A Cork church which opened in 1837 only to be rebuilt 50 years later following a major fire is set to close its doors this weekend because of dropping congregation numbers.
St Luke's Church, in Summerhill, is located on the northside of the city. It has seating for more than 1,000 people making it the largest Church of Ireland building in the diocese.
It will close this Sunday following 9 a.m. service with parishioners transferring to St Anne's in Shandon in the heart of old Cork.
The Rev Brian J.G. O'Rourke will stop the service half way through in order to guide his congregation from the Romanesque-style building to the church in Shandon. St Anne's is one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in Cork dating back to 1722.
Speaking at a remembrance service this week for the families of individuals who died at the nearby Marymount Hospice over the last year, Mr O'Rourke said the shutting of the church doors was the passing of an era. However, he told parishioners that life was about change and rebirth adding that worship would continue at Shandon.
A spokesperson for the church said the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross had no choice but to close the building because of a marked reduction in the congregation in recent years due to the deaths of elderly parishioners.
"There is also the question of heating a large building like this. It is a listed building and can seat over 1,000 people. Sunday's service is the last one before the move to Shandon." St Luke's is beside the national school on St Mahony's Avenue in Cork city. The four-teacher school was aligned to it and a carol service was held there every Christmas.
The future of the church building has as yet to be finalised but it is expected to be used as a parish centre for members of the local community.