History of our Church

Below is a brief history of St Anthony's Parish.  At its peak, in 1970, the parish had a population of almost 2,700 and was one of the best equipped parishes in Belfast.  During "the troubles", however, the church and its people suffered many attacks and setbacks, causing hundreds of parishioners to leave the area.  Although a very difficult and painful time for all, the kindness and generosity of its neighbouring clergy and friends from differing religions was very heartening.  Now in 2008, the parish is growing again and in October of this year we will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of our church.

St Anthony's Church stands on the former grounds of Willowfield House, owned by Jonathan Vint, a prominent Belfast businessman. The house and eight acres of land were bought, in 1906, by Most Rev H Henry, who was at that time the Bishop of Down & Connor.  Plans to build a new church on these grounds were delayed by the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

Further turmoil, associated with the establishment of the new state of Northern Ireland, continued to delay the building plans.  Finally on 15th June, 1936, the foundation stone was laid by Bishop Daniel Mageean.

The solemn opening of St Anthony's Church took place on Sunday 16th October 1938.    It was to remain a "Chapel of Ease" to St Matthew's parish until 1955.

During the second world war, in 1941, German bombers dropped incendiaries in Hatton Drive and Roseberry Road.  After noticing that the stained glass windows had been shaken during this episode, they were removed into storage in the convent for the duration of the war.

1955 . . .

During this year St Anthony's became a parish in its own right.  Fr. Patrick Fullerton, curate in charge, became Parish Priest and held that office until his death in 1972.

St Anthony's celebrated its Golden Jubilee in October,  1988 with a Mass of Thanksgiving.  Bishop Cahal Daly was assisted by the parish priest and former priests who had served in the parish. A much smaller parish by then, it was filled to overflowing for this joyous occasion.The photograph below was taken during the Mass of Thanksgiving.

[kindly donated by Brendan O'Connor]

1998

A decade later, the parish celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.  To mark the occasion, a week of festivities took place.  These included a Parish Dinner Dance and an evening of verse recounting the life of St Anthony, given by the pupils of St Anthony's schools.

The congregation welcomed their neighbours from other Christian traditions, to celebrate with them the joy of the Christian faith and heritage.

(From  'A History of the Parish' by  Rt Rev Monsignor Ambrose Macauley,PP)