St John’s Church Drumgath is re–dedicated
Bishop Harold came to a joyful and excited service of re–dedication at St John’s, on Sunday 27 May, the Day of Pentecost and the birthday of the church.
The work on the church in the parish of Drumgath (Rathfriland) started with a simple repair which grew and grew until it touched almost every part of the 18th Century building.
There can be no doubt that St John’s was in need of the work. Over a period of four months in the winter of 20011/12 the tower was substantially restored inside and out, the exterior walls were stripped of their crumbling render and re–plastered with lime mortar. The process continued and the rest of church was given the same treatment. All its exterior walls were chipped, and re–plastered with lime mortar. The roof was insulated, felt lined and re–slated. A “Faith Hope and Charity” window from 1905 was taken out, cleaned, re–framed and reinstalled. The internal gallery wall was chipped and replastered, again with lime mortar, and the stone work around the east window was dressed and repaired. The entire nave was dug out and a timber framed floor was fitted. All the perimeter walls were repaired or replaced. New gates and railings were fitted, all to meet historic buildings standards. Members of the Rathfriland Community have remarked that the work has brightened up the whole North end of Church Square in the town.
Drumgath Parish was greatly encouraged by generous support given by families in memory of loved ones. The Wilson Family donated the new glass doors inside the porch; the new internal doors to the nave, the door to the bell tower and new notice boards and book shelves. This was in memory of their son Stuart.
Two new stained glass windows were installed on the landing of the extension, depicting St John the evangelist and his symbol, an eagle. These were donated separately by Carol Linton in memory of Graham May and by The Orr family in memory in memory of both William and Alex Orr.
St John’s Church has been left in pristine condition as a legacy to future generations. The Rector David Somerville says that the congregation can now concentrate on the worshiping community that meets inside as they give thanks to God. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift” II Cor 9:15 (NIV).
Pictured L–R: Tom Stevenson (People’s Church Warden) Christopher Stevenson, Jack Watson (Diocesan Lay reader) Revd David somerville (Rector) Bishop Harold Miller, Rodney Magennis (Parish Reader) Craig Orr (Rector’s Church Warden).
