Church billboard in Mount Merrion features inspiring new message

In the heart of Mount Merrion, St Thomas' Church, affectionately known as Thomas' Corner, continues its tradition of changing the billboard slogan annually. The current slogan, "Stand up for what you stand on," with its secular tone, has been gracing the church's billboard since last year, located at the intersection of Foster Avenue and the Stillorgan dual carriageway.

The tradition of changing the slogan has been ongoing for at least 21 years, and this year, the Older Adults Group is leading the discussion. The committee will meet next week to deliberate on the slogan for 2025/26.

The name "Foster" in Foster Avenue has an interesting history. It's named after John Foster, the last speaker of the Irish House of Commons. Interestingly, the word "Foster" also means to encourage the development of something, which could be seen as a fitting description for the role the church plays in the community.

Meanwhile, in England's Peak district, there's a Hope village. This name evokes a sense of optimism and resilience, much like the slogans that adorn church billboards.

In a different part of the world, Belfast, too, had a Hope Street with a church and billboard. However, the slogans there were of a more fundamentalist nature, a stark contrast to the more contemplative and thought-provoking slogans of Mount Merrion.

As the committee prepares to discuss the slogan for the upcoming year, they are encouraged to aim for slogans that make people smile or think. A good example of such a slogan could be found in one of Michael Leunig's cartoons, an Australian cartoonist who recently passed away last Christmas, a few months before his 80th birthday. His cartoon features a sad-eyed little man at a crossroads labeled "The life you lead" and "The life you could have led."

Local lore also tells tales of renowned Irish poet, Patrick Kavanagh, who was known to eat Dublin's wildlife, including a duck he rescued near the canal. This spirit of community and care is something that the church in Mount Merrion strives to embody.

Churches, like pubs, have a significant relationship with landmark road junctions. As the Older Adults Group embarks on the discussion of the slogan for the year 2025/26, they carry on this tradition, hoping to inspire and uplift the community in Mount Merrion with a thoughtful and meaningful slogan.