Former Ballyfrenis Presbyterian Church

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Simple and largely plain gabled church on a slight rise on the W side of the Abbey Road in the tiny hamlet of Ballyfrenis (c.1.5 miles W of Millisle).

Front E gable has central four centred arch headed doorway with label moulding over. Steps to doorway. The doorway contains sheeted timber double doors. Two pointed arch windows to either side of doorway label moulding and timber frames with many small coloured leaded lights. Directly above the doorway is a grouping of three similar windows (on same cill), with the centre window larger and with label moulding linked.

Both the N and S facades have three larger pointed arch windows with ‘Y’ timber frames with many small coloured leaded lights. Small basement level doorway (with timber sheeted door) to left on N facade.

Two pointed arch windows, much as before, to the rear gable.

Facade finished in rough cast with chamfered quoins, plinth, eaves course and moulded verges.

Roof pitched with Bangor blue slates. Mixture of cast iron and PVC rw goods.

Historical information

There has been a church on this site since 1843, however, judging by the overall style of the present building may be of a somewhat later date. Grace Seymour in her (albeit frequently anecdotal) history of the townland stated that the building was constructed in the mid 1880s (see secondary source No.1). The church remained in use until recently, when the the Ballyfrenis congregation was united with that of Carrowdore.

References- Primary sources
1 PRONI Ordnance Survey Maps 1st Revision 1858-60, Co. Down 6.

Secondary sources

1 Grace Seymour 'Echoes of Millisle and district' (Rathfriland ?c.1980), pp.87-92. [Notes on the history of Ballfrenis Td.].

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Plain gabled church with rendered walls and slated roof, possibly built c.1843, and possibly renovated c.1885.