Sir, - In view of the controversy about the demolition of the former Presbyterian church building in Sandymount, it must be emphasised that the Presbyterian Residential Trust exists to provide for the needs of elderly or infirm people. In fulfilling this purpose it was decided, after considerable discussion, that the best way to further the development of the work in Sandymount was to demolish the old church building, having taken into account the circumstances.
The fact is that any Christian church body should put the welfare of people before the preservation of things, although this may lead to difficult dilemmas.
The protection of old or beautiful buildings is important, but this has to be balanced against human needs, and however pleasant or uplifting it may have been for the people of Sandymount to look at this church building in their area, it is deplorable that so many of them tried to impede the plans of the trust. As for the comment of one local TD that the demolition was "obscene", one cannot help wondering what exactly he understood about the whole position - if anything. - Yours, etc.,
Rev Dr G.B.G. McConnell, Warrenpoint, Co Down.