Ballymore Parish Church

Ballymore church building is a majestic early 19th century stone built house of God. It sits on top of a hill seen from the surrounding countryside and neighbourhoods and with views of the town and much further afield. The Mountains of Mourne 20 miles away can be seen from the church site.

Ballymore Parish Church has been mentioned in ecclesiastical records as far back as 1343 and up until the mid-1950s had a close connection with the Dukes of Manchester who owned the castle next door and were major benefactors to the church over the years.

In February 1812 the building of that time was pulled down in order to build a bigger cruciform church - the existing one had become too small for the congregation. It was dedicated to St Mark. In 1846 the transepts and chancel were added. In 1884 inside renovations were carried out and a new organ was placed at the side of the chancel. n 1889 the peal of tubular bells was installed in the tower.

Various renovation projects and additions to the church have been undertaken during the 20th century up to the present day including the gifting of some of the valuable stain glass windows. Wooden panelling in the sanctuary, on the organ loft and on the wall beside the font at the back were purchased from Tandragee Castle in 1955. Of the many stain glass windows in the church, the window in the sanctuary is a particularly beautiful one depicting the Gospel writers and was donated in 1906 by the Duchess of Manchester in memory of her mother. The north transept was converted to the Warner Chapel in 1966 in memory of Winifred Warner, wife of the former rector Revd SJ Warner and is used weekly for early morning and midweek Communion services. The small War Memorial Chapel to the right of the sanctuary has plaques containing the names of those from the parish who served in the forces and those who died during the First and Second World Wars. In the south transept on the wall just outside the War Memorial Chapel there is a Cameo of the twin daughters of the 8th Duke of Manchester, Lady Alice and Lady Mary Montague, who died aged 15 and 20, probably from tuberculosis. Created by an Italian sculptor, it is said to be highly artistic.

Today's parishioners hope to preserve the legacy left by forebears so the next generations may appreciate and continue to facilitate God’s work in the parish of Ballymore.