Here is a picture of the church that the ICKSP have purchased in Belfast. It occupies a very prominent position on the Antrim Road, a couple of miles the north of the City Centre.
In many ways it is typical of Presbyterian Churches, the centre of attention is the pulpit. Besides seating for about 300 in the nave, there are galleries that can accommodate a further 300. Here is a picture of the inside.
A temporary altar has been found to take the place of the pulpit, which will be moved to one side. Other works will be necessary to make it suitable for Catholic use. For example, the pews are not designed for kneeling. There is paneling under the seats to prevent this. A certain amount of work will be needed before it can be opened as a Catholic Church, but the Institute are keen that this should not take too long.
In time, more radical works will be undertaken, including the installation of communion rails and possibly the removal of parts of the gallery so that side altars can be installed.
We were very sad and disappointed to hear that there were plans to instal the barrier of an altar rail. Please don't do this! If you do, you will be missing a wonderful opportunity to merge the very best parts of the Old and New Forms. There should be no barriers between the Lord and his people!
ReplyDeleteYou will be constantly in our prayers..