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6 Stone Heritage Register 2026-2027Sinclair Seamen%u2019s Presbyterian Church is a landmark maritime church in Belfast%u2019s docklands; restoration was carried out as an effort to continue to preserve one of the city%u2019s most distinctive historic buildings.Now supported by grant funding, the project aims to stabilise and restore the structure while safeguarding its unique architectural and cultural heritage.The Church was originally built to serve seafarers arriving at the port and renowned for its ship-inspired interior and historic artefacts.The interior of this Venetian style church has a maritime theme. Shipyard workers, dockers and sailors at the time of Titanic would have felt at home in its ship-like interior. The pulpit is shaped as a ship%u2019s prow and is flanked by navigation lights.Over time many artefacts have found a home in the building, among them a ship%u2019s binnacle font and the bell of HMS Hood (First World War Ship) which is used to call the congregation to worship at evening services.Built between 1857-58 by the renowned architectural firm Lanyon, Lynn & Lanyon, this unique Mariners%u2019 Church was commissioned by Thomas Sinclair as a tribute to his father, John Sinclair, who passed away in 1856 at age 47.The Sinclair%u2019s, prominent Belfast merchants, were deeply connected to the city%u2019s maritime trade; their company, J & T Sinclair, operated a fleet of ships engaged in global commerce. Situated in Belfast%u2019s docklands, this church was designed to serve the spiritual needs of mariners visiting the port, and every detail within its walls reflects this nautical legacy.Designed in the Italianate style, this church%u2019s elegant L-shaped layout is beautifully complemented by a freestanding campanile tower. The tower is connected to the main building by an arcaded bridge, adding architectural interest. Crafted from uncoursed ashlar stonework it stands out against the red brick that Belfast is famous for. Next door, you%u2019ll see the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office, an impressive Victorian structure that stands as a reminder of Belfast%u2019s rich maritime history. Inside, maritime elements abound. A decorative ship%u2019s prow juts out from the wooden pulpit, while bells and anchors adorn the walls. At the front, you%u2019ll find a brass ships wheel salvaged from a vessel in 1924, and an anchor painted on the floor where couples stand as they say their vows.Don%u2019t miss the lifeboat-shaped collection boxes and the stunning stained glass that adds to the church%u2019s beauty.It wasn%u2019t until the tenure of Rev. Samuel Cochrane that the church became a true custodian of maritime artifacts, with the interior transformed to honour the area%u2019s seafaring heritage. Under his guidance, a brass binnacle was repurposed as a font, adding a unique maritime touch.The historic bell from HMS Hood, once used as a block ship to protect the fleet in Portland Harbour in 1914, is now rung six times at each service, echoing the legacy of Belfast%u2019s maritime past.S McConnell and Sons were very honoured to be involved in the restoration of this landmark building.For more information visit www.smcconnellandsons.comRestoration has recently been completed on Belfast%u2019s historic Sinclair Seamen%u2019s Presbyterian Church