Union Chapel, Lower Abbey Street

The Union Chapel opened as a place of worship on 16 Feb 1827.  It was built by the Presbyterian
congregation of New Mary’s Abbey under the pastoral care of the Rev David Stuart and was known
as the Scots’ Church.  The sermon of first Divine Service was preached by Dr Mitchell of Glasgow. 
Collections were frequently made to aid in the diminishing of the very large debt incurred in its build. 
The lease on their old building at New Mary’s Abbey (which could accommodate 500) was for put up
for sale from 1830 – 1832 and was purchased by a Jewish congregation.  The Rev Stuart held the
lease on Union Chapel, it was worth 145L pa and was put up for sale through the Encumbered Courts
in 1862 after his death.  The Rev S G Morrison was his successor followed by the Rev William Tait in
1881.  Rev John Stewart was the next followed by the Rev James J Macaulay was the preacher when1
the chapel was burned in the Rebellion  of 1916.  The congregation merged with another Presbyterian
congregation in 1918 now known as Abbey Presbyterian and their meetings were held in Parnell
Square now known as Abbey Presbyterian Church, Parnell Square, aka Findlaters Church.


© Karen Poff - November 2015