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The Lectern

 

 

St. Mary's Church, Moynalty

Situated at the top of the main street in the village of Moynalty, on an elevated site, stands the former Church of Ireland Church of St. Mary. The Church was built in 1819 and financed by a loan of £1000, from the Board of First Fruits. The Church was built in a simple gothic style, a two bay building with a three stage tower. The tower has no spire and is finished with four pinnacles and battlements.

An unusual feature of the 'Board of First Fruit' Churches is that no windows were placed on the north wall of the building. The idea being, that heat could be conserved by obstructing the north wind. On the exterior north wall it was a common feature to insert 'dummy' windows, especially if the Church was visible from neighbouring buildings or approach roads. This was the case in Moynalty but in the case of other Churches, such as Clonmellon, the north wall could not be seen from the road, so no 'dummy' windows were inserted.

The interior of the Church was plain and rather stark in appearance. In the 1960's the gallery at the west end of the Church was removed for safety reasons. The exterior walls were rendered with pebble-dashing at some unknown date and the interior walls white-washed, thus covering the traditional stone finish.

According to Archdeacon Healy, writing in 1908, the Union of Moynalty: "consists of Moynalty, Newtown, Kilbeg, Robertstown and Emlagh". Originally the Church serving the Union was at Kilbeg, but later the Church at Newtown was erected. Newtown Church was still in use in the 1950's. Following its closure Moynalty became the principal Church of the Union. Further parochial changes took place in the 1960's and St. Mary's Church Moynalty was united to Moybologue, and later still, separated from Moybologue and united to St. Columba's Church, Kells. In 1989 the 'Commission on Church Buildings' decreed that Moynalty Church should be closed and de-consecrated. The Church was closed and a Service of de-consecration took place on July 28th 1992.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Closure

Following the closure of the Church the furnishings were removed for use in other parishes. The Altar, Pulpit and Reading Desk were installed in Mullagh Church in the Diocese of Kilmore. The brass Lectern is now in use in Kells Church as is the Altar plate. The pews are used in the parochial hall in Kells and an antique table and chalice were given to the Naas Union of Parishes in the Diocese of Kildare. The Font was presented to the Chapel of St. Columba's College, Whitechurch, Co. Dublin. Two memorial tablets were re-erected in St. Columba's Church, Kells.

The Church was sold in March 1995, to St. Mary's Moynalty Credit Union Limited, (a form of Community Bank), and was converted by them into a handsome Credit Union office for Moynalty village. As a listed building, both the Office of Public Works and An Taisce (the National Trust for Ireland) were anxious that the building's features were preserved. The conversion was very successful. Division of the aisle area was tastefully achieved into a series of small meeting rooms. The main customer service area is located in the former Altar or Chancel area. A number of features have been preserved in the building, including the coloured glass east window and a section of the former Altar rail. A memorial tablet also remains in the building, as do two old pews from the Church.

According to records, in 1868 there were 136 members of the Church of Ireland living in the Parish of Moynalty. The Glebe House or Rectory was erected in 1792 and was surrounded by 21 acres of glebe land and the Parish had its own Rector. Just over 100 years later the parishioners number just 12, and the Rectory and the Church have been sold. The remaining parishioners attend Church services in Mullagh or Kells Church. The policy of closing the smaller isolated Churches has assisted in strengthening the remaining Churches in the area and it seems unlikely that further closures in the area will be necessary.

The future of the former St. Mary's Church has been secured and its conversion and restoration for use as a Credit Union building in the village of Moynalty ensures that this historic landmark will survive for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

FURNISHINGS IN ST. COLUMBA'S

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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".

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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."

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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."

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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".

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CROSS:

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

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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."

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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".

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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"

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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."

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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".

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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."

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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."


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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.

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HEADFORT GALLERY WINDOW:

Artist: Clayton & Bell.

Subject: An Angel

Date: 1893.

 

 

MONUMENTS

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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."


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