Old Sacred Heart Church
B1-Listed Church at Risk of Demolition
Old Scared Church in 2012 before roof tiles where removed
When I first saw the Old Sacred Heart Church in Toomebridge, County Antrim, I felt an overwhelming sense of history and loss. Once a cherished center of faith, it now stands as a hollow shell, its former grandeur fading into decay.
Built between approximately 1820 and 1839, this B listed church has served the local community for generations. Its pointed arch windows and solemn, Gothic-inspired architecture still whisper stories of baptisms, weddings, and quiet moments of prayer. But time has not been kind. When a newer church was built nearby, this one was left abandoned. Decades of neglect have taken their toll. Then, in 2023, the slates were removed from the roof without permission, which in turn advanced the deterioration.
Old Sacred Heart Church 2023
Old Sacred Heart Church 2023
Stepping inside, I was struck by the eerie beauty of its deterioration. The confessional booths stood open like forgotten relics, their doors creaking as if longing for penitent voices that would never return. The walls, once pristine, were now cracked and peeling, covered in mold and water stains. The air was thick with the scent of damp wood and decay.
Further in, the destruction became even more stark. The upper floor of a room had caved in, leaving shattered beams and debris scattered across the altar. Ivy crept through the broken windows, nature reclaiming what was once sacred. Light filtered through gaping holes in the ceiling, illuminating the ruin in a way that was both tragic and breathtaking.
The upper room in 2012, which now has collapsed, shown in middle picture, below
Now, the church faces demolition. Structural surveys have deemed it unsafe, its walls leaning dangerously, and its foundations crumbling. The diocese and local authorities worry about public safety, arguing that the risk of collapse is too great. Fencing has been put up, but that hasn’t stopped explorers, photographers, and curious onlookers from coming to witness what remains.
A view of the ceiling, and now with the roof tiles off, this won’t last long
But I believe it should be saved. This church is more than just a building—it holds the memories of generations. It is a testament to faith, community, and history, and to see it erased feels like losing a piece of our collective past. Restoration may be difficult, but is demolition truly the only option? With enough care and commitment, this place could be revived, even if not as a place of worship, then as a monument to the past.
Walking through this silent church, I don’t feel torn; I feel certain. Capturing the lives we've left behind before they disappear is not just a thought; it’s a responsibility. We must fight to preserve what remains before it vanishes forever.
