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1906-1936
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.
1938
. . .
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.
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