Ros Davies' Co. Down, Northern Ireland Family History Research Site
© Rosalind Davies 2001
Permission granted to reprint research for non-profit use only

Newry Parish

Newry town St. Patrick's Church of Ireland St. Mary's Church of Ireland

1st Presbyterian Church
Non Subscribing

1st Newry Presbyterian Church
in Sandys Street

2nd Newry Presbyterian Church

Old Presbyterian:
Unitarian then Covenanter
s

Riverside Reformed Presbyterian Church

Methodist Church
Sandys Street
St. Patrick's and St. Colman's Catholic Cathedral St. Mary's Catholic Church .
Catholic Church, Sheeptown Catholic Church, Shinn . .

Newry town

These lovely old photos were kindly send by Trish H... . Her grandmother's family lived in Newry (Magher & Shields). On the left is the top of Monaghan's Row (in the Co. Armagh side of the town) looking over to the main part of town. In the middle is a postcard from the 1950s showing the bridge over the canal & on the right is another view looking down Monaghan's Row.

The history of Newry is long with a small castle built by the English to guard the crossing of the river. A Cistercian abbey was built in 1157 in what is now Castle Street, by Maurice MacLoughlin, King of Ireland, dedicated to St. Mary and St. Patrick, unfortunately the abbey and library were burnt down in 1162 but after that the abbey flourished until the reign of King Henry 8th who changed it into a collegiate church. Sir Nicholas Bagnal, Marshal of Ireland, was granted a patent and rebuilt the town and cut into the spire of a church the Bagnal arms and the date of 1578. The patent granted to Arthur Bagnall Esq. in 1613 give him and his heirs the town of Newry with all the demesne lands of the dissolved monastery, manor, lordship, castles, the Mournes and island in the sea, the manor of Carlingford, customs rights and anchorage. It also granted Newry a market place.

Newry was reduced to a very ruinous condition in the rebellion of 1641 by the forces of Sir Con Magenniss and was retaken by General Robert Munroe in 1642. Newry was burned by Duke of Berwick in 1689.

The Bagnal family enjoyed the income from the Newry estate and by 1715 it was divided and some parts given to his sons-in-law, Robert Needham and Edward Bayly. The Newry Canal was built in 1740 and made the town very wealthy. By 1756 there were 2,430 people living in Newry and by 1821 there were 3,015 dwelling houses. In 1819 the value of its exports was valued at £1,032,579.

Dean Swift wrote of Newry that it had " A high church and low steeple, dirty streets and proud people". In 1836 it was described as being commercial in character with the only manufacture being leather ( 13 tanyards) and tobacco. There was a large distillery with three breweries for the manufacture of porter, ale and beer of good quality. There was a fancy needlework factory; the markets were held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and two fairs a year. Three coaches passed through Newry on their way between Dublin and Belfast. Steamboats plied their trade between Newry and Liverpool and the Canal, which was built in 1731, encouraged other trade as well. The population then was 13,500.

The town's population in 1841 was 1255 people and the proprietor was Earl of Kilmorey (Needham) in 1852. By then there were large & well-built warehouses; several corn amd flour mills; two breweries; 10 tan yards; one distillery; 2 coach & cart makers; an iron & brass foundary and a shovel & spade manufacturer. There was also linen, yard, cotton, salt, iron, glass & cordage manufacturers. The Union Workhouse was opened 16 Dec 1841. (POD)

The Post Office Directory of 1886 says that there were 7 tanneries in town operated by different owners; 2 iron founderies; 2 mineral water factoris; 1 salt factory; cabinet furniture manufacturing ; steam stone polishing works ; a brickworks; rope making factory ; a stone quarry; an apron & handerkerchief hemstitching factory and 5 flour mills (3 of them very large), 3 for spinning and 2 for weaving. The population in 1910 was 12,405 people. (POD)

Note: Needham Place is today called John Mitchel Place, Queen Street is now Dominic Street and Needam Street is now called Patrick Street..

Newspaper articles from Northern Star;
Newry to Dundalk Post Coach changes schedule 1 Dec 1792;meeting of inhabitants re a Reform in Parliament 12 Jan 1793; notice on the linen ships 13 Jul 1795; meeting of Amicable Annuity Company of Newry 21 Jan 1796; politcal meeting of the inhabitants 13 Mar 1797

Newspaper articles from Down Recorder;
poisonings in Monaghan family 22 Sep 1849; Royal South Down Militia quartered 3 Feb 1855; Feud between Royal Down Militia and civilians 19 May 1855; Importation of firearms into Newry, Fenianism 11 Nov 1865; foundation stone of Ashgrove House 26 Jun 1869; opening of new markets 4 Apr 1874; electric light & town commissioners 23 Nov 1878; charge against the master of Newry Workhouse 9 Dec 1882; Faugh-a-Ballagh Gaelic Athletics Club played in first round of association in 1903 (DR* 9/4/28R)

Newspapers being published in town in 1881 were Newry Reporter, Newry Standard & Newry Telegraph (POD)

Email me for a copy of maps of Newry town dated 1760 and 1836 (OFN p vi; OSM) Try this website if you're researching in the Newry area as it contains valuable information http://www.bagenalscastle.com/ancestry/index.htm
For ships & passenger lists out of Newry- try http://www.johngrenham.com/cgi-bin/passsearch.php?&origin=Newry
Newry City Library (79 Hill Street, BT34 1DG), on telephone number 028 3026 4683 or email newry.library@librariesni.org.uk
Search the Crossle files of Newry families on
http://histfam.familysearch.org/famsearchform.php

 

Army units stationed in Newry according to marriages in Newry Church of Ireland Registers in LDS Library Film #259218 (ref;Gordon Rose FTM 8/2005 p68) & Catholic Registers www.registers.nli.ie

1799; 31st Regiment of Foot; 6th Dragoons
1802; 30th Regiment of Foot ; 82nd Regiment of Foot
1803; 93rd Regiment of Foot ; 82nd Regiment of Foot ; Aberdeenshire Fencibles
18th Regiment 1803
1804; 97th Regiment of Foot; The Queens Regiment; Kildare Militia
1805; Kildare Militia ; 17th Light Dragoons ; Royal Horse Artillery ; Downshire Militia
1806; Downshire Miltia ; 76th Regiment of Foot
1807; 8th Regiment ; 21st Regiment ; Derry Militia ; 1st Royals
1808; 1st Royals ; 45th Regiment of Foot
1809; 74th Regiment ; 89th Regiment of Foot
1810; 59th Regiment of Foot
1811;2nd Battalion, 61st Regiment ; 18th Royal Irish Regiment
1812; 7th Dragoons ; Northhampton Militia
1813; 22 Regiment of Foot; 5th Regiment of Foot
1814; 23rd Dragoons ;North York Militia
1815; 79th Regiment of Foot ; 61st Regiment of Foot ; 93rd Regiment of Foot
1816; 51st Regiment of Foot
1819; 3rd Regiment of Foot; Buffs or 3rd Regiment ;56th Regiment of Foot
1828; 72nd Regiment of Foot; 86th Regiment of Foot

1832; 47th Regiment of Foot
1833; 18th Regiment of Foot
1835; 64th Regiment of Foot ; 74th Regiment of Foot; 66th Regiment of Foot ; 83rd Regiment of Foot ; 23rd Regiment of Foot
1836; 77th Regiment of Foot ; 36th Regiment of Foot; 46th Regiment of Foot; 91st Regiment of Foot
1837; 46th Regiment of Foot; 75th Regiment of Foot; 38th Regiment of Foot; 95th Regiment of Foot
1838; 75th Regiment of Foot; 23rd Fusiliers; 95th Regiment of Foot
1839; 98th Regiment of Foot ; 38th Regiment of Foot ; 8th Regiment Fusiliers ; 52nd Regiment of Foot; 13th Regiment of Foot
1840; 13th Regiment of Foot; 14th Regiment of Foot; 30th Regiment of Foot; 56th Regiment of Foot ; 4th Kings Regiment
1841; 13th Regiment of Foot; 16th Regiment of Foot; 23rd Regiment of Foot; 24th Regiment of Foot;
1842; 24th Regiment of Foot 85th Regiment of Foot
1843; 53rd Regiment of Foot; 36th Regiment of Foot Sept till 30 Dec 1844- 1845 ;
1844; 31st Regiment of Foot ; 53rd Regiment of Foot
1845; 36th Regiment of Foot; ; 70th Regiment of Foot ; 17th Regiment of Foot ; 86th Regiment of Foot
1846; 41st Regiment of Foot
1849; 9th Regiment of Foot

1850; 9th Regiment of Foot ; 44th Regiment of Foot;2nd Queens Regiment
1851; 39th Regiment of Foot
1858; 6th regiment of Foot
1859; 16th Regiment of Foot; 18th Regiment of Foot

1860; 86th Regiment of Foot
1861; 86th Regiment of Foot; 27th Reghiment of Foot; 3rd Buffs
1862
; 86th Regiment of Foot; 49th Regiment of Foot
1863; 19th Regiment of Foot; 86th Regiment of Foot
1864; 58th regiment of Foot; 29th Regiment of Foot
1865; 29th Regiment of Foot
1866; 8th Regiment of Foot; 46th Regiment of Foot; 3rd Regiment of Foot; 83rd Regiment of Foot
1868; 46th Regiment of Foot
1869; 17th Regiment of Foot

1870; 18th Regiment of Foot; 16th Regiment of Foot
1872; 29th Regiment of Foot

References; MSWAG p 40; POD; NS; V3 p 61-113; V 17 p 120, 129 & V 12 p 101 OSM; DR; OFN p ix, x, xi; PNNI V1 p 3,41; MO 5/8/2009 p6; DDPP p2;POD; LR 2011 p82; PR

 

St. Patrick's Church of Ireland from Sandys Street St. Patrick's Church of Ireland & graveyard

St. Patrick's Church of Ireland
in Church Street

The photo on the left shows St. Patrick's high on the hill overlooking the town. It was taken from Sandys Street which is the northern road from Mayobridge. On the right is a photo of the church closer up. It was the first Protestant church in Ireland, built in 1573.

It used to be the parish church until St. Mary's was built in the town in 1810 then became the Chapel of Ease. This means that it caters for the overflow of parishioners.

It is a roughcast, granite building with rectangular windows in the church and Gothic windows in the tower. It seats 600 people and was generally well attended in 1836. In the tower is a bell with the inscription; " 1828, the gift of Francis, Earl of Kilmorey, to St. Patrick's church. I. Rudhall, fecit, the Reverend Charles Campbell, vicar"; also a clock made by George Blackam of Newry.

The original church erected on this site is said to have been the first church for Protestant worship in Ireland. The Down Survey of 1700 quotes an inscription saying that the older church was built in 1578 by Sir Nicholas Bagnall, Marshall of Ireland. The old church was demolished in 1641 with a wall and steeple only remaining. It continued in this ruinous state till after Restoration, when one half was repaired. About 1720 the other half was repaired and in 1729 the roof was taken off and the walls raised another 2 metres to make room for a gallery. When St. Mary's church was built closer to the town in 1821, it again fell into disuse and a state of ruin but in 1829 it was repaired at an expense of £600 which was raised by voluntary subscriptions and gifts and re-opened 25 Feb 1828. An Act of Parliament was obtained to endow the church. In 1836, a stone was placed in the centre of the church, the staircase leading to the gallery altered, the entrance door on the south side closed up and several alterations and repairs made, which tend to make the church more comfortable. The cost was £35 which was raised by subscriptions and collections after the service. The salary of the chaplain of St. Patrick's, the Rev. Thomas Nolan in 1836, was £100 per year. The chaplain in 1852 was Rev. A.M. Pollock. The church was rebuilt in 1866. The rector in 1881 was Rev. Francis King and the curate Rev William Dowse. In 1910, the rector was Rev. William Moore.

There was a Poor House in the corner of the graveyard which was removed around 1845. The stone piers of the main gate were built in 1835 and have the names of the chaplain, Dean Daniel Bagot and the churchwarden, John Corbet. In 1846, the curate was Rev Mr Maude.

Baptisms 1847- 1926; burials 1862- 1919 at PRONI Mic/1/120 & Dublin 2034; marriages 1784-1963; Graveyard attached, gravestones UHF Vol 21; email me for a gravestone look-up

LDS have on FHL British Film #259218 parish registers 1784-1901

References;V3 p62,66, 9,83 OSM : MS WAG p46; GIC; OFN p 243, xiii; POD; NCT

 

St. Mary's Church of Ireland, Newry

St. Mary's Church of Ireland
in Needham Place (now called John Mitchell Place ) , in the centre of Newry

This church was designed by Patrick O'Farrell & finished by Thomas Duff between 1810-1819 at a cost of £16,000 and it is capable of holding 800 people. The vicar in 1824 was Rev. Charles Campbell with Rev. Alexander George Smart as curate, John Leeson was the organist & Thomas Leonard the parish clerk. The average attendance in 1836 was 450 people. The salary of the vicar at that time , Rev. Charles Campbell D.D., was £200 per year and the curate, Rev. Charles Moffat A.M. was £100 per year; these are paid for by Lord Kilmorey. It is a handsome building of Gothic architecture and a tower with bell and spire with a cross on top. The walls are composed of finely cut local granite. It has an organ which was presented by the Earl of Kilmorey and the two colour flags beside the organ were presented by the Royal Downshire Regiment. The vicar in 1846 & 1852 & 1860 was Rev. Daniel Bagot with Rev W.R. Williams as curate & in 1881 the rector was Rev. Rev. Thomas B. Swanzy and the curate Rev. Samuel Smart. In 1910, the vicar was Rev. Samuel Smartt.

There are several memorials in the church to William Ogle, 1803, Jane Ogle nee Gordon 1821, Robert Scott 1773, Richard Jebb Brown 1832, Mary Corry 1820, Isaac Wright 1877, Major General Henry Davis 1813, Acheson Thompson 1818, John Gibson 1788, Trevor Corry 1781; Major William Stewart Richardson 1830.

Newspaper articles from Down Recorder;
memorial window to late Marquis of Downshire 9 Dec 1871; for a copy of the Act of Parliament that made St. Mary's the new parish church is available

Records available; Baptisms 1804-1814; 1817; 1819 & 1822-1894; marriages 1784- 1963; burials 1824- 1876; index of baptisms , amrriages & burials 1784- c. 1910; vestry minutes 1775-1948; select vestry minutes 1877- 1909; registers of vestrymen 1870- 1935; preacher's books 1878- 1957; registers of pews occupied 1886- 1926 & subscribers 1886- 1959;No graveyard; but the memorial inscriptions inside the church are in UHF Vol 21; email me for a memorial look-up; burials at the old St. Patrick's Church of Ireland on the hill

LDS have on FHL British Film #259218 parish registers 1784-1901

References; Perspective p3; V3 p 62, 66, 67, 68, 79, 83 OSM MC; OFN p 243, xx; DR; GIC;POD

 

1st Presbyterian Church, Newry

1st Presbyterian Church Non Subscribing
an Arian, Reformed congregation in Meeting House Green near High Street, Newry then Needham Place (Patrick Street)

The congregation was established in 1650 . The lease for a meeting house was taken out in 1722 with a yearly rent of 1 shilling an 6 pence, payable to Mr. Needham. It remained the main Presbyterian Church of Newry for over 100 years. After the orthodox Presbyterians split off and built a new church in Sandys Street in 1828 it remained the church of the Non- Subscribers (Unitarians). The latter stayed there until 1853 when they moved to a smaller Gothic church in Needham Place (now called Patrick Street) ( called Riverside) . The old meeting house was now sold to the Reformed Presbyterians to establish a new church in Newry and the latter remained there until they bought the Riverside church in 1884. The old church was abandoned.

The meeting house built in 1722 and described in 1836 as a plain, granite building, capable of it holding 1000 people with an average attendance at that time of 450. The south aisle was added in 1800 at a cost of £200. Behind the meeting house is a sundial which was presented by Mr. Robert Wallace in 1757. The minister Rev.John Mitchel was originally from 1st Presbyterian but transfered to the Non Subscribers in 1829 The minister from 1840- 1868 was Rev. Henry Alexander. In 1910, the minister was Rev. G.J. Slipper.

The church above in John Mitchel Place is on the corner of Bridge Street, nearly opposite St. Mary's Church of Ireland, has a sign at the front declaring itself 1st Presbyterian Church.

Baptisms 1779- 1797; 1809- 1863; 1900; 1909-1912 & 1934; marriages 1781- 1795; 1809- 1845 & 1892; list of communicants 1810-1842; minuates & accounts 1877-1898 & 1936-1966; list of pew holders c. 1820; notes on ministers & congregations c. 1690-1909 in PRONI CR4/1,3; T.699/7; Graveyard attached, this is the main graveyard for Newry Presbyterians; gravestones UHF Vol 21; email me for a gravestone look-up

LDS have FHL Book by Kathleen Neill call #941.65/NI K29; baptisms 1779-1974, 1809-1829 & marriages 1779- 1794, 1809-1810
and a photocopy call # 941.65/NI K29f of registers 1779-1796

References;V3 p 69, 79, 83 OSM; GIC; V21 MIs; OFN p 243; HCPCI p206; POD; http://www.nspresbyterian.org/churches/church28/churchdetail.htm
This photo (left) of the church plaque was kindly sent by Steve Edgar

 

1st Newry Presbyterian Church

1st Newry Presbyterian Church

in Sandys Street, Newry

This meeting house was built by architect Thomas Duff in 1829 after a split in doctrine with the old meeting house in Needham Place (now called Patrick Street). It was built at a cost of £3,500 which was raised by private voluntary subscription. The salary of the minister in Rev.John Mitchel 1823-1829 was £300 . He became a Unitarian. .It was described in 1836 as a rectangular granite building, capable of holding 1000 people with an average attendance of 700. The salary of the minister at that time, Rev. James Shields (1829-1846) , was £200 per year. The minister from 1846- 1862 was Rev John Moran & then Rev William Todd Martin 1862- 1867 . He was suceeded by Rev. John H. Munro 1867-1873 & from 1874 to at least 1881 was Rev. James C. Ferris. In 1910, the minister was Rev. W.G. Strahan.

Not to be confused with the 1st Presbyterian Church, which is an Reformed congregation in John Mitchel Place.

Newspaper article from Down Recorder;
article about the new church in Newry 7 Jan 1832;

Newspaper article from Newry Commerical Telegraph;

collection at Charity sermon 22 Jan 1828

Records from 1829 in local custody ,no graveyard

References; HCPCI p206-207; Perspective p4; V3 p62, 69,79,83 OSM ; DR; GIC; GIPR; V21 MIs; OFN p 243; NAHN p146-148POD

 

2nd Newry Presbyterian- Seceeders
in Downshire Road , Newry (The Garrison Church)

The congregation has an early history an orginally met about two kilometres outside the town. The present building , built by architect Thomas Duff between 1841- 1843 (during the ministry of Rev. John Weir) after the older church became crowded. The minister in 1852 & 1881 was Rev. John Dodd & in 1910, Rev D.D. Boyle. It later became the Scriptural School then the church hall for St. Patrick's Church of Ireland.

Baptisms 1849 - 1965; marriages 1845- 1909; communicants roll 1884- 1899 in PRONI; no graveyard

References; Perspective p6; GIC: GIPR; V 21 MIs; OFN p 243; POD

 

Old Unitarian Church, Newry

Old Presbyterian: Unitarian then Covenanters (Non Subscribing)
in High St, Newry

The first recorded minister was Rev. George Lang in 1688, he fled during the Troubles but returned by 1692. His sucessor was Rev. Robert Rainey 1706- 1736. The congregation originally met in Sheepbridge in 1763 then they built a meeting house behind High Street, Newry in 1782. The minister from 1740-1779 was Rev James Moody followed by his son Rev Boyle Moody 1779-1799 then Rev. John Thom 1800- 1808 then Rev. Andrew G. Murray and in 1824 it was Rev. John Carr. The meeting house was repaired in 1829 at a cost of £375 which was raised by the congregation & subscriptions from all denominations. It was described in 1836 as a plain, rectangular building which was fitted up with pews to hold 350 people, which was barely sufficient for the general attendance . The salary of the minister at that time , Rev. John Weir, was £75 per year.

The minister in 1852 was Rev. Robert Wallace & in 1881 was Rev. Alexander S.M. Lyons. This site was later abandoned in favor of the church in Downshire Road. Only a part of a wall and the pulpit remained in 1890. It was preserved temporarily under an awning in memory of the patriot, John Mitchel's father, a distinguished clergyman who preached here and is buried here. John Mitchel, himself , was buried here on 23 Mar 1875. The street was renamed John Mitchel Place.

Graveyard attached called Little Green, gravestone inscriptions available UHF Vol 21 ; email me for a gravestone look-up

References; HCPCI p 206-207; V3 p 62, 69, 79, 83 OSM; OFN p71; GIC; PI p 597,601

 

Riverside Presbyterian, Newry

Riverside Reformed Presbyterian Church

This meeting house for Non- Subscribers was built beside the canal at the western end of town in 1884 after a move from the old meeting house in Needham Place (now called Patrick Street). They split with the orthodox Presbyterians who built a new meeting house in Sandys Street in 1828. The first minister was Rev. McFarland. The minister before his transfer to Comber in 1873 was Rev. Stuart James Niblock. The minister at the Needham Place church in 1881 was Rev. John Armstrong Crozier & the minister at Riverside church in 1881 was Rev. J.C. Legate. In 1910, the minister was Rev. T.B. McFarlane & Rev. Robert Hanna 1969-1988

The records are from 1863 and there isn't a graveyard. Burials are at the old church site in High Street, Newry or the newer (20th century) graveyard in High Street.

References;GIPR : GIC; V21 MIs; POD; ACOC p47; OFN p xx; CSDRF

 

Methodist Church, Newry

Methodist Church

in Sandys Street, Newry

This church was built by architect Thomas Duff between 1839 & 1841 and is beside the 1st Newry Presbyterian Church on the road out of Newry on the way to Mayobridge. The minister in 1881 was Rev. Edward Guard & in 1910, the minister was Rev. G. Linahan .

No graveyard

References; Persective p6; GIC; POD

St. Mary's Catholic Church
in Chapel Street Upper , Newry - on the hill near the Warrenpoint Road and overlooking the canal

St. Mary's Catholic Church

This is the oldest Catholic chapel in Newry. A plain mass house was built here c. 1730 then replaced in 1789 by this bigger church, at a cost of £1,800 which was raised by public subscription. The plaque on the front on the church (middle photo) states 1790. The curate in 1824 was Rev. Peter Murphy. It was described in 1836 a plain, granite building. Services were conducted by the priests from the Cathedral in 188... It was renovated 1950s. Graveyard still used .

graveyard attached, gravestone inscriptions UHF Vol 21; email me for a gravestone look-up

References;V3 p 61, 68, 69, 83 OSM; GIC; POD; OFN p xiv; DDPP p3,4,10,12

 

St. Patrick's & St. Colman's Catholic Cathedral, Newry

St. Patrick's and St. Colman's Catholic Cathedral
in Hill Street, Newry ; parish trust 39 The Mall, Newry Co. Down BT34 7AN- phone (0693 67524)

This Catholic Cathedral was built by architect Thomas Duff between 1825-1829 on a site purchased from Marquis of Downshire. It cost £8,000 which was raised by subscription of people of all denominations. It was the first Catholic cathedral to open in Ireland after Catholic Emancipation. It was described in 1836 as a fine granite building of Gothic architecture with many galleries, capable of holding 2500 people, with an average attendance at 1st mass of 800 & 2nd mass 650 and at 3rd mass 1650 & at vespers 800 in winter & 400 in summer. Five hundred children attended for religious instruction. The bishop in 1846 was Right Rev Dr Michael Blake with Revs. John Brennan, John Callan, Patrick McKay & Bernard Hughes as curates. Rev Blake was still there in 1852 with Rev. John O'Neill as parish priest. There is an organ which was transfered from the old chapel & was presented to it by General Needham, brother of Lord Kilmorey; a tower was added in 1888. The bishop in 1881 was Right Rev. John P. Leahy, the administrator was Rev. Patrick McCartan, the curates were Rev. Daniel Mallon, Rev. Thomas Gallery & Rev. Cornelius Woods whilst Rev. James Carlin was chaplain.

Priests & Administrators of the parish; Rev Dominick McEvoy 1704; Rev James Mackey 1782; Rev Bernard Devlin 1793; Rev Thomas Cranny 1793; (then see above) Rev Patrick MacCartan 1877; Rev Michael McConville 1887-1888; Rev Thomas Gallery 1888-1891; Rev James Carlin 1906-7; Rev Joseph Doyle 1907-14; Rev. Daniel Grant 1914-23; Rev. Francis J. O'Hare 1923; Rev James Fitzpatrick 1923-32; Rev John Magee 1932-34; Rev. Edward James MacAteer 1934-37; Rev. Patrick Francis MacComiskey 1937-1950;Rev. Edward Campbell 1950-55; Rev James Boyd 1955-5;Rev. Jams Burke 1957-60; Rev Hugh Esler 1960-61; Rev Jack Lynch 1961-1970; Rev Edward Hamill 1970-81; Rev Arthur Byrne 1981-87; Rev Arthur Bradley 1987-92; Rev John Kearney 1992-98; Rev Aidan Hamill 1998- 2003; Rev Terence Rafferty 2003

Newspaper article from Northern Star;
rejoicing over the passing of the Catholic Bill 17 Apr 1793; resolutions passed at a meeting 19 Mar 1795

Newspaper article from Newry Commerical Telegraph;
collection at Charity sermon 22 Jan 1828

http://registers.nli.ie/ has registers to view 1820-1826; baptisms 1818- 1884 (PRONI Mic 1d/26-28) ; marriages 1820-1917; funerals 1818-1862 in PRONI; No graveyard; burials at St. Mary's in Chapel Street; gravestones Vol 21 UHF; email me for a gravestone look-up
LDS have on FHL British Film # 926087 baptisms 1818-1826; dispensations and funerals 1818-1819; funerals 1825; marriages 1820-1826; dispensations 1825-1826; financial records and funerals 1825-1827; UHF has baptisms 1818-1910 & marriages 1825-1900

References; Perspective p3; V3 p 69 ,83 OSM: MS WAG p46; GIC; OFN p 243; POD; DDPP p4-8

 

Sheeptown Catholic Church

St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Sheeptown
on the old road between Newry to Rathfriland

The Catholic congregation in this area previously met in a field. This chapel was built in 1803 at a cost of £600 which was raised by subscriptions and a bequest by Rev. Dr. Lennan who died 1802 and left £100. It was described in 1836 as being built of roughcast granite and capable of holding 650 people with the average attendance at that time of around 650. It's congregation became too numerous so they built another chapel in Shinn townland in 1834. Remodelled 1995

The Catholic parish of Saval was formed in 1920; parish priests were Very Rev. Thomas McGrath 120-30; v.Rev. Micael McClorey 1930-38; v. Rev. James Dargn 1938-1955; v. Rev. Daniel Fegan 1955-56; v.Rev. Bernard Mooney 1956-60; v. Rev.James Canon Murtagh 1860-70; v. Rev John Canon McAnuff; v. Rev. Francis Boyle 1995

Graveyard attached, gravestone inscriptions available UHF Vol 21; oldest stone 1824;email me for a gravestone look-up

References;V3 p77,107 OSM; GIC; V21 MIs; DDPP p26,27

 

Shinn Catholic Church

St. Colman's Catholic Church in Shinn townland
west of the main road between Newry and Rathfriland

This chapel was built 1834 at a cost of £1,000 which was raised by subscriptions from all denominations & the labour of the parishioners with their carts. It was described in 1836 as a plain, granite building with a mud floor and no seats. It is capable of holding 1000 people. A new gallery was built in 1836 would give room for 500 more. This chapel was built because the Sheeptown chapel was overcrowded, therefore it's called a Chapel of Ease. The landlord, Mr. Dickenson, gave the land for nothing. In the graveyard there was a very rough stone cross with traces of short arms and the usual wheel-shaped surround.

The Catholic parish of Saval was formed in 1920; parish priests were Very Rev. Thomas McGrath 120-30; v.Rev. Micael McClorey 1930-38; v. Rev. James Dargan 1938-1955; v. Rev. Daniel Fegan 1955-56; v.Rev. Bernard Mooney 1956-60; v. Rev.James Canon Murtagh 1860-70; v. Rev John Canon McAnuff; v. Rev. Francis Boyle 1995

Graveyard attached, gravestone inscriptions available UHF Vol 21 ; the oldest stone is 1837; email me for a gravestone look-up

References;V3 p 77, 107, 109 OSM; GIC; V 21 MIs; DDPP p25, 26,27


by Ros Davies