St Luke
Loughgall, County Armagh
This late Georgian church in a simple Gothic style is located in the village of Loughgall in the heart of Co Armagh's apple growing countryside.
St Aidan's lies in a sleepy rural village setting with a rich, mainly untapped history. Kilmore, meaning ‘great church’ has been a seat of the teaching of the Gospel in this part of Ireland for hundreds of years and giving birth to many neighbouring churches in the process.
We invite you to join us and explore how significant this church has been through the ages and continues to be in the life of Christianity in Ireland. St Aidan's church was founded c422AD, the existing church having been rebuilt in 1814. It is widely believed that St Patrick visited Kilmore on his way to Armagh in the year 444AD.
Whatever your interest, this unassuming church delivers hidden gems, and you won't be disappointed. Some of the things to discover are:
- The List of Rectors dating back to 1287
- Stories of people with links to the parish including: Thomas Preston - physicist whose work led to the development of the MRI Scanner; Dolly Monroe - buried in the Richardson Crypt - Pathway Richhill Castle to Kilmore being planned ; family connection of Francis Johnston, Irish Architect; Thomas Hewitt - renowned poet of Townland of Peace;
- The Norman bell tower containing a hand rung bell and including an integral, possibly, Viking round tower;
- The Historic Hill Organ built in 1865 by William Hill for Trinity Church, Dublin which was acquired by St Aidan's for a little over £100, following closure of that church in 1919. Subsequently it was installed in the west gallery as a memorial to those who served in the First World War and continues to play a pivotal role enhancing weekly worship, whilst also playing a major part in supporting choral concerts held;
- Wander around, immerse yourself in the Reformation graveyard which has been the subject of a QUB Survey recording all graves and inscriptions over a two year period.
In addition to the main areas of interest mentioned, some small furniture items, memorials and stained glass windows are worth taking a look at too.
A warm welcome awaits you, should you wish to visit us and share our fascinating history.