Did you know that there is a very unique, maritime themed church in the heart of old Belfast?
Its officially called the Sinclair Seamen’s Presbyterian Church, but is known more commonly as the Seamen’s church or the Sailors Church. From the outside it looks like many other churches in the city, but the inside is truly unique.
Tucked away at the far end of Belfast’s famous Maritime Mile and with limited opening hours, a visit to this special little church takes a bit of planning. It’s worth it; to come and explore the sea-faring history of this city and miss this place would be to miss out.
Here’s all you need to know about visiting Sinclair Seamen’s Church in Belfast.
How to Find the Sinclair Seaman’s Church
The church is located at Corporation Square, Belfast, BT1 3AJ.
If you want to combine seeing the church with exploring the rest of the Maritime Mile, Titanic Belfast is the perfect place to start. It’s easily accessible with plenty of parking. The Maritime Mile walk is easy to follow and the church itself is sign posted as part of this.
The History of the Sinclair Seamen’s Church
The Seamen’s Church was designed by architect Charles Lanyon- you’ll hear that name a lot in Belfast, he designed of many of the city’s iconic buildings- and opened in 1857.
The church was built in memory of John Sinclair, a local business man whose family had contributed to the building of places of worship both on home ground and overseas.
The church was built in a docklands area of Belfast known as Sailortown; home to shipyard workers, dockers and a transient community of sailors. The congregation came from the local residents and from seamen passing through the Port of Belfast.
Inside the Sinclair Seamen’s Church, Belfast
In keeping with the community and congregation that the church originally served, the interior is maritime themed. There are flags everywhere; hanging over head and painted on the floor.
The flags on the floor at the entrance are a welcome in semaphore. A nautical welcome to this very special Belfast church.
The pulpit is shaped like a ships prow and flanked by navigation lights. The collection boxes take the form of little lifeboats, beautifully carved and painted.
Everywhere you look there is something nautical and eye catching; stained glass, model ships, flags and artefacts.
The bell of British battle ship HMS Hood is proudly mounted on the rear wall of the church. It’s no museum piece, I was invited to ring it. I did and it sounded magnificent. When not being rung by visitors, the bell is used to call the congregation to worship at evening services.
The wall mounted rum ladles are equally fascinating but, unlike the bell, no longer in use. Ship measures seem generous. Looking at them, you can see where the idea of the drunken sailor came from.
No nautical theme would be complete without and anchor, and you’ll find a couple in this church. One laid into the ground outside the church entrance, and one inside.
The interior anchor has a beautiful purpose. When marriages take place, the bride and groom stand on the spot to take their vows. The anchor symbolising that the couple are now anchored together in marriage.
Sinclair Seamen’s Church is also home to another treasure in the form of an embossed wall adornment by William Morris. Apparently Charles Lanyon and Morris were pals and so a little bit of William Morris loveliness ended up here.
When to Visit the Sinclair Seamen’s Church, Belfast
The church is open most Wednesday afternoons from 14:00 – 16:30
(Except January and February).
Sinclair Seamen’s Church is open for worship and bible study at other times, and throughout the year for special services. Details can be found here
Where to Stay in Belfast to Explore The Maritime Mile
This section of this post contains affiliate links. If you book using one of these links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If you’re planning to visit Belfast and are looking for a place to stay in the heart of the Maritime Mile, I have the following recommendations:
Budget: The Premier Inn Belfast Titanic Quarter. For a perfectly located, budget friendly option.
Splurge: Titanic Hotel Belfast A boutique hotel located in the former headquarters of ship builders Harland & Wolf. Not just a stay, an experience; the authentic Titanic hotel.
I hope you enjoyed this post about a unique Belfast church. If , like me, you enjoy visiting pretty and unusual places then you might also enjoy the following posts:
Codford & Sherrington Circular Walk, Wiltshire
The Victorian Cemetery, Highclere
Helen x
What a delight! This definitely goes on the list for any future visit to Belfast, despite its very limited opening hours.
It is a lovely little place and I’m hoping opening hours will expand. Especially as it’s now been officially included on the Maritime Mile so should see more tourists. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Margaret, appreciate it!
We stood outside this church and saw people going in – fortunately we realised in time that it wasn’t open, there was a funeral on.
Oh my goodness, that could have been awkward! Hopefully you’ll make it back another time, it’s a lovely little church.
We did once make that mistake! Scarpered pretty fast when we realised.
If Belfast makes it onto my list next year I’ll certainly look out for this church, Helen. It’s lovely.
It is a lovely little place Jo, thanks for coming along.
This is such a beautiful church. We stayed in a hotel near it and therefore paid a visit to Sinclair Seamen’s Presbyterian Church. I love how it was refurbished on a maritime theme and is continued as a gleaming tribute to the city’s seafaring traditions by a friendly congregation. I particularly loved the stained glass and the lifeboat-shaped collection boxes. I also love the building that’s next door – the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office, an imposing Victorian block. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks Aiva, I loved the lifeboat collection boxes too! I also paused to admire the Harbour Commissioners Office. It’s a very impressive building!
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How fascinating! It reminds me of a seamen’s church we visited in Ramsgate back in the summer, but this one seems to have more objects of interest and to be better kept. I love the idea of the ship’s bell to summon worshippers, and the Semaphore welcome 🙂
It’s a lovely little church and one with an active congregation. The Semaphore welcome really is a nice touch.
This is a beautiful church. I am a religious person but I would not mind visiting it as it is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.