Rathcoole Presbyterian Church, Rathmore Drive, Rathcoole Estate, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 9DP

A detached double-height brick Presbyterian Church dated 1956, located to the west side of Rathcoole housing estate on Rathmore Drive. Gable fronted rectangular on plan, facing north; attached single storey flat roofed church hall extending to west. Pitched interlocking tiled roof with overhanging eaves and spire; metal box gutters on timber fascia; small brick chimney to south gable. Brown brick walling (Flemish bond) with tiled panel detail. Windows are uPVC replacements with concrete sills, unless otherwise stated. North gable is symmetrical, and consists of a uPVC door to either side, each with single matt clay tiled flanking panel (simple yellow and brown pattern), all set within a cast concrete surround and surmounted by two-part transom light; each is accessed by a set of concrete steps with metal railing. Three foundation plaques located between doorways. The gable apex is simply detailed with a series of louvred ventilation openings stepping inwards; that to centre is enlarged and is infilled with a glass brick. Fixed vinyl lettering: Rathcoole Presbyterian Church. East elevation is divided into six equal panels by deeply projecting brick piers supporting eaves. Each panel comprises a large 8-pane window above a clay tiled precast concrete lower panel, with the exception of the second section from left, which is entirely glazed with central door opening and precast concrete canopy over. South gable has a large central panel detailed as others set in a cast concrete surround. To its right are three small square windows at upper level, to its left are two windows and a t&g sheeted door accessed by a flight of concrete steps. The west elevation is detailed as east, with small glazed link block to hall abutting to south end. The spire is set at a slight angle on the ridge, and consists of copper sheeted panels with angle ribs. The hall has a flat roof and brick walling. Left section is recessed and glazed, with two doors; an oblique precast concrete canopy spans the recess. To right are two rows of four small square timber framed windows. West side elevation has three rows of three windows. Rear elevation has five casement windows, each covered with a metal grille. The church is set in a tarmac car park with community hall to rear. The site is enclosed by mild steel railings and accessed by double metal gates on brick piers.