Enniskillen Cathedral

Our church was designed to be part of new town of Enniskillen that was created in the years following 1611 on the orders of King James I of England. The first church building was probably completed in 1627. Richard Pokrich, one of the founders, had a son called William who, tragically for Richard, in 1628 was the first person to be buried in the churchyard. Williams gravestone has been set into the wall of the cathedral for all to see.

A three light lattice window and stone, with a date 1637, can be seen above the present west door entrance. The cathedral, which has such a commanding location in the streetscape of Enniskillen, boasts a 150 foot high tower and spire. Enniskillen is one of the few churches in Northern Ireland to have a tower with peals of ten bells which are rung on a regular basis for Sunday services and on other special occasions.

The original parish church of St Anne was raised to the status of the cathedral church of St Macartin in 1923. Changes in the building at that time included the fitting of choir stalls and the provision of stalls for the Bishop and Chapter of the Diocese. The old organ, built in 1830, was replaced by the fine instrument that continues in use today. The Diocese of Clogher is unique in having two cathedrals. The elevation of the church to cathedral status came about as a consequence of Enniskillen being the largest parish in the diocese and the church being sufficiently large and centrally located so as to accommodate well attended diocesan gatherings.

Enniskillen is the only town in the British Isles which raised two regiments bearing its name, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. Over the years, the Standards and Colours of these regiments have been laid up in the cathedral. The Regimental Chapel in the north wing of the nave contains the surviving Colours and Standards of the two regiments. The cathedral has fine stained glass windows. The most important being the east window, dating from 1856. It depicts the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the widow’s son, Lazarus, and the appearance of Christ to Mary. It was erected to the glory of God and as a memorial to Jane, Countess of Enniskillen. The cathedral has interesting communion silver in its possession including the Davis Chalice, made in 1638, and the Cathcart Flagon dating from 1707.having two!