Church of Ireland, Turlough

I RECENTLY came upon a most magnificent magazine, Parke & Turlough - Yesterday & Today 1911-2011, published by Parke Community Centre Committee, which contains a wealth of historical information, writes Tom Gillespie.

The committee comprised of Eileen Bolger, Mary Mahon, Kate Boyle, Breda Morris, Michelle Flynn, Joanne Dean, Nuala O’Hora, Michael Maguire, Gerard Carney, Frank Moran, Jim McHugh, Noel Mahon, Christy Lawless and Stephen McDonnell.

There is one article by Robert Fair and Violet Potter on the history of the Church of Ireland in Turlough with this picture of Rector Rev. G.R. Vaughan with planner John Hamrock and local parishioners viewing plans for the restoration of the church.

The church is floodlit at night and is a beautiful sight on one side of the N5, with the round tower on the opposite side.

In the article they recall that on August 27, 1816, the site for Turlough Church of Ireland and burial grounds were transferred from Thomas George Fitzgarald to the Representative Church Body, with 10 shillings exchanging hands.

In 1820 the main church was completed at a cost of £830-15 shillings-and four-pence. On November 25, 1821, the church was consecreted by Archbishop French of Tuam, giving a new lease of life to the community.

In 1884 a new extension was competed at a cost of £369-four-shillings and seven-and-a-half-pence.

In 1909, an Alex Chestnutt organ, which is still used in the church today, was installed.

In 1981, the roof was found to be in such a dangerous state of repair that it was necessary to close the church.

Estimates to have the church re-roofed were in the region of £7,000, a sum of which, it seemed, would be outside the capabilities of the parishioners who worship there.

However, the faith and courage of this community were well expressed as they set about the task of repairing the church.

In an appeal sent out to many parts of the county, as well as members of the local community, the result was outstanding and in less than a year after launching the appeal, work costing £10,000 was carried out, with all debts paid. Donations were received from as far away as the USA.

With a totally new roof and ceiling, and the interior beautifully redecorated, Turlough Church of Ireland was reopened and rededicated by the Bishop of Tuam, Right Rev. J.C. Duggan, on June 20, 1982.

One could not help noticing the sprit of joy experienced by the parishioners who had worked so hard as their church was reopened for public worship in the presence of a capacity congregation of all denominations, with clergy from many different parishes.

After the act of rededication, the Bishop also dedicated a new payer book which contains the names of all subscribers.

Tea was provided afterwards in Canning’s of Ballyvary where every courtesy was shown to the visiting dignitaries and local people. Clergy present were Rev. Fr. Joe Quinn, C.C., Crimlin, Rev. N. Francis, Rev. C. Rountree, Cannon Pasley, Rev. Sr. Coombe, Rev. R. Warren, Mr. Gerard Wallace, Rev. G.R. Vaughan, Church Wardens, Mr. Robert Fair and Mrs. Violet Potter.

In October 1966, the windows on the north side of the church were replaced and there was a big turnout of people for the annual Harvest Thanksgiving ceremony which coincided with the dedication and blessing of the new windows by the Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, Right Rev. John O’Neill, assisted by Rector Gary Hastings.

The packed attendance included public representatives, business people and the local community. Robert Fair thanked them on behalf of the parishioners. Afterwards, refreshments were served in the Round Tower Lounge.

Other enhancements to the church in recent years included the replacement of the windows on the east and south side and the external door in 2006.

The authors concluded: "Our greatest pride and joy, however, was in the full restoration of our Alex Chestnutt organ in 2003, which is now in perfect working order having become damaged some years previously due to dampness."

The forewords to the 258-page booklet was written by then Enda Kenny in which he stated: "It is a book intended to cover the cultural, historical and traditional aspects of the community over 100 years and it contains a very wide variety of interesting and informative articles.

"The history of this part of the county is certainly rich, boasting, of course, the wonderful Turlough House, now the site of the acclaimed Museum of County Life which is visited by thousands annually. The Fitzgerald family links with the area further mark it out as a place of historical significance. Those interested in historical events will certainly find plenty to engage their attention amongst these pages.

"While we have a national history, it is also true to say that we have all our own personal history and this book also includes many touching and often humorous personal accounts and stores retold of people and places, past and present, which will no doubt raise a smile of recognition for many of you.

"Indeed, I have strong connections with your area myself as my grandmother, Bridget McHale was born in Treanybroghaun, Parke, and my grandfather in Tawnyshane, Crimlin.

"This book is a wonderful tribute to all those who have gone before us as well as a credit to all those who contributed their time and energy to the publication, I have no doubt it will be treasured and enjoyed in households for many years to come."

 

* Read Tom Gillespie's County Town column in our print edition every Tuesday