St Patrick
Ballyclog, County Tyrone
Ballyclog has centuries of Christian history, historic church ruins, a stunningly beautiful 'new' church opened in 1865 and friendly knowledgeable guides called The Friends of Ballyclog.
St John's is in Moneymore, Magherafelt.
The parish takes its name from the the old church at Desertlyn about 2 miles from the village of Moneymore in the townland of Ballymully. Desertlyn church was built in 1622 and used until 1767 when a new church was built in Moneymore. The ruins of this church are barely distinguishable in the old graveyard in Lawford Street.
In 1832 the church in Lawford Street was replaced by a new building - the existing building of St John's. It was built in the Norman style of architecture at a cost of £6000, all of which was borne by the Drapers Company. The church was later improved in 1868, but in 1889 a disastrous fire destroyed the roof and interior of the of the church. Only one stained window and the pulpit survived the fire.
The organ was built by Peter Conacher of Huddersfield, it is an exceptionally fine instrument.
The Oak reading desk and seat were presented, in commemoration of the Golden Wedding of Sir WF Lenox-Cunningham and Laura his wife by their sons and daughters (Of Springhill House) National Trust Property on the Coagh Road.
The church was described as a Mini Cathedral by a former parishioner, (Mr Sammy Weir of Circular Road, Moneymore) who oversaw the renovations at the church and Rectory in 1995. Seeing is believing, so why not come along and see our beautiful church for yourself.