The Lewis Legacy : a doorway to discovery
The Parish of St Mark’s Dundela is seeking help to reopen the door of its Old Rectory as a key part of its community outreach.
The Old Rectory is one of the few remaining buildings with a direct link to world renowned Christian author, C. S. Lewis. St Mark’s was his home parish, his grandfather was the first Rector, and here Lewis was baptised and claimed for Christ. He returned many times later in life, not least to mark his journey back to faith and remember his parents in the stained glass ‘Lewis window’ in the church.
Visitors come from across the globe to learn about his early life, and to view the ‘lion’ doorknob, said by many to have inspired Aslan of Narnia.
The Lewis Legacy
The vision is to transform this 9 bedroom house into a hub to be known as The Lewis Legacy, where people of all ages can explore Christian faith, literature, imagination and creativity. Through exhibitions, talks, study, hospitality and community activities, The Lewis Legacy will celebrate the life, works and Christian faith of C. S. Lewis, and provide a place for discovery, discipleship and reflection, for the wider church and community.
The Lewis Legacy Belfast Ltd was registered in June 2026 to ensure that this project is managed in a legal and appropriate manner, alongside the regular parish activities. An application for charitable status has been submitted and a new bank account opened. Work on planning permission is underway to create a multi-use facility including a C. S. Lewis visitor exhibition, a community cafe, a self-contained flat as a writer’s retreat and for sabbaticals, and a library, along with a range of study and seminar spaces.
The project will cost £2.5 m to deliver the completed vision, including a range of educational materials, and onging opportunities for groups to visit and learn about faith through the writings of Lewis.
The ambitious target is to open the building by late 2028 to coincide with Lewis’ 130th birthday, and the parish has already seen answers to prayers offered during their Week of Prayer in August.
Visit the parish website to learn more about The Lewis Legacy, sign up to support and receive regular updates, book a tour and join the parish in prayer that this iconic doorway will soon be opened again.
Email: lewislegacy@dundeladownanglican.org
