S. Bartholomew’s: A History of the Dublin Parish.
Author: MILNE, Kenneth.
Dublin: Figges, 1963. vi, 126 pages. Illustrated. Hardback.
This book gives a vivid picture of an outstanding Dublin parish which has experienced many vicissitudes during a momentous period of Irish church history, and yet has maintained a remarkable continuity of worship. Those conversant with Church life here since disestablishment must be aware that daily Celebrations, a close alliance of Liturgy and Music, and as complete an approach to Catholic Ceremonial as the laws of our Church permit, cannot be maintained without arousing adverse criticism and misrepresentation. But it is not by chance that the cover shows on either side illustrations suggesting the two Sacraments of the Gospel. The Redeemer looks down on Sanctuary and Font making clear that more important issues are involved : for S. Bartholomew’s has always kept in the forefront the verities which make for true Catholicism.
In his opening chapters the author reports four incumbencies of distinction : those of Arthur Altham Dawson, Richard Travers Smith, Harry Vere White and Walter Cadden Simpson, whose varying personalities are excellently portrayed. The remainder of the book brings the record down to our own days. The work will not only be of great personal value to those in any way associated with the life and worship of S. Bartholomew’s. It also provides a useful commentary for the general reader interested in the history of Dublin and the Church of Ireland in particular.
ISBN: None/Unknown