Roman Catholic Chapels

Though there are many chapels for the celebration of divine service according to the rites of the church of Rome, yet only three of them are deserving of notice for their architecture - the Metropolitan Chapel in Marlborough-street, Anne's-street Chapel (in lieu of Mary's-lane), and St. Michael and St. John's (in lieu of Rosemary-lane) on Essex Quay. This may be accounted for in the following manner during the operation of the penal code, the Roman Catholic clergymen dared not celebrate mass in public, by which the poor were, literally speaking, cut off from the benefit of all religions instruction and even the rich, who supported chaplains as part of their household, counted their beads in silence and retirement; and even yet the Catholics are not legally permitted to summon their congregations by the toll of the bell. The public performance of divine service, according to the rites of the Roman Catholic church, was first tolerated by Lord Chesterfield, Lord Lieutenant, in 1745, from which period their places of worship gradually assumed a more important character, and the Metropolitan Chapel is one of the most classical structures in the city.

There are 12 parish chapels in Dublin, six Friaries and seven Nunneries; besides three assistant chapels in the suburbs, at Harold's Cross, Miltown, and Dolphin's-Barn. A succession of masses is continued at these different chapels from six in the morning till one in the afternoon; each mass lasts about half an hour, and high mass generally commences about 12 o'clock. Sermons are sometimes preached on Sundays evenings in each chapel, and almost every evening in Lent.

Metropolitan Chapel. - This structure, which is in a chaste Grecian style, was commenced in 1816, on the site of Annesley House. The ground was purchased for 500l and the design was sent to this country by an amateur artist residing in Paris, who intrusted it to the care of Dr. Murray.

The principal front is towards Marlborough-street, and consists of a portico of six magnificent columns of the ancient Doric order, whose entablature is carried along the front and sides of the entire building. Above the portico is a magnificent pediment; and within it are three entrances, the principal one in the centre, and the smaller near the extremities. The portico projects ten feet, and stands upon an extensive landing or platea approached by an extended flight of steps: the chaste and simple elegance which characterizes this building would not admit the introduction of statuary in any part of it. The portico and ornamental parts are of Portland-stone, the rest of mountain granite.

The sides of the chapel may be considered fronts also, being finished in a very beautiful and singular style; in the centre of each is a loggia or recessed colonnade, rising from a flight of steps, and supporting an entablature, and at each side, wings or pavilions, ornamented by one large window divided into three compartments, by four pillars of Portland-stone, and crowned by an entablature and pediment. These windows rest on a broad fascia or band that divideses the elevation into two stories or divisions, the lower one of which is quite plain and without any aperture

The interior, which is nearly completed, is equally simple and chaste. The centre or grand aisle is enclosed by a range of columns on each side, which support an entablature, from which springs an arched ceiling, divided into compartments. The colonnade is continued behind the altar, which stands in the centre of a semicircular recess at the end of the great aisle, exactly opposite the principal entrance, and a passage is left outside the colonnade in the recesss

The altar, which is quite detached from every other part of the building, is of white marble; enclosed by a circular railing, and without ornament: it is executed by Turnerelli. Behind the colonnade are side aisles, the length of the great aisle and uniting behind the altar. In the centre of these, at each side, are deep recesses of a rectangular shape in which altars are also placed, forming distinct places of worship. The length of the great aisle is 150 feet, and the breadth about 120.

This stately edifice has been raised by subscription solely: 26,000l. has been already expended upon it, and it will probably cost as much more to complete it. Hugh O'Connor, and -- Cardiff, Esqrs. contributed 7,000l. to this laudable purpose. The donation of the former was 4,000l.

Arran Quay Chapel. - This little building, which is at the rear of the houses on Arran Quay, was erected in 1785, and is scarcely sufficient to accommodate its parishioners. The parish includes a great extent within its boundaries; it is in the parish of St. Paul's, and is considered as reaching as far as the Vice-regal residence in the Phoenix Park. There are attached to this chapel six clergy men, five of whom are curates.

Bridge-street Chapel is for the accommodation of the parishioners of St. Audeon's only, and stands in a neat court-yard, at the rear of the eastern side of Bridge-street. The Dominican friars of Great Denmark-street Chapel formerly resided here.

In this parish is a Friary of Franciscans, called Adam-and-Eve Chapel, which presents a front to Cook-street. Attached to this Friary are a superior and seven assistants, who reside in Chapel-lane, adjacent to the chapel.

James's-street Chapel comprehends an extensive circuit, from Dolphin's-barn to Crumlin, and Kilmainham to Chapel Izod. It is situated in Watling-street, and has an entrance at James's-gate. The chapel, though not remarkable for architectural decorations, is in excellent repair.

Beside the priest of the parish, there are four curates assistants in this chapel.

Francis-street Chapel. - In 1235, Ralph le Porter granted a piece of ground in that part of the suburbs now called Francis-street, as a site for a monastery, to be dedicated to St. Francis.

On this spot is erected the chapel of Francis-street, which includes the parishes of St Luke, St. Nicholas Without, St. Bride, St. Kevin, a portion of St. Peter's, and in the suburbs, Rathmines, Portobello, Harold's-cross (where there is a chapel of ease), and extends to Rathfarnham and Miltown.

As the congregation is the largest in Dublin, so also the chapel is of very considerable magnitude; but, notwithstanding, scarcely accommodates its parishioners: the priest of this union, who is also Roman Catholic Dean of the metropolis, is assisted by eight curates, who all reside in the chapel house.

Liffey-street Chapel. - like most of the chapels in Dublin, is at the rear of the houses on the south side of the street, and the entrance is by a wretched gate-way, beneath a tottering fabric, which, most likely, the commissioners of Wide-streets will shortly condemn. Though the entrance is so miserable, the interior is extremely neat, and has a venerable, sombre, character. This very extensive division includes part of St. George's, with St. Mary's and St. Thomas's parishes; it is bounded by Arran-street, Ormand Quay, Green-street, Bolton-street, and Dorset-street; and extends to Drumcondra Bridge, and is bounded by the river Tolkay and the Liffey.

In this chapel the titular Archbishop of Dublin officiates, assisted by his oeconome and six curates. The Archbishop will officiate in the Metropolitan Chapel in Marlborough-street, when that edifice is finished.

Anne-street Chapel. - The chapel in North Anne's-street belongs to the parish of St. Michan's, and to part of St. George's. It is bounded on the south by the river Liffey, on the cast by Arran-street and its continuation, on the west by Church-street and the Glasnevin-road.

The parish chapel formerly stood in Mary's-lane, and was the oldest in Dublin; and here, it is supposed, was preserved a silver image of the Virgin Mary, which formerly belonged to the Abbey of St. Mary: but this little figure, bearing a crown of silver on its head, was sold to an Irish Baronet at the removal of the chapel. This venerable building becoming quite unfit for use, was converted into a parish school, and the present splendid edifice erected in lieu of it.

The principal front of the new chapel is presented to Anne-street, north; and is built entirely of mountain granite it consists of two stories, the lower occupied by three pointed door-ways; that in the centre leading to the great aisle, those on the side to a spacious gallery. The second story is ornamented with three large pointed windows, and the summit rises to a very acute angle, terminated by a cross, and finished with a monastic battlement and pinnacles.

The interior is richly decorated with stucco and sculpture. At the east end are three altars, placed in deep recesses, and ornamented with heavy carved work, in the pointed style. Over the centre altar is a fall-length figure of our Saviour, in alto-relievo, beneath a pointed canopy, above which, on the ceiling, is a glory, encompassed by innumerable heads of cherubim. The altar on the right is ornamented by a very beautiful painting of St. Francis, copied from Guido, and the altar-piece on the left represents the Virgin and Child. In one of the ornamented niches, over the side altar, a small organ is placed, and in the corresponding niche is a false front

The ceiling, which is semi-elliptical, consists of groined arches springing from heads of saints, placed in the piers between the windows, on each side; and three lustres are suspended from richly-worked pendants, which drop from the intersections of the arches. The aisle is lighted by five pointed windows on each side, decorated with labels springing from heads of saints; and half of each window is ornamented with stained glass. The stucco and carving were executed by B'Brien, a Dublin artist; and the building is after a design by Messrs. O'Brien and Gorman.

Divine service is celebrated here at the usual hours; and there are six curates to assist the parish priest in the discharge of his duties. The chapel also presents a brick front to Halstein-street.

Meath-Street Chapel - is for the accommodation of the Roman Catholic parishioners of St. Catherine's and a rural district extending to the canal. It Is situated at the back of the houses on the east of Meath-street, in that part of the city called the Earl of Meath's Liberty. The chapel belonging to the parish, formerly stood in Bridge-foot-street, at the north side of Thomas-street; but it being dilapidated, about 1780 a subscription was raised amongst the parishioners for the erection of the present chapel. This building, which is entirely of brick, is of an octagonal form, and very spacious; opposite the altar a gallery is erected, which is continued along five sides of the octagon, and supported by columns.

Divine service is performed here every day. There are five assistant curates and a parish priest, for whom an excellent house adjacent to the chapel has been erected.

Exchange-street Chapel - which was erected by public contribution, was built as a place of worship for the parishes of St. Michan and St. John; but this union also includes St. Bride's, Christ-church vicinity, part of St. Werburgh's, and part of St. Nicholas Within; and is bounded by Aungier~street, George-street, and Eustace-street, the river Liffey, and Wine-tavern-street.

Divine service was formerly performed in the chapel of Rosemary-lane, but the building having fallen to decay, and the situation not being central, the present site was chosen for a new and spacious building. The front towards Exchange-street is also visible from Wood Quay, and an opening is left, through which this very elegant building is seen, not only from Wood Quay, but also from the opposite side of the river.

There are two fronts of hewn stone, equally beautiful, and in a highly-finished style of pointed architecture the lower stories in both fronts are decorated with pointed door-ways, and the second stories with three large pointed windows with labels; and the fronts terminate in an acute angle and are surmounted by crosses. The principal door in the north front is accessible by a double flight of steps. The south front is presented to Smock Alley, where was the entrance to the pit and boxes of the theatre which formerly stood on this precise spot, and was called Smock Alley Theatre. The original name of this passage was Orange-street, which was exchanged for that of Smock-alley, upon the erection of the theatre.

This place of entertainment was used for some time after the opening of Crow-street Theatre, 1758, and was then converted into stores for merchandize; in 1815, the present stately pile was erected here for a more laudable purpose than any to which it had been previously dedicated.

The interior is richly ornamented, and in an extremely elegant and chaste style of workmanship. At one end are three altars; over the centre altar is a painting of the Crucifixion, suspended in a deep recess decorated with stucco-work; on each side of the great pointed niche iii the centre are pointed windows ornamented with stained glass. Beneath the window, on the right side, is a small altar with a painting., by Del Frate, representing St. John the Evangelist writing his sacred volume.

Below the window, on the left side, and over the communion-table, is another altar piece, representing the arch-angel, Michael, brandishing a sword in one band, and trampling upon Satan. This is also by an Italian artist, and is a copy from a painting of Guido's in St Peter's at Rome. It is unluckily in a very bad light in its present situation.

On one side the chapel is a very handsome monument to the memory of Dr. Betagh, who died in 1811, by Turnerelli. On a black pyramidal slab placed a medallion of the Reverend Prelate, in white statuary marble. Beneath, in white marble, also, is figure of Faith, leaning over a funeral urn, bearing a cross in one hand, and holding Religion (an infant boy) with the other.

On the same side, in a recess, and beneath an ornamented canopy, is a large and well-toned organ, which cost 700l. At the other end stand six confessionals of exquisite workmanship, and ornamented with glass labels, bearing scriptural sentences in gold letters: these are decidedly the handsomest to be met with in the chapels of Dublin. The ceiling is semi-elliptical, composed of groined arches, and decorated by pendents from which three lustres are suspended. There is a spacious gallery at the end opposite the altar, the front of which also is highly ornamented by carved work.

Townsend-Street Chapel is intended for the accommodation of the Roman Catholic inhabitants of St. Anne's, St. Andrew's, and part of St. Peter's and St. Mark's parishes. It stands behind the houses on the north side of Townsend-street, within a few yards of the principal entrance to the New Theatre. In front of the chapel, and concealing it from the street, is a handsome house erected for the residence of the priest and his assistant curates, six in number. This chapel, which is large and well-disposed, although without any architectural beauties, was not long since in one of the filthiest and most wretched situations in the city, but from the opening of D'Olier and New Brunswick streets, it is now in a most convenient and central one. The incumbent of this parish is generally the coadjutor to the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin.

The parish chapels are here designated by the respective streets in which they are placed, for the following reasons, viz. they are generally so denominated in Dublin, and as each chapel belongs to several Protestant parishes, it would be obviously incorrect, and would produce confusion, to attribute the name of any one of these parishes to the parish chapel besides; the division of parishes is made to conform to the Protestant places of worship solely.