Sir, - In its physical character, St Stephen's Green is thrice spiritually illumined. The recently restored 17th century Huguenot Cemetery poignantly echoes a socio-religious chapter in the annals of Dublin University Church (opened in 1856), posh, pretty, but forever in the shade, is the local temple of Catholicism.
On the former French Walk (because of its then Huguenot residents), stands the familiar Dublin Unitarian Church, which was built in 1863. Each morning, I glance in particular joy at its quiet neo-Gothic splendour, fresh with easterly light. The President, Mary McAleese, officially visited this church only recently. However, over many decades, this vision of architectural excellence is being sullied by pollution and eroded by an ungodly climate. Much of the masonry is in a carbon embrace and its embellishments are being consumed by nature. In this regard, the building is in urgent need of a benefactor.
Currently, Seamus Brennan and his Millennium Committee are in search of projects (and indeed of their own redemption after the non-event of December 31st) for this year of 2000. What finer act than to rescue this edifice from the atrophies of age? - Yours, etc.,
Oliver McGrane, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.