Biography/History
Local congregation of Presbyterian Church in Ireland for the Co. Antrim area.
Role
Religious Organisation
Collection Level Description
Collection of theological, philosophical and literary works ranging from the 16th to 18th centuries, maintained and accumulated by the Presbyterian congregations in Belfast and Antrim, 1765-1873, for the purposes of local intellectuals and Presbyterian ministers. In addition to items on theology, philosophy and religion, the collection is notable for its material on the classics, civil and ecclesiastical history and politics. The majority of these titles date from before 1800. Items of later date (19th century) include mainly published sermons and addresses produced locally.
Strengths
The Antrim Presbytery Library is a significant collection of publications from the 16th-18th centuries. As the first 'corporate' library in Belfast, it is important for reflecting the interests and concerns of a provincial, 18th century society of local intellectuals and religious ministers. Key subject strengths focus on a variety of religious topics, including theology and religious, non-conformist debate. Classical subjects are also strongly featured.
Physical characteristics
Approx. 2,100 volumes, pamphlets and journals etc.
Description or Catalogue
Full listing available on Special Collections Book Collection web page.
Previous catalogues: Catalogue of books in the Antrim Library, now deposited in Queen’s College, Belfast, Belfast, Mayne 1874, 66p (earlier cats. Published in 1796 and 1851); Queen's University Belfast, The Library Shelf Catalogue, Vol. IX, Section B (Typescript ledger shelflist); R Allen, The Presbyterian College 1853-1953, Belfast, Mullan, 1954, p276-8
Collection Dates
Coverage: 1521-1872
Additional Details
Subjects
History, Literature, Philosophy & Theology, Politics
Geographic Coverage
Ireland
Languages
English, French, Greek, Hebrew, Latin
Material Types
Manuscript
Custodial Information
Legal Status
This collection is owned by Antrim Presbytery.
Accrual
Accrual Policy
Closed
Accrual Periodicity
Closed
No items have been added to this collection since its original deposit in 1873.
Collector and Owner
ANTRIM PRESBYTERY