. To the right of the porch on the ground floor is one small plain window.

All of the façade is finished in rough cast and the gabled roof in artificial ‘slate’. PVC rw goods.

Two storey former manse to S side of church.

Historical information

This church was constructed in 1866 when, (due to its increased size following the 1859 Revival), the Presbyterian congregation of Glenarm was divided in two. As the Revival had been particularly fervent in Carnalbanagh area, it was decided to built the new church within this small hamlet. Two acres were acquired from Lord Antrim for a church and manse, and a formerly interdenominational prayer house converted to a schoolhouse.

The church was extended in 1989 when a large two storey hall was added to the rear and a larger porch to the front. The building was extensively refurbished in 2000.

Secondary sources
1 Felix McKillop, ‘Glenarm- A local history’ (Glenarm 1987), p.44

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Relatively large, plain single storey gabled Presbyterian church of 1866 much extended and altered in 1989 and 2000 and now largely modern looking with a large gabled porch extension to front and a large two storey gabled hall extension to rear.