First Fruits Arts Theatre

ABOUT US:

Under the umbrella of Watergrasshill Community Association, First Fruits Arts Theatre is a 150+ multi-purpose Arts Theatre (150+ retractable seats, so the hall can be used for other purposes), cafe and community meeting rooms is located in the former Church of Ireland on the southern edge of the village. The Community Association was formed in 1980 and is multi denominational governed by a constitution and we are also a registered charity. The Association undertook the redevelopment of the decommissioned Church of Ireland church in Watergrasshill and converted it into this Arts Theatre.

We are in the process of becoming a Company by Limited Guarantee (CLG). The Church was deconsecrated in 1990 and the Association now has a long term lease on the building. We have added a new building to the rear to change the use into a modern theatre tastefully designed to recognise the architectural heritage of the former church. This section contains a Green room, toilets and a cafe with well-lit corridors leading to the main theatre. Finance was initially provided by local fundraising, grants from our local development company Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership and a bank loan, pleased to state now debt free.

This is our flagship project to date, started dialogue with the Church Of Ireland in 2003, signing initially a 5 year lease, 2003-2008. A detailed business plan was submitted and in 2008 & we were granted a 99 year lease. Cost of the new build circa € 243K, 75 % granted funded from the Leader programme with € 30K of voluntary labour received. € 120K of a borrowing over 10 years, facility is debt free since mid 2020.

HISTORY

Why First Fruits Arts Theatre?

The Board of First Fruits was founded in 1711 by Queen Ann to build and improve Anglican Church of Ireland property in Ireland. Many of the Churches we see today were built in the late 18th and early 19th century, mostly of Gothic design.

Many churches and glebe houses were constructed or improved with funding from the Board of First Fruits.

The Church of Killaspugmullane as it was known (this was part of the civil parish of Watergrasshill) was one of the last Churches to be built by the Board of First Fruits. Earliest records show that there was a Church on this site in 1798 and the present church was opened in 1836. The famous Pain brothers, George and James, were involved in the design and build of this Church. The Church is built in yellow sandstone which was sourced in a quarry to the west of Watergrasshill village. The stone masons were an O’Regan family from Kildinan.

THE VISION

The Vision is to provide a Centre for artistic activity in our community for present and future generations. It aims to attract national as well as international performers. The Centre should play an important part in enriching the quality of life for people in Watergrasshill & district.

Official Centre Opening – Sunday May 10 2015:

After many years of hard work from dedicated volunteers our First Fruits Arts Centre was officially opened on Sunday, the 10th of May 2015.

Frances Black will officially open the Centre at 3pm. Afterwards there was a short blessings by Rev. Eileen Cremin and Fr. Donal Cotter.

At 3:15pm: Food and wine reception to the music of the Lorien String Trio.

From 4pm: The Cork Opera Platform performed, with slide shows showing the development of the project throughout the years.

Frances Black unveiled our plaque which was followed by blessings by Reverend Eileen Cremin & Fr Donal Cotter: