Foundation stone has buried treasure

It took two years to build the picturesque church, modelled in the 'perpendicular English Gothic' style, at a cost of 8,000 for the building work and furniture inside.

Such was the importance of the new church, that the foundation stone contained a hollow into which current copies of the then named 'Irish Christian Advocate', 'Derry Sentinel' and 'Derry Standard', in addition to a number of coins and a document containing the names of the committee and referring to the ceremony surrounding commencement of the building works - the highlight of which was the then Duchess of Abercorn officially laying the foundation stone.

While the congregation may be so familiar with the stone that they walk past it, those who have never been inside the church might like to know that the inscription reads "This stone was laid on August 6th 1901, by Her Grace the Duchess of Abercorn." It also bears the names of the builders Robert Colhoun, Strand Road, and the architect, Alfred A Forman, ARIVA, Derry. However, their names are carved in smaller letters and at opposite corners.

Immense assemblage

It was an afternoon ceremony, commencing at 3pm "in the presence of an immense assemblage of people" and records of the time claim that the Duchess declared the stone 'well and truly laid', and wished the congregation "every prosperity and blessing".

The ceremony included Rev Herbert H Cornish reading aloud the document that was placed into the 'time capsule' while Sir George Faudel Phillips, the then Governor of the Irish Society, proposed 'a hearty vote of thanks' to the Duchess.

A very religious occasion, the formalities of laying the foundation stone was followed by Rev J O Parke, the then vice-president of the Methodist Conference, seconding the vote of thanks and going on to explain the doctrines and principles of Methodism.

In those days such occasions were usually presided over by the great and the good, but on that occasion a member of the congregation was allowed to take part. Thomas Gordon, speaking as the oldest member of the Methodist Community in Londonderry, thanked Her Grace for her kindness that day, and apparently expressed the hope that the association of the Abercorn family with the "ancient and loyal city" (Londonderry) might long be maintained and strengthened.

A grand occasion, the press of the day noted that festoons, flags and banners were flown on the New School House, which is now the Wesley Hall, which gave a very picturesque effect. A special platform was erected with chairs and couches for the accommodation of the Duchess and other leading personages, who included the Mayor and the Governor.

Despite it's age and the withering effect of time, the Foundation Stone is still visible in the church vestibule.