Situated on the A1 dual carriageway just south of Dromore, the derelict building is a well known landmark in the area. However Roads Service plans for the improvement of this particular junction have put the old schoolhouse under threat of demolition.
The building has at least one historical note of interest as it’s widely believed the poet Joseph Scriven taught at the school.
Who is Joseph Scriven I hear some of you bellow from your keyboard.
Born in nearby Banbridge in 1819, (his baptismal entry is recorded in Seapatrick Parish Church, Banbridge where his father, Captain John Scriven of the Royal Marines was Church Warden on two occasions) Joseph Scriven was described as 'one who lived the Christian life of service to his fellows'.
Tragically his fiancée accidentally drowned in 1845, the night before they were to be married and the grief-stricken young man moved to Canada.
There he again found love, but again tragedy struck as the young woman, whom Joseph was due to marry, suddenly fell ill and succumbed to pneumonia.
He then devoted the rest of his life to helping others.........
In 1855, while staying with his friend James Sackville, he received news from Ireland of his mother being terribly ill. He then wrote a poem to comfort his mother called "Pray Without Ceasing" which would later be set to music and become one of the world's best loved hymns.....
‘What a friend we have in Jesus.’
As good a reason as any for saving the old schoolhouse at Mullan's Corner.......
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