St Patrick

The original parish church of Kilconriola in the townland of the same name was situated about two miles north of Ballymena. It was in ruins from before the Reformation but these ruins are clearly visible in the graveyard where burials still take place. A parish church was started in 1707 and this was finally consecrated in 1721. This building, clearly visible from St Patrick’s, is in Church Street but only the tower remains surrounded by a graveyard.

With the growth of the population of the town during the first part of the 19th century this church proved too small and the plan was to replace it with a church seating 800. The foundation stone was laid on St Patrick’s Day 1853 and consecrated in 1855. The project was completed largely due to the enthusiasm and dedication of the then rector William Reeves.

William Reeves himself gives this description of the church with which he is so intimately associated:

‘The style of the building is the Transition from the Early English and, while paying due regard to architectural propriety, it has been more desired to obtain the beauty of proportion than of decoration; consequently many of the details are exceedingly plain, as it would have defeated the main object to obtain ornament at the expense of accommodation. The walls are built of the dark blue basalt which abounds in the district, with which the pure Scotch sandstone of the windows and quoins forms a most pleasing contrast’.

The church was totally destroyed by a fire on 13th December 1879 but the same contractor rebuilt it along the old lines in fifteen months at a cost of £9,000. The same bishop who had consecrated the original building re opened it. The building has remained much the same since that time though there have been extensive renovations to maintain the quality of the structure. There have of course been additions in the form of church bells, stained glass windows and other items of furniture.

Most visitors make mention of the beautiful stained glass windows and the variety of them. Of particular note are the great west and east windows, both depict trees. The baptismal font, the lectern and the pulpit are of a similar style and are quite distinctive.

It has been the custom to lay up old flags in church. In Ballymena St Patrick’s has been used for this purpose. In the chancel area of the church are to be found the choir stalls and the organ. St Patrick’s has always sought to maintain a high standard of music in worship.

In the church going up the left side aisle you will notice a vividly coloured stained glass window of St Patrick. It depicts him during his time of slavery minding sheep on the mountain of Slemish. This mountain is only ten miles from Ballymena and can be clearly seen from points around the town. Thus St Patrick has close associations with this whole area.