About
Informally known as “Jeremy Taylor’s Church,” The Middle Church in Ballinderry, Co Antrim, is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of a plantation church in Ulster. Construction began in 1664 at the direction of the Bishop of Down, Dromore and Connor, Jeremy Taylor, who also financed its construction. It was consecrated in 1668, a year after Bishop Taylor’s death. The church was built to replace the medieval church of the parish of Ballinderry, the ruins of which still exist two miles away at Portmore, close to Lough Beg. It is thought that some of the wood used in its construction was removed from the medieval church at Portmore and reused here.
The interior contains some fine articles of interest, such as the original 17th century communion table and oak pews with fixed candleholders. The three deck oak “pepper pot” pulpit has the lowest seat for the parish clerk who led the responses of the congregation, the middle seat for the conduct of the service, readings and prayers and the upper section for the preacher. Also of interest is a funeral hatchment bearing the coat of arms of Bishop Taylor.
The Middle Church fell into disrepair after the opening of the new parish church, until in 1902 a programme of restoration was undertaken with the aid of a donation of £2,000 from Mrs Walkington of Ballinderry, given in memory of her late husband. The church was reroofed and the windows were reglazed. Prior to the restoration the exterior was whitewashed like a traditional cottage or barn, hence its description as a “barn” church. In more recent times the parish has sought to maintain the physical soundness of the building without altering its character. There is no electricity so services are conducted by the aid of candles or other portable lighting and heating.
The church is on rising ground, at a short distance from the car park. If required, cars can be brought to the door for dropping off visitors with mobility difficulties. The floor is constructed of stone flags.
Please not there has been a change in opening times of this property - The church will be open from 10.00am until 11.30 am, and from 1.30pm until 4pm. It will be closed from 11.30am until 1.30pm.
