Ballymore Parish Church
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Ballymore Parish Church is a 19th-century stone Church of Ireland in Tandragee, County Armagh, Northern Ireland.
The church was referenced in ecclesiastical records as far back as 1343 and maintained an association with the Dukes of Manchester, who were benefactors to the church, until the mid-1950s. The previous church was demolished in 1812 to allow for the building of a bigger cruciform church.[1]
History
[edit]In 1343, Roger Sampford held possession of a Prebendary of Armagh for the Parish Church of Tamlackikieth (Tandragee) with its churches.[2]
During the Irish Rebellion of 1641, violence broke out in Tandragee which lead to Edmond O'Hanlon and his rebels setting fire to the church.[3] In February 1812, it was recorded that the church located on the site was demolished to make way for a larger structure, as the previous building had become inadequate for the congregation's needs.[4] During the construction, remnants of the old walls were uncovered, revealing a thickness of over four feet and constructed from brick. Additionally, the loopholes and embrasures showed signs of the fire that occurred in the 1641 Irish Rebellion.[5]
In 1846, the transepts and chancel were constructed, followed by interior renovations in 1884, during which a new organ, donated by William Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester, was installed adjacent to the chancel. In 1889, the peal of tubular bells was installed in the tower.[1] The structure features a cruciform design and initially included traditional boxed seating along with a gallery at the western end. Additionally, there were two prominent enclosed pews located in each transept: the Rectory pew on the north side and the Duke's pew on the south. A fireplace was positioned next to the Duke's pew, a luxury that was not extended to the Rectory family.[2]
Several renovation enhancements to the church were carried out in the early 20th century, which included the donation of some of the stained glass windows from the Dukes of Manchester as well as contributions from parishioners in memory of their loved ones. Throughout the 1900s, a number of external renovations and structural repairs were undertaken, such as the removal of pebble dash from the exterior walls in 1926, followed by repointing of the stones.[6]
The wooden panelling in the sanctuary, on the organ loft, and on the wall adjacent to the font at the rear was acquired from Tandragee Castle in 1955.[1] The identification of dry rot in 1962 led to significant repairs, including the complete replacement of the roof, during which the gallery was also dismantled. By the end of the 20th century, the external walls underwent repointing, and the damaged sandstone mullions surrounding several stained glass windows were replaced.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Tandragee Ballymore Parish Church | National Churches Trust". www.nationalchurchestrust.org. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
- ^ a b c "History". www.ballymore.armagh.anglican.org. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
- ^ "1641 CLRLE | Deposition of Elizabeth Rolleston". 1641dep.abdn.ac.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- ^ Flannagan, P. (2007-11-15), English: Ballymore Parish Church of St. Mark, Tandragee A church was consecrated in 1622 and the present church was built in 1812. Extensive renovations were made to the church and it reopened for public worship on 2nd May 1966. On entering the pleasing church porch a plaque prominently displays the names of the 25 Incumbents since 1622 including the present Rector., retrieved 2024-09-01
- ^ "Tandragee Castle, Tandragee, Co. Armagh". WartimeNI. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
- ^ "Geograph:: St Mark's, Ballymore parish church, Tandragee [3 photos] in J03074634". www.geograph.ie. Retrieved 2024-09-01.[better source needed]
