Dome of 'Pepper Canister' church in danger of collapse

THE DOME of one of Dublin’s most famous landmarks, St Stephen’s “Pepper Canister” Church on Mount Street, is in danger of collapse because of a lack of funds to complete its restoration.

The church, which was built in 1824, gets its name from its pepper pot-shaped dome. It was the last Georgian church built by the Church of Ireland and is one of the most distinctive historical buildings in the city.

More than €330,000 has been spent on the restoration of the building over the past five years, including re-pointing the lime mortar and refurbishment of windows. The church had planned to begin the final stage – the restoration of the front facade and dome – this year.

A recent examination of the dome has shown that it has serious structural defects which require immediate attention to prevent its collapse. However, the church said it does not have the €100,000 needed to do the work.

The copper dome is supported by eight Portland stone columns. At least two of these columns have become detached from the dome and it is currently being supported by scaffolding.

“The scaffolding company has been very generous in letting us keep the scaffolding up, but it can’t stay like that forever. If it doesn’t get attention soon, the dome will eventually fall down,” honorary treasurer of St Stephen’s Church Dr John McCrodden said.

The restoration has received funding from the Department of the Environment, Dublin City Council, the Heritage Council had the Church of Ireland Fabric Fund.

However, expected grants from these sources and money from the congregation will not be enough.

“We need €100,000, and we don’t have anything like that. We were hoping maybe that Seán Dunne would be able to help us out because he said he was basing his Ballsbridge building on our dome, but now maybe isn’t the best time to go after him.”

Dr McCrodden said the church was seeking donations of any size to help raise funds, but was hoping that some philanthropist would come forward with a large portion of the €100,000.

“In the bigger scheme of things, it’s not an awful lot of money, but in the current economic situation, private donations are our only hope,” Dr McCrodden said.