Preserved at Moore Abbey, Monasterevan, is the most decorative late medieval baptismal font in County Kildare. The font is carved from sandstone and is mounted on a reconstructed octagonal pedestal and base. The bowl of the font is tulip-shaped, and has eight panels with round arches set on pillars. Angels are carved in low relief in the panels and each holds an emblem of the faith.
Panel one: an angel holding a chalice. Panel two: an angel holding a cross. Panel three: an angel wearing a maniple. Panel four: an angel holding the sword of the spirit. Panel five: an angel holding a crosier. Panel six: an angel holding a thurible and incense. Panel seven: an angel holding an anchor, and Panel eight: an angel holding a key and an orb with a cross on top.
Moore Abbey occupies the site of a 6th Century monastery founded by Saint Evan, from which the town takes its name. At the reformation Moore Abbey was acquired by Sir Adam Loftus, 1st Viscount Ely. In 1699 Jane Loftus, daughter of the 3rd Viscount Ely, married Charles Lord Moore, hence Moore Abbey came into the possession of the Earls of Drogheda. Henry Moore, 1st Earl of Drogheda, held considerable estates in Dublin, and had streets named after the family, including Drogheda Street, Moore Street, Henry Street and Mary Street.
The Earls of Drogheda continued to live in Moore Abbey up to the early years of the 20th Century. The house stood empty during the 'troubles' but did not suffer any destruction. Moore Abbey was then rented by the renowned Irish Tenor Count John McCormack and his family, who lived there until 1938. The house was purchased by the sisters of charity of Jesus and Mary in 1940, but they did not take up residence until after the Second World War.