Built in 1904, Jennymount Methodist Church is a famous landmark in north Belfast. At 11.30pm on Wednesday 8 January 2003, a passing Police patrol discovered a fire and raised the alarm. Six fire tenders and forty firefighters took several hours to bring the blaze under control.

Residents in nearby streets had to be evacuated as the intense heat in the building caused the roof timbers to burn, before the roof collapsed and the fire engulfed the entire building.

Local residents heard a loud bang shortly prior to the fire becoming widespread and early indications are that the cause of the fire may have been a problem with the oil fired boiler, which had some problems in the weeks before the loss.

The building was totally destroyed and damage in the region of £1.75m has been caused. Only the external walls, a party wall and a few stained glass windows remained. Due to the danger of a complete collapse, early demolition of the six gable peaks was carried out.

The Belfast Telegraph reported that the congregation was suffering from shock and sorrow, but that the Church building would “rise from the ashes”.

The Methodist Recorder later reported that the Sunday following the fire many of the 500 families who normally attend the church joined the congregation of the nearby Alexandra Presbyterian church for a combined service.

Rev Winston Graham, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland is quoted as saying “Only three things survived the blaze. The church notice board, the Bible text board outside the church and a picture of the resurrection hanging on a wall inside the church which had escaped without any damage.”
This disastrous fire comes as a reminder of just how important it is to ensure that electrical and heating installations are treated with respect. The consequences of these installations developing faults can have devastating results.

The congregation at Jennymount Methodist Church held services at a local Church of Ireland, whilst plans for the new Methodist Church began to take effect.

By the spring of 2004 the new church building continued to grow by the day, much to the delight and enthusiasm of the church members and local community. Methodist Insurance, Lucas Associates and the congregation continued to work together. It was envisaged that the rebuilding work would be completed for a reopening in September 2004 and the Centenary Celebrations that December.

Jennymount Methodist Church. Destroyed by fire 8th January 2003. Open again 25th September 2004. Just 610 days after the 98-year-old Jennymount Methodist Church was completely burned to the ground, around 350 people congregated in the impressive worship area of the brand new Church for the Official Opening.

Amazingly, after such a short period of time, the old site had been cleared, plans drawn up and a whole new complex, including worship area, meeting rooms, offices, church hall, crèche, kitchens and catering facilities had risen from the ashes. The bright new interior of the Church was not only full of people but also radiated with their obvious joy and passion at once again being able to carry on Christ’s Mission, from their new Jennymount home. The service was a happy, lively and uplifting affair with representatives of many other faiths also present.

In declaring the Church open, the service began with a brief ceremony conducted by Rev Fletcher. The Circuit Steward, Rosemary Phillips, thanked everyone who had been involved in the process of building the new church. This included the principal builder, sub-contractors, architects, surveyors, neighbouring churches and of course the Jennymount congregation for their tremendous loyalty and commitment throughout. The local community, whose lives were disrupted by the fire and rebuilding, were also thanked for their patience and co-operation.

Rev Jim Lemmon whose tireless efforts and dedication to the rebuilding of Jennymount from the day of the fire paid tribute by thanking individuals who had enabled him to co-ordinate the operation. Particular praise was given to the architect, Clive Henning, who had become a friend as a result of the many hours he and Rev Jim had spent together discussing foundations, walls, roofing, plumbing, electrics, plans and diagrams.

Rev Jim continued by highlighting the involvement of Methodist Insurance and Lucas Associates who were described by Rev Jim as “invaluable”. He went on to mention the reassurance and calming words he had received from Methodist Insurance on that terrible day, when he had first telephoned our offices in Manchester. Indeed he was particularly impressed by the fact that we “already had a man on the way”.

Rev Jim expressed his gratitude to the Methodist Insurance claiming them to be an insurer that “didn’t make a drama out of a crisis”. His compliment was rounded off with his kind declaration “it is no exaggeration to say we can not thank you enough”.

Church Treasurer Alex Hayes pointed out that the building had cost £1.5 million, all of which had been paid by Methodist Insurance. He also announced that with insurance monies and donations, Jennymount would begin its new life completely free of debt.

Ministry of the Word was performed by Rev Ivan McElhinney. Then former President, Rev W James Rae gave an excellent sermon. The ceremony was rounded off with Benediction offered by Rev Graham.

After the inspirational service, everybody was invited through to the Church hall where welcome refreshments were in plentiful supply in the first floor hall. This gave everyone opportunity to look around the magnificent church’s many facilities.

If you do happen to be in the area, the Church is well worth taking some time out to have a look around. There are some extremely impressive stained glass windows, in particular the dove of peace which overlooks the main entrance greeting all those who go to visit.