The Kells Union of Parishes

PICTURES FROM FLOWER FESTIVAL JULY 2008

Book of Kells

The Lectern

During the summer months the Church is normally open to visitors, Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm and on Saturday from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. The names in the Visitors Books record a steady increase in the number of tourists visiting the Church and Celtic Crosses each year, a reflection on the growing interest in Celtic Christianity in Ireland. The Church is also used for Music Recitals and Choral Concerts on a regular basis and is very much at the heart of town life in Kells. In December the Parish hosts an ecumenical Service of Lessons and Carols for the town at which the music is provided by the Kells Silver Band. The Silver Band return on Christmas Morning to play a selection of Christmas Carols before the main Morning Eucharist at 11.15am, after which the band play in St. Colmcille's Roman Catholic Church.

St. Columba's Church

St. Columba's Church stands on one of the most important Church sites in Co. Meath. According to the 'Book of Lismore', King Diarmait or Dermot, High King of Ireland granted to Columba the Dun or Fort of Kells to establish a Religious Community. The 'Annals of Ulster' for the year 804CE show that the Columban community on the island of Iona transferred to Kells which then became the principal Irish Columban monastery. In 918, the monastery was plundered and the Church destroyed. In 1117, the Abbot and Community were killed in a raid by Aedh Ua Ruairc.

Following the Synod of Kells in 1152, Kells was granted Diocesan status and the old Church was elevated to the status of a Cathedral for the Diocese. In the early 13th. century the Diocese of Kells was absorbed into the newly created Diocese of Meath. Following the Reformation the Parish Church was in ruins. It was rebuilt in 1578 on the instructions of Hugh Brady, Bishop of Meath, the Archdeacon of Meath, who also held the position of Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Sir Thomas Garvie also assisted in the task of rebuilding the Church, as did Nicholas Daly, Sovereign of the Corporation of Kells.

The only remaining portion of the mediaeval Church still standing, is the bell tower. From surviving records we know that the old Church was a large cruciform structure with a chancel and tower. The present Church was built in 1778. The spire on the bell tower was erected by Thomas, 1st Earl of Bective, in 1783. It was designed by Thomas Cooley and the stone-cutter employed was John Walsh. The Graveyard gate piers were also built for the Earl of Bective in 1783. The Church was altered in 1811, and again, in 1858, when the interior was re-ordered. In more recent times the Church roof was restored in 1965 and the interior re-decorated. Also, in 1965, the old disused Gallery was converted to exhibition space and display panels, recording the history of the monastic site, were erected.

Visitors are always welcome to attend any Services in the Church and Christians of all denominations are invited to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

For a detailed list of the furnishings in the church, please click here.

For detail on the monuments in the church please click here

FURNISHINGS IN ST. COLUMBA'S

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRASS LECTERN:

Formerly in Moynalty Church, and moved to Kells Church in 1992. Former Lectern presented to Dalkey Church, in the Diocese of Dublin.

"Sine Timore" "To the Glory of God and in loving memory of John Hugh Gardiner Mc.Cormick of Williamstown, Co. Meath. Captain, Royal Warwick Regt. He was mortally wounded in action. Oct. 19th. 1914, and died the same night at a Convent Hospital in German hands at Menin. Aged 28 years." "Fear God and keep his Commandments".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLAQUE FROM FORMER LECTERN:

"The Bible and Brass Lectern in this Church are a memorial to Major Gustavus Tuite Dalton who died 20th January 1879, and are the gift of his family."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PULPIT:

"This Pulpit was erected to the memory of H. Victor Mayne Ringwood, B.A.,T.C.D. Irish Imperial Yeomanry. By his many friends as a token of affection and regret at his early death. He died while serving his Queen and Country, at Bulawayo, South Africa, February 9th. 1901, Aged 27 years." "A good soldier of Jesus Christ."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

READING DESK:

"To the Glory of God and in loving memory of H. Victor Mayne Ringwood. Born 24th May 1873, Died 9th February 1901. Erected by his sorrowing family." "He shall receive the crown of life".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CROSS:

"St. Columba's Church, Kells, 1966"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHOIR STALLS:

"To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Emily, Louisa, Florence and Helen, Daughters of Thomas and Louisa Rothwell of Rockfield, Kells, 1968."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST MARY'S FONT:

Formerly in St. Mary's Church, Dublin.

"Suffer the little children to come unto me" "To the glory of God 'The Children's Offering' 1898".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REREDOS (behind Font):

Formerly behind the Altar in Kilshine Church.

"To the glory of God, and in loving memory of my dearly loved husband, John Rankin McKeever of Gravelmount, Navan. Died 11th November 1940"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FACSIMILE BOOK OF KELLS AND CASE:

"The Facsimile copy of The Book of Kells, Gift of the Healy family, To the Glory of God and in loving memory of John Healy L.L.D. Historian and Antiquarian, Archdeacon of Meath, Rector of Kells, 1887-1917. The Case was presented Anonymously, June 1962."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELECTRIC LIGHT:

"The Electric Light in this Church was installed September 1931, To the Glory of God, and in loving memory of Louisa C.H. Rothwell, Widow of Thomas Rothwell, D.L. of Rockfield." "The path of the just is as the shining light".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NORTH WINDOW:

Artist: Heaton, Butler & Bayne, London.

Subject: "A Good Wife" (Proverbs 31:27) and "Armour of God" (Ephesians 6:11)

Date: 1916.

"She looketh well to the ways of her household" "Put on the whole armour of God"

"To the Glory of God & in loving memory of Mary, wife of the Rev. John Healy, Archdeacon of Meath, who died Feb. 28 1913, aged 63 years" "Also of their son, Guy Bambant Healy, Lieut. Royal Munster Fusiliers, who was killed in action. March 11th 1916. aged 33 years."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOUTH WINDOW:

Artist: Heaton, Butler & Bayne, London.

Subject: "Angels and women at the tomb"

Date: 1915.

"Why seek ye the living among the dead. He is not here but is risen"

"Erected by Hilda Dyas in memory of her beloved husband, Henry Mortimer Dyas, who died August 25th. 1915. Aged 57 years."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SANCTUARY WINDOW:

Artist: Unknown

Subject: Celtic Ornamentation . An unusual grisaille window where the Celtic Revival has been embodied in stained glass. An effective window and appropriate for the home of the Book of Kells.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEADFORT GALLERY WINDOW:

Artist: Clayton & Bell.

Subject: An Angel

Date: 1893.

MONUMENTS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are many fine wall monuments of interest in the Church, but the most important, is that of Thomas Taylour, beside the reading Desk. This monument, made of limestone and Kilkenny marble, in the form of a casket, was erected in 1736. It commemorates the Right Hon. Sir. Thomas Taylour, Baronet, "one of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, in the Kingdom of Ireland". He died on August 9th 1736. The monument also commemorates his wife, Ann, Lady Taylour, who died in 1710.

OTHER MONUMENTS OF INTEREST:

(1). Woodward, Charles, Esther, Benjamin & Elizabeth.

"Sacred to the Memory of the Revd. Charles Woodward, D.D. Rector of Ardee, Co. of Louth, Whose truly benevolent Disposition, Many estimable Qualities and amiable Conduct In every relative Duty in Life. Rendered him sincerely beloved by all who knew him. And his early Death deeply lamented. It pleased GOD to call him to everlasting Happiness in a Moment Without previous suffering or pain On the 9th Jany. 1793, Aged 53 Years. "Let me die the Death of the Righteous And let my last end be like His" . Also to the Memory of his first Wife Esther Wade Who died 5th. Aug. 1776, Aged 30 Years. And their eldest Son Benjamin Woodward Who died 29th July 1776, Aged 11 Years. Likewise to the Memory of his second Wife Elizabeth Minchin Who died Decem. 1778 Aged 44 Years. Their Children have caused this Monument To be Erected in grateful Remembrance Of the best of Parents."

(2). Mills, The Reverend William.

"This Memorial Of The Reverend William Mills Curate Of This Parish In Days Both Few And Evil., Was Erected By His Sorrowing Flock For A Continual Remembrance Of That Gospel Which He Preached And Of The Life Which He Led By The Faith Of The Son Of God, Warning Everyone Night And Day, And Adorning The Doctrine Of God His Saviour In All Things. Here Where His Light Did Shine Before Men To The Glory Of God, His Body Now Resteth In Hope. Till In The Resurrection Of The Just He Shall Shine As The Sun In The Kingdom Of His Father For Ever And Ever. He Departed This Life March 3rd. 1848, Aged 36 Years."

(3). Smyth, The Reverend James.

"Underneath are interr'd The Revd. JAMES SMYTH, 27 Years Archdeacon of Meath, who died November 1759: Aged 78. And CATHERINE his Wife, Daughter of Dr. JOHN VESEY, ArchBishop of Tuam who died in May 1733: Aged 52. Their Children Have caused this Monument To be erected to the Memory of the best of Parents."

(4). Headfort, Thomas, 2nd Marquess of.

"To the memory of Thomas, 2nd. Marquess of Headfort, who departed this life Decr. 6th. 1870, in his 84th. Year. This Tablet is erected by his children in fond remembrance of the best most loving of Fathers. 'Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy'"

(5). Stopford, Robert Edward.

"In Memory Of Robert Edward Stopford R.N. Lieutenant Commanding H.M. Gunboat Starling, Drowned in the China Seas July 19 1868. Aged 27, By His Last Order Preferring The Lives Of Others To His Own. Erected By The Young Men Of Kells And Friends Who Knew And Loved Him. His Mourners Rest In Hope Until The Sea Shall Give Up Its Dead. Heb. VI.13."

(6). Rothwell, Richard and Elizabeth.

"In Memory Of RICHARD ROTHWELL ESQ. J.P. D.L. Of Rockfield, Who Died August 13th. 1853. Also Of ELIZABETH His Wife, Daughter Of The REV. THOMAS SUTTON, Rector of Clongill, Who died November 24th. 1871. We 'Sorrow Not, Even As Others Which Have No Hope' 'For If We Believe That Jesus Died And Rose Again, Even So Them Also Which Sleep In Jesus Will God Bring With Him' 1 Thess.4. 13&14."

(7). War Memorial (1914 - 1918)

"In Grateful Memory Of:

2nd LIEUTENANT F. S. Caroll, Royal Inniskilling Fus.

PRIVATE J. Glancy, Northumberland Fus.

LIEUTENANT G.R. Healy, Royal Munster Fus.

2nd LIEUTENANT O.W. Holmes, Royal Inniskilling Fus.

PRIVATE F. Jennings, Royal Irish Regiment.

CAPTAIN J.H.G. Mc.Cormick, Royal Warwickshire Regt.

CAPTAIN H.T. Radcliffe, Leinster Regiment.

CAPTAIN C.A. Tisdall, Irish Guards.

WHO DIED FOR KING AND COUNTRY IN THE GREAT WAR, 1914 - 1919. 'I am the Resurrection and the Life'"

(8). War Memorial (1939 - 1945)

"TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF:

CHARLES POWELL BOMFORD, Flying Officer, R.A.F.

RICHARD LYNDON BOMFORD, Lieutenant, The Rifle Brigade.

GEORGE TREVOR LOWRY, Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps.

MICHAEL WILLIAM KNOX TISDALL, Sergeant, Corps of Military Police.

DANIEL ANTHONY TRAILL, Sergeant, R.A.F.

OF THE PARISH OF KELLS AND BALRATHBOYNE, WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE WAR OF 1939 - 1945."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

p aË s