St Patrick

St Patrick’s was commissioned by Lady Elizabeth Londonderry and was consecrated in 1877. The architect that Lady Elizabeth approached was Joseph Hansom famous for the patent of the Hansom cab in London.

The church is called a ‘cathedral in miniature’ and is made of sandstone which was sourced from the local area of Strabo and beyond. The whole interior is hand carved sandstone and the sanctuary is particularly crucial with marble and liturgical art, and Caen stone carvings. There is the beautiful rose window, above the west door which floods the church with light. There are many stain glass windows but no figures allowing once again for the light to play with the designs that form the windows, truly peaceful and uplifting. The church is our most recent build with churches having been built as far back as 1813. Lady Elizabeth became a convert to Catholicism and it was her desire to build this church for the local people and for guests coming from mainland Europe, and who would be visiting the Mountstewart estate, the home of the Londonderry family.

The high altar is in Carrara marble in which stand the statues of St Peter and St Paul, there are two angels that come from the original 1877 altar and also the base of the altar shows Christ falling under the weight of the Cross. Floral designs accompany the two sides of the altar and the main altar is again in Caen stone with the emblem of Christus Rex in the centre. The pews are the original pews from 1877 and in pitch pine. The gothic arches rose and fall throughout the church forming an elaborate design that engenders prayer and stillness. Pieces of art are there to inspire, lime wood statues, and the altar of the Word in the side chapel.

This is indeed a treasure which is much cherished, come and see, you would be most welcome.