ONE of West Belfast’s most distinctive historic landmarks could be given a new lease of life, as work continues to secure a future for St Matthias’ iconic 'wee tin church' on the Glen Road.
The historic building, which has stood as part of the local landscape for generations is at the centre of a community-led project aiming to preserve its unique heritage and bring it back into meaningful community use.
Built in 1892 as St Luke’s Mission before later becoming St Matthias’, the corrugated iron building is one of just eight surviving tin churches in Ireland. It was granted listed status in 2001, recognising its architectural and historical significance.
After sitting unused for more than 25 years, efforts are continuing to explore how the building can be restored and become a valuable resource for the local community once again.
The latest meeting with the Architectural Heritage Fund represents another important step in exploring the support and investment needed to bring the project forward.
Led by local resident Nuala Neill and supported by Fáilte Feirste Thiar, the St Matthias Project has been working to develop a vision that protects the building’s history while creating new opportunities for local people.
Plans envisage a welcoming community space hosting arts and crafts workshops, creative writing sessions, exhibitions, cultural events and community gatherings.
There is also potential to establish St Matthias’ as an important stop on the West Belfast Heritage Trail.
West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said the project was about protecting a significant part of the area’s identity while giving the building a meaningful future.
"St Matthias means so much to people across our community. So many families have memories tied to this place, and you only have to see the response from local people to understand how deeply it is loved," he said.
“There is a lot of work involved in getting a project like this off the ground, but the determination of local people to protect the building and see it brought back into use is clear.
“This is about more than preserving an old building. It’s about protecting our history, creating opportunities for the community and making sure future generations can enjoy and appreciate this unique part of West Belfast.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Ronan McLaughlin said the ongoing work demonstrated the importance of community involvement in protecting local heritage.
“The future of St Matthias’ matters to local people, and it’s encouraging to see work continuing to explore how we can restore this unique building.
“The recent meeting with the Architectural Heritage Fund is an important opportunity to consider the support that could help move the project forward.
“Local people have been central to keeping this vision alive. We want to see this hidden gem become a living part of the community again, while protecting the history and memories that make it so special.”
The building itself is a remarkable example of prefabricated architecture, reflecting a period when structures could be manufactured and assembled in ways that made buildings such as St Matthias’ possible.
Its survival offers a tangible link to the social and architectural history of West Belfast, and local representatives hope that restoration will ensure this legacy is not lost.
For those involved in the project, the ambition is clear, to protect the building, secure the necessary support and create a space that local people can once again take pride in.
With work continuing and discussions ongoing, the hope is that St Matthias’ will not simply remain a reminder of the community’s past, but will once again play an active role in its future.
