Former Manse, The Glebe, Dunmurry, Belfast, BT17 0PN

The former manse stands as an elegant one-and-a-half-storey, three-bay Georgian dwelling of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in Dunmurry, built around 1770, though evidence suggests the building may incorporate an earlier mid-18th century structure (circa 1750) that was substantially remodelled. The building is situated at the end of a driveway off Glebe Road, adjacent to the main Belfast to Dublin railway on the north side.

The rectangular plan form building displays the hallmarks of Georgian design, with its symmetrical south-facing principal elevation providing the essential character of the structure. The walls are finished in smooth rendered ashlar with heavy rustication, a projected plinth, and quoins marking the gable ends. The pitched slate roof features clay ridge tiles and clipped verge gable ends, with rendered chimney stacks topped by pairs of clay pots rising to the gable apexes. Cast iron gutters with replacement uPVC downpipes drain the roof.

The front elevation is organised symmetrically around a centrally positioned six-panelled timber front door flanked by glazed panels with a fanlight over, set within an elliptical arched opening with panelled pilasters rising to an archivolt with key-block. The door is accessed by two stone steps. Single ground-floor windows flank the entrance on either side. The windows throughout are Georgian six-over-six timber sliding sash with no horns, featuring large stone cills and stucco moulded surrounds with label moulding above. Modern projecting lights are fixed to the wall either side of the door.

The east-facing gable elevation contains two timber top-hung, nine-pane casement windows positioned on the left side at ground and first-floor levels, without moulded surrounds. The west-facing gable elevation has a single ground-floor window on the right side, matching those of the front elevation with moulded surrounds and label mould, and a matching attic-level window directly above.

The north-facing elevation has been radically altered. The original external facade now forms part of the interior wall of a large double-height church hall built circa 1975, which adjoins and has been amalgamated into the rear of the manse. Large glazed openings into the stairwell and attic rooms now punctuate this elevation. The rear pitch of the roof has been altered to accommodate the church hall. Despite the substantial size of the extension, it is surprisingly well concealed from external view. The addition has resulted in the loss of historic material from the rear pitch and elevation, though the plan form has remained largely intact.

The interior retains considerable historical and architectural interest, particularly in the joinery and plasterwork of the stairs, doors, and windows. The thick internal walls and very early staircase suggest continuity with the earlier building phase.

Historically and functionally, the manse is closely associated with the adjacent church. The first edition Ordnance Survey map of 1833 shows a small building with a moderately sized rear return closely positioned to the south elevation of the "Meeting House". The Ordnance Survey memoirs of 1832-38 refer to a "neat cottage for the accommodation of the minister for the time being" within the grounds of the Meeting House. The present Georgian-styled dwelling likely represents a substantial remodelling of an earlier structure, tentatively dated to circa 1850, a period when further alterations to the rear of the building are evident from the changed footprint shown on the 1858 Ordnance Survey map. The Annual Revisions of 1862-65 identify the occupant as Reverend Doctor Henry Montgomery, with records noting a reduction in the property valuation from £51 to £44 following his intervention. Subsequent annual revisions to 1922 record a series of succeeding ministers with little apparent change to the property during this period.

The building is set within a secluded driveway approach from Glebe Road, with modern gates providing access and vegetation obscuring the manse from view from the road. The driveway opens into an expanse of tarmac with a turning circle in front of the dwelling. To the west stand mature trees and a stone outbuilding. A modern manse of contemporary construction is located to the south-west. Although no longer serving as the residence of the minister since the erection of the new manse, the building continues to function as ancillary accommodation whilst retaining much of its historical integrity. The manse is of notable interest to the local community and holds group value in its functional and historical association with the adjacent church.