St John the Evangelist

A beautiful historic church, set on top of an early medieval ringed fort, with its distinctive round tower, the church was built by the people of the parish in 1885-7.

Magherally, County Down

Opening times

Someone in the church family is always happy to let you in. Please check our webpages for contact details.

Address

Kilmacrew Road
Magherally
County Down
BT32 4EP

This church was designed by Henry John Fullerton and built by members of the congregation in the evenings after work from 1885-1887. A split in the congregation regarding whether a new church should be built, or the old one (the ruins of which are situated in the graveyard nearby) should be extended, began a continuing tradition of drift in the church family between here, and Magherally Presbyterian, located 0.25km away in the ‘hollow’ on Kilmacrew Road: the two congregations have remained close ever since. Notable features in St John the Evangelist include its unusual round spire and internal wood panelling, thought to have been designed by Purdy and Millard, Belfast.

Hugh Brunty and Alice McClory, grandparents to novelists Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, married in the older church. Helen Waddell (1889-1965), classical poet, translator and playwright, is buried here, her sister having married into the Martin family of nearby Kilmacrew House. A bible rest dedicated to Ulster travel writer, Richard Hayward (1892-1964) was given by his family in memory of his long friendship with Rector and staunch fellow Orangeman, Michael W Dewar. The church is located on the edge of a wooded, early medieval (6th century) rath / ring fort at the centre of which is the glebe house (listed B1, 1773). The church enjoys a warm and friendly congregation and welcomes longstanding members and newcomers alike.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Social heritage stories

  • Wildlife haven

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Car park at church

  • Level access throughout

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of Ireland

  • Treasure Ireland Grant, £4,800, 2022

  • These grants are part of the Treasure Ireland project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust and the Department for Communities. 

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Dromore Cathedral

Dromore, County Down

The church was built, destroyed and rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries and was seat to renowned bishops Thomas Percy and Jeremy Taylor in their time.

Presbyterian Church

Waringstown, County Down

Presbyterians have worshipped together in Waringstown since 1846, our current church building was built and opened in 1853.