DEDICATION OF HISTORIC TURLOUGH CHURCH
30 October 1996
THE CHURCH of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, John Neill will on Sunday dedicate new windows at the 169-year old Christ Church at Turlough, writes Tom Gillespie.
Just a handful of parishioners attend services at the Church which is located on the N5 four miles from Castlebar. Six families, representing twenty in number, attend the weekly service conducted on Saturday evenings (8p.m.) by Rev. Gary Hastings. But the tiny congregation based in Turlough and Keelogues, had to raise the cash -- over £3,000 -- to purchase the three windows. And further works need to be carried out to keep the building maintained.
Repair work is required on the square bell tower and around the alter, while carpeting needs to be put in place as well as general work on the Church, one of the oldest in the Turlough district.
According to Church treasurer Robert Fair several thousand pounds will be required to complete the necessary works.
He said: "There is still outstanding work to be carried out which we hope to do in the near future".
Mr. Fair paid tribute to those who had come to their assistance through generous sponsorship. Fourteen years ago a major fund raising drive was undertaken to re-roof the Church. When the work was completed the church was dedicated by Bishop John Duggan at a special service.
Recently Mayo County Council provided a street light outside the Church which helps to light the way for those attending the Saturday evening services.
The Ministers of the Church resided in Turlough up to 1927 at Minister's Hill about 100 yards south of Turlough Round Tower. A valuable chalice donated by the Fitzgerald family to the Church in 1829 was stolen in 1974.
The dedication of the windows will take place on Sunday at 3p.m. at a service of Harvest
Thanksgiving. Refreshments will be served afterwards and all are invited to attend.
Connaught Telegraph - News - October 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - October 1996
