The old chapel of Crossgar was erected by Father Curoe in the year 1800. It has been replaced by the beautiful church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, which has been erected by Father Connor; the foundation stone of it was laid February 21st., 1867. This church consists of nave, 75 feet by 31 feet, chancel 20 feet by 18 feet, vestry, and entrance tower at the south west angle 11 feet square. The tower and spire form a prominent and beautiful feature of the building, and rise to a height of about 90 feet, the spire springs from eight gablets which are pierced with wheel windows. In the west gable are two double light early traceried windows and wheel window over ; and the eastern gable has a handsome triplet window. The nave is lighted on the sides by lancet lights, which, together with all the other openings, have richly moulded arches, shafted jambs, and carved capitals. The dressings are all of white Glasgow stone, and the walls are built of local blue stone in rubble masonry, neatly jointed with black mastic. The nave is covered by an open timber roof, stained and varnished, the principals of which spring from moulded stone corbals. A similar roof, but of a more decorative description, covers the chancel. The floor of the chancel is laid with encaustic tiles ; and the altar is of hand-some design and is erected in Caen stone, with polished Irish marble shafts and carved foliated capitals ; the panels being beautifully caned with figure subjects. The altar rail and pulpit are of polished pitch pine, with shafts and capping uf polished walnut. In the nave are commodious seats of good design, in pitch pine varnished. The building and fittings have been carried out from the designs, and under the superintendence of Mortimer H. Thomson, Esq., Architect, Belfast. The church was consecrated on September 10th, 1876, by the Most Rev. Dr. Dorrian. A marble tablet, inserted in the side-wall of the church, commemorates the Rev. Charles Mageean, whose remains are interred in front of the altar. The tablet bears the following inscription:
To the Memory of
The Revd. Charles Mageean, C.C., Dunean,
Who departed this life 11th June 1870
At the early age of 24 years After having been eleven months In the sacred ministry
Requiescat in. Pace.
Erected by his father, Daniel Mageean, Leggygowan.
The Revd. Charles Mageean, C.C., Dunean,
Who departed this life 11th June 1870
At the early age of 24 years After having been eleven months In the sacred ministry
Requiescat in. Pace.
Erected by his father, Daniel Mageean, Leggygowan.
Ref: Fr O’Laverty’s Volume 1
The Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph
The Church of the Immaculate Conception & St Joseph was completed in 1870 on the site of the old church that had been erected by Father Richard Curoe in 1800. When plans were being drawn up for a new church to replace it , the landlord of Crossgar , Mr Cleland , wanted the site for a Meeting House which was located on the site of St Joseph's Primary School [ Lissara Presbyterian Church ] and is said to have offered to build a church in Lisnamore not far from the Drake's Bridge / Stable Road for the Catholics . The Parish Priest , Father Edward Connor , insisted however on building the new Church on the site of the old , and he celebrated the first Mass in this Church on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception , 8"' December 1870
Renovations 1962 - 1963
A major renovation was undertaken by Fr Alex Connolly PP [ 1961-69 ] on his appointment , plans were already in place under his late predecessor Fr John Teggart [ 1941-61] . The roof had been reslated before Fr Connolly's arrival . The remaining works was to include the construction of a damp proof inner shell , new windows , floor , seats , altar rails , pulpet , choir gallery , confessionals , baptistery , a new sacristy and committee room , central heating and a new lighting system , the Church Bell was also installed at the time . The Church was closed for almost a year , Mass was celebrated in St Joseph's Hall , former goods shed for the Belfast and County Down Railway the cost £18000 a princely sum in those times .
Centenary Year 1970
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Father Connolly died 21n December 1969 , the centenary of the Church was celebrated a year later
on the 13th December 1970 with Canon Walter Larkin chief celebrant and assisted by local clergy and
priests who hailed from the Parish of Kilmore , there was a centenary booklet published at the time
packed with parish and local history , towards the end of the nineties and at the start of the
Millenium in 2000 Fr Kevin Mc Mullan PP undertook a further re ordering of the Church and we can
see today a blend of the old with the new . In the porch there is a Holy Water Font that originated from Inch Abbey and inside the door, the former Baptism Font is placed for many the starting point of their spiritual and liturgical journey through life .
on the 13th December 1970 with Canon Walter Larkin chief celebrant and assisted by local clergy and
priests who hailed from the Parish of Kilmore , there was a centenary booklet published at the time
packed with parish and local history , towards the end of the nineties and at the start of the
Millenium in 2000 Fr Kevin Mc Mullan PP undertook a further re ordering of the Church and we can
see today a blend of the old with the new . In the porch there is a Holy Water Font that originated from Inch Abbey and inside the door, the former Baptism Font is placed for many the starting point of their spiritual and liturgical journey through life .
Priests that Served in Crossgar
Curates
Fr. Ernest McCaughan
1952 - 1961
Fr Ernest was ordained to the priesthood on June 22 1952 having studied at St Malachy's College, Queen's University Belfast and St Patrick's Maynooth and served in Crossgar until 1961.For the next 20 years he was curate in Newcastle, Lisburn and St Paul's in Belfast before being appointed parish priest in Saintfield and Carrickmannon. Four years later he took up the same position in Portglenone. He retired in August 2000 and spent the next seven years of his life as an assistant priest in Magherahoney.However, ill health brought a halt to this in summer 2007. He died on 19th January 2009 and was laid to rest in the cemetery at St MacNissi's.
Fr Patrick McCafferty
September 2014 - October 2016
Fr Paddy was born in Whiteabbey, Co Antrim in 1963. He was Educated Stella Maris PS, St James PS, St Malachy's College, Belfast he then furthered his studies in St Peter's College, Wexford and St Patrick's College Maynooth. He was Ordained, June 25th, 1989 in St. Peter's Cathedral Belfast by the then Bishop of Down and Connor Cathel Daly RIP (later Cardinal Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland) His first appointment was curate to Downpatrick Sept 1989 - February 1990,
Nativity, Poleglass Feb 1990 - Aug 1884. Holy Trinity, Turf Lodge, Aug 1994-Aug 1998. Sacred Heart. Belfast1998-2002. During 2003-2014 he was pursuing postgraduate work and pastoral work in the USA and Rathmines, Dublin. On 6th September 2014 he was appointed by Bishop Noel Treanor as Curate to both parishes of Killyleagh and Crossgar (Kilmore Parish). In October 2016 Fr Paddy was appointed Parish Priest of Corpus Christi(Ballymurphy) Parish in Belfast.
September 2014 - October 2016
Fr Paddy was born in Whiteabbey, Co Antrim in 1963. He was Educated Stella Maris PS, St James PS, St Malachy's College, Belfast he then furthered his studies in St Peter's College, Wexford and St Patrick's College Maynooth. He was Ordained, June 25th, 1989 in St. Peter's Cathedral Belfast by the then Bishop of Down and Connor Cathel Daly RIP (later Cardinal Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland) His first appointment was curate to Downpatrick Sept 1989 - February 1990,
Nativity, Poleglass Feb 1990 - Aug 1884. Holy Trinity, Turf Lodge, Aug 1994-Aug 1998. Sacred Heart. Belfast1998-2002. During 2003-2014 he was pursuing postgraduate work and pastoral work in the USA and Rathmines, Dublin. On 6th September 2014 he was appointed by Bishop Noel Treanor as Curate to both parishes of Killyleagh and Crossgar (Kilmore Parish). In October 2016 Fr Paddy was appointed Parish Priest of Corpus Christi(Ballymurphy) Parish in Belfast.
Administrators
Fr. Don Kettle
October 2016 - November 2017
Fr. Don Kettle
October 2016 - November 2017
Parish Priests
The Rev Richard Curoe, PP Ballykinlar was appointed on the 12th January 1780. After ministering to his flock for upwards of 64 years. Fr Curoe died at his residence in Lisnamore on 31st July 1844 and was interred in the chapel yard of Kilclief. "The old priest" as he was familiarly called had arrived at the patriarchal age of 102. He was the last priest of Down & Connor of those who worship God with the canopy of heaven for a covering, and a rude stone in an open field for an altar whereon to celebrate the sacred mysteries. A stone was erected. by the Very Rev Richard Marner DD PP VF in memory of his grand uncle Rev Richard Curoe PP Kilmore Crossgar who was born in Ballymagarrick 1742 died 31 Jury 1844 and was interred in this cemetery Kilclief aged 102 years RIP. Crossgar old chapel was erected by Fr Curoe assisted by his curate the Rev James Denvir in 1800 and in 1831 built the first chapel in Irish Street Killyleagh.
Fr Curoe was succeeded by the Rev George Maguire, his curate and grand nephew. Fr Maguire was a native of Downpatrick. Having received a preliminary education he entered the Rhetoric Class in the College of Maynooth on 4th September 1828. He was ordained in Belfast at the Advent Quarter Tense 1834 after which he was sent as curate to Randalstown but on 5th February 1835 he was appointed as curate to Kilmore and at the "Months Mind" of Fr Curoe he was pomoted to the vacant parish which he held to his appointment to the parish of Upper Mourne on 14th October 1856.
Fr. Edward Connor
14th October 1856 - 9th December 1895
Fr Connor was a native of Ballynoe in the parish of Bright. After having completed his studies in the College of Paris he was ordained in Belfast by Dr Denvir on 5th May 1842. He was responsible for erecting the Old St Marys Star Of the Sea (now Parish Hall) opened on 22nd October 1861 in Killyleagh and The Church of the Immaculate Conception & St Joseph which was completed in 1870. Fr Connor died 9th December 1895, and is buried beside his brother Fr Hugh PP Kilcoo at the entrance of St Patricks Church Legamaddy.
Fr. Connolly
December 1895 - February 1896
Fr. James McArdle
February 1896 to 25th December 1918,
When he died aged 73 years, born in Keady Co Armagh 6th April 1845, ordained to the Priesthood Rosary Sunday 1872. He was instrumental in building the Church or the Holy Family Teconnaught and built the schools in Teconnaught, Crossgar and Killyleagh. He also built residences for his curates in Killyleagh and Teconnaught. He is buried in Teconnaught Cemetery beside the Church R.l.P
Canon William Murphy
February 1919 - June 1941
He was responsible for the building of St Columbas Hall in Teconnaught. The erection of the gallery in the old St Mary’s and the new Cemetery on the Comber Road Killyleagh. Described as a saintly man who went around doing good. He died 8th June 1941 and is buried beside the Church in Teconnaught.
Fr. John Taggart
June 1941 - March 1961.
He was responsible for building St Colmcilles High School Crossgar and the new Cemetery in Teconnaught. He was a fluent Irish speaker. He served as Administrator of St Patrick’s Belfast when the German bombs fell on his parish killing and maiming many of his parishioners. He served also in Ballymena, Downpatrick, Cushendall and St Matthews. The inscription on his headstone in the new Cemetery Teconnaught is written in gaelic. R.I.P
Fr. Alex Connolly
March 1961 · December 1969.
Fr Connolly was responsible for the building of the new St Mary`s Primary School in Killyleagh. Fr Connolly served in Parishes in England as well as in Down & Connor. He was Parish Priest of Ballygalget prior to being appointed to Kilmore. He is buried in Teconnaught.
Canon Walter Larkin
1970 - 1975
Canon Larkin was ordained to the Priesthood in Maynooth 21st June 1941 along with our Fr Dominic Murray (R.l.P.) and Fr Charles Bready (R.l.P.) and his Emminence Cardinal Daley (R.I.P). Before his appointment to Kilmore the Canon taught in St Malachy’s College Belfast. He was responsible for the building of the new St Mary’s Star of the Sea - Killyleagh. He was later appointed to the parish of Kilkeel where he died 6th April 1988. R.I.P.
Canon Dominic McHugh
1975 - 1995
Canon McHugh taught in St McNissies College Garron Tower prior to his appointment to Kilmore in 1975. He was Parish Priest whenever the new St Mary’s Star of the Sea was blessed by His Lordship Most Rev Dr. Wm Philbin D.D. 1st February 1976. He was succeeded by Fr Sean Cahill P.P. whenever St Mary’s Star of the Sea became a Parish of its own right in August 1994. Canon McHugh retired in 1995. He served as curate in Ballymoney until his death aged 92 on 19th June 2012, he is buried in Ballymoney.
Fr. Eugene McArdle
August 1995 - November 1996
Father McArdle was a native of Holy Rosary Belfast. Father McArdle concerned himself with education and during his time in Teconnaught the new St. Colmcille's High School and Holy Family P.S. were plannedd and built. Later Father McArdle served as Parish Priest in Ballyclare Ligoniel and St. John's in West Belfast. In failing health he returned to the Parish of Kilmore as P.P. in 1995. He died suddenly in November 1996 and is buried beside Holy Family Church.
Fr. Kevin McMullan
December 1996 - August 2010
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Fr. Kevin McMullan was among 11 seminarians of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome ordained to the priesthood in St John Lateran in Rome on March 12 1960. Fr Kevin McMullan came to the Parish of Kilmore in December 1996 after the death of Fr Eugene McArdle. For 32 years previous to this, Fr Kevin was head of Music in St Malachys College in Belfast. He was an accomplished pianist and a fluent Irish speaker.
He brought back congressional singing at Masses and would practice the singing of the Alleluia Acclamation before Mass with everyone present. During his time in the Parish, he reordered both Altars in Crossgar and Teconnaught. Many will remember his calm, gentle nature and his exhilarating homilies. He loved visiting the children in the Parish schools and was extremely attentive to the sick and housebound . He retired in August 2010 but then helped out in various parishes in Belfast, which he very much loved and enjoyed. Unfortunately arthritis in his hands and hearing difficulties in latter years meant he couldn’t enjoy playing and listening to his beloved music. He died peacefully on, 6th May, in Nazareth Lodge Belfast . His Requiem Mass took place in Holy Family Church Teconnaught followed by burial beside his predecessor Fr McArdle along side Holy Family Church. May he rest now in Gods blessed peace and happiness. |
Fr. Maurice Henry
August 2010 - September 2015
August 2010 - September 2015
Fr. Eugene O'Neill
September 2014 - October 2016
Fr. Eugene is from County Antrim since ordination he has served in Ballymena Parish, St Brigids Derryvolgie Ave Belfast, and to Glengormley parish as Curate Fr Eugene was appointed by Bishop Noel Treanor DD as Parish Priest of Killyleagh on 6th September 2012. On 6th September 2014 he was appointed as Parish Priest Of Crossgar (Kilmore) Parish in addition to Killyleagh Parish residing in Killyleagh. In October 2016 Fr Eugene became Administrator to St Patricks Donegal Street in Belfast.
Fr. Brendan Smyth
November 2017 - Present
Fr. Brendan was born in Downpatrick, and was ordained in St Patricks Church Downpatrick by Bishop Michael Dallet RIP on 26th June 1994. He first served in St Agnes Parish in Belfast. in 1996 he on went to the Parish of Ramoan (Ballycastle) where he spent five years, before moving to St Peters Cathedral. He went on to serve in the Parish of Glenavy and Killead in 2009. In 2013 Fr Brendan was appointed Parish Priest of Holy Trinity in Belfast where he spent three years before coming to Killyleagh on 28th October 2016. In November 2017 Bishop Treanor asked Fr Brendan tae on the added role as Parish Priest of Kilmore Parish, making him Parish Priest of both Parishes. residing in Crossgar.