The Church of Ireland is hoping its spiritual connection with the people of Derry in Northern Ireland will be strengthened when the Archbishop of Armagh opens the newly refurbished Church of Ireland Diocesan Centre in the city.

|TOP|The historic building, originally opened as a theatre in 1789, has been home to the Diocesan Offices of the Church of Ireland since 1870 and has now received a timely facelift to reflect the changing times.

The building will be re-opened by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Rev Dr Robin Eames, before it is dedicated by the present Bishop of Derry, the Rt Rev Ken Good.

The service will take place in the presence of members of the Diocesan Council, representatives from other churches, the Mayor of Derry and local civic and community leaders.

Speaking ahead of the opening, the Bishop of Derry, the Rt Revd Ken Good, said, “I warmly welcome the imaginative redevelopment of this historic building at the heart of the city, situated as it is inside the walls and right beside St Columb’s cathedral.

“The Church of Ireland wishes to play a significant part in the life of the city and community and this investment in the cathedral quarter is a sign of that commitment.”

The new offices will house diocesan offices, the youth department, as well as the bishop’s office. A number of boards and committees will meet regularly in the building and it will be used as a centre for training for clergy and lay people.

The Archbishop of Armagh is due to retire on 31st December after serving as bishop for 31 years and Archbishop of Armagh since 1986.