Castlederg Methodist Church, The Diamond, Castlederg, Co.Tyrone, BT81 7AR

Castlederg Methodist Church is a simple rectangular Methodist church built around 1870, positioned on the east side of The Diamond in Castlederg. It stands as a free-standing, double-height structure set back from the building line of neighbouring properties, with an enclosed front lawn and a lean-to entrance porch attached to its north gable.

The church is constructed with painted pebble dash rendered walling and has a pitched fibre cement slate roof with black clay ridge tiles, cement verges and replacement metal rainwater goods on timber fascia. The west-facing façade, which presents the main architectural composition to the Diamond, comprises four bays and features pointed-headed lancet window openings with hood mouldings, painted sills and replacement hardwood frames fitted with Art Nouveau-style leaded glazing. The principal entrance is positioned to the left of this elevation within a lean-to porch behind a parapet wall with cement coping. The doorway has a pointed-headed opening with hood moulding and is fitted with a replacement double-leaf hardwood door and leaded overlight. The rear east elevation contains only two lancet windows and is partially abutted by a single-storey extension at its north end. The south gable displays two lancet windows matching those described above.

The front entrance opens onto a cobbled footpath serving the front lawn, which is enclosed to the street by a low rendered wall with coping and cast-iron railing. A matching cast-iron pedestrian gate is set between a pair of octagonal masonry posts.

A Methodist Meeting House first appeared on the second edition Ordnance Survey map of 1855, though the current building was constructed around 1870 to 1871. Griffith's Valuation records identify it as a Wesleyan Methodist Meeting House and Yard, initially leased from Sir Robert A Ferguson Baronet and valued at £10. After 1860 the lessor changed to John G Smyly. By 1934 the building was leased to the Trustees of Castlederg Wesleyan Methodist Church from Cecil F Smyly, with the valuation increased to £25. Records from 1934 indicate the frontage measured 48 feet with seating accommodation for approximately 140 people, an average Sunday morning congregation of 50 and an evening congregation of 12 to 15.

The church has undergone significant refurbishment twice during the twentieth century, resulting in the loss of much original fabric. Despite these alterations, which have reduced its architectural interest, the façade composition remains intact and continues to present an attractive element on the town's main public space. The railed front lawn adds considerable charm to the streetscape of the Diamond.