Forward from the Dean
As Dean and Trustee of the Charity that is St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast I am seeking your help to raise a significant sum of money for our cathedral’s 120th Anniversary Chairs Appeal. This appeal is to replace the existing wooden chairs which are 120 years old with new comfortable and easily stackable chairs fit for twenty-first century use.
St Annes’ Cathedral is an iconic building at the heart of the City of Belfast. It has stood witness to 120 years of history in our city. Over those years, the cathedral has been a place of worship, celebration and commemoration for some of our city’s most momentous occasions. It is also a place dear to the heart of the citizens of our city since the cathedral first opened its doors on Sunday 2nd June, 1904. As a civic space, used by many of our city’s most prestigious organisations, charities and schools, and as a tourist venue, with visitors from across the globe, Belfast Cathedral is a valued venue, which is appreciated and loved by all who enjoy its magnificent architecture and special ambiance.
However, the time has come to replace the hard wooden seats which have withstood 120 years of constant use, with new comfortable chairs which have been specifically designed for St Anne’s Cathedral. We plan to have the 500 new chairs in place within the cathedral for our 120th Anniversary Services on Sunday 2nd June 2024.
As a charity, we have a responsibility to proactively manage our buildings and assets. Updating the chairs allows us to make the cathedral a more flexible space, attractive and inviting to a wider range of users across the generations. With these new chairs our cathedral will be significantly enhanced and more comfortable in serving its core functions.
With your financial support, the cathedral as a modern charity can continue to provide a valuable service to our community for decades to come and preserve the legacy of our iconic building as a living space for future generations.
The Very Reverend Stephen Forde –
Dean of Belfast