Brian Watkins: Ireland

Country Profile

Brian Watkins

Ireland | OM International

Welshman Brian Watkins served with the literature arm of OM between 1972-1977 moving to Dublin then and running OM’s memorable bookshop “Merrion Press” on D’Olier Street (1980-1988). Brian shares some experiences:

“The Second Vatican Council encouraged people to read the Bible for themselves. The impact of this reached Ireland. A new day had dawned for the distribution of the Scriptures and related reading. With so many customers reading the Scriptures for the first time, there was wide scope for personal ministry.

“Authors such as Andrew Murray and Watchman Nee became very popular. A priest in Limerick was revolutionized through reading “The Normal Christian Life”. The impact of his life continues to this day.

“Larry Gogan, who aired a Christian music programme on national radio, purchased most of his recordings in the shop and often mentioned Merrion Press on the airwaves.

“One budget day, we received an unexpected phone call. A producer of a daily news programme on national T.V. had a request. Could we take a large display of Bibles to the studio to be placed behind the presenter? The programme ended as follows: “Having had so much bad news today through the budget, perhaps it’s time for us to turn to the Good Book for some good news. He opened a Bible at 1 Timothy and read chapter 6 verses 6-10. [talking about contentment]

“It was not uncommon to meet nuns and priests home on leave from all parts of the world. One priest, serving in the Philippines, returned to the shop every two years for a stock of gospel music cassettes. Literature was also supplied to Walter Burrell in Cork to assist in his outreach to seamen.

“The arrival of Howard Hall to manage the shop in the mid 80’s meant more time was available for the further development of distribution around the country. A significant outlet opened in the West. The B.F.P. work was developed to some parishes outside of Dublin. A businessman in Co. Wexford took significant quantities of Scriptures for distribution. The faithful shop van left Dublin fully laden and would return almost empty.

“During 1990, the owners of the shop premises indicated a desire to use the building for their own purposes. OM leaders in the UK decided to pass the stock onto Scripture Union Ireland, who were able to purchases alternative premises in Lower Talbot Street and now have a new shop premises in that redeveloped area, with Howard Hall faithfully serving as manager through the passing years.

“As with all God’s work, only eternity will fully reveal all that God has accomplished through an unpretentious bookshop on D’Olier St., whose influence far exceeded face value impressions.”