Our History
For over 250 years, the Methodist people of Dublin have been committed to providing shelter, support and care to the most vulnerable in the city. DCM has been expressing that commitment for over 120 years. The social ministries have grown, making a positive contribution through high quality services and safe places.
For over 250 years, the Methodist people of Dublin have been committed to providing shelter, support and care to the most vulnerable in the city. DCM has been expressing that commitment for over 120 years. The social ministries have grown, making a positive contribution through high quality services and safe places.
1747
The first Methodist gathering on Abbey Street
Our story started here and has spanned centuries. The beginning has shaped who we are today, and the story is still unfolding. John Wesley, an ordained Church of England priest and his hymn writer brother Charles, were members of a group of young men who met daily to pray and study the Bible whilst at Oxford University. They were so methodical in their lifestyle that they were nick-named Methodists.
1821
The first Chapel opened on Abbey Street
Abbey street Chapel was opened on 3rd June 1821, the Preacher was Rev Dr Adam Clarke.
The membership was effected by the cholera plague of 1849, which followed the Great Famine, but it did not diminish the zeal of the Abbey Street congregation. It was then the most fashionable Methodist congregation in the city of Dublin, and used Wesley’s adaptation of the Book of Common Prayer. Towards the end of the century it established new societies at Clontarf and Clonliffe.
1901
Rebuild of Abbey Street Church
(Image: George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images)
From 1901 – 1902 Abbey Street Church was completely rebuilt enabling activities to widen, and so accommodate young people coming to work in Dublin.
The Christian Endeavour Society, Badminton Club, Boy Scout Troop, Girl Guide Company and what would later be the MWA were formed. During the First World War a Soldiers Rendezvous was established where fellowship was provided, together with writing materials, reading and rest rooms, and a Temperance Bar where for “one penny” tea and refreshments were available.
Abbey Street Church was spared damage in the Easter Rising for which there was a special Thanksgiving on Sunday 4th June 1916.
1963
Redesign of Abbey Street Church
Abbey Street Church was again re-designed to facilitate the Dublin Central Mission and on 8th June 1963 was reopened.
The new design enabled us to extend our services to among others, the Salvation Army, Alchoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Sheltered Housing and a Nursing Home were built in Sandymount and Glenageary.
The recent influx of overseas members, some already Methodists, has given us all a wonderful lift. We feel that the hand of God is very evident in our history, and with the continuance of this we look forward to the future with enthusiam.
