Union Theological College of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon (1813-1889). 1853. [Another view] According to the Belfast Welcome Centre Plaque posted outside the seminary,
This building was established by the Presbyterian Church as a college for the training of its ministers. When it opened on 5 December 1853, its official name was "the Presbyterian College, Belfast," yet over the years it has become known, as "Assembly College" or occasionally "the General Assembly's College" , after the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. It officially became "The Union Theological College of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland" in 1978, when by Act of Parliament, it merged with Magee College, Londonderry.
The original front section of the building was designed by Charles Lanyon and was built of stone from Scrabo quarries in North Down at a cost of £5,000. It is a powerful example of Renaissance Revival and its giant Roman Doric columns and high attic make a magnificent centrepiece. The south wing by Young & McKenzie was added in 1869; the north wing and Chapel in 1881, to plans by Lanyon's son John.
Photograph and text by Philip V. Allingham 2006. [You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one.]
Last modified 6 September 2006