Greenisland Church to Rebuild by 2026 After Accidental Fire by Children
The Church of the Holy Name in Greenisland, County Antrim, was destroyed by fire in September 2024 after three boys aged 10, 11, and 11 accidentally ignited a toilet roll taken from a neighbouring church. The fire spread from bins outside the church to the shop and main building via the air conditioning system, causing up to £4 million in damage. Demolition of the worst-damaged church hall and grocery shop began in December 2024.
Rev Isy Hawthorne-Steele, the church minister, stated that the congregation has forgiven the boys, with whom the church leadership remains in contact. Prosecution was discontinued in favour of a community diversion programme, during which the church ran a weekly programme with the boys. Rev Hawthorne-Steele wrote to the judge requesting no punishment and has met with the boys and their families.
The church hopes to rebuild and reopen by Christmas 2026. Since the fire, the congregation has been hosted by the neighbouring Methodist church, where attendance has increased from around 50 to 60-70 worshippers on Sunday mornings.
Rev Hawthorne-Steele described the incident as non-malicious, noting the boys attempted to extinguish the fire and expressed remorse. The boys' identities remain anonymous due to their age, and the wider congregation is unaware of who they are. The minister expressed hope that the boys might join the congregation in the future.