History of St. Lawrence’s Church, Fintona
Built in 1841, St. Lawrence’s Church is situated in the townland of Lisnabulreavy on Lisdergan Road approximately one mile from the village of Fintona. It is dedicated to Saint Lawrence, a roman Deacon who was martyred in 258 AD. Fr. James Kelly, who was the Parish Priest from 1832 until 1853, was responsible for the building of the new Chapel with work taking place between 1839 and 1841. From historical documents we understand that, from at least 1837, ‘‘collections are making to erect a new one’’.
It is a Grade B1 Listed Building. It was built with locally sourced ‘pink buff’ sandstone. This same sandstone was also used in the construction of Old Donacavey Church (in ruins in the townland of Donacavey), Castletown Old Church (at top of Church Street) and Donacavey Church (the present Church of Ireland on Ecclesville Road).
St. Lawrence’s Church is probably the largest of its type in the Clogher Diocese measuring 115 feet in length and 52 feet wide. Parishioners transported the roof timbers (known as memel) by road from the Port at Ballyshannon.
The Church has undergone several alterations, additions and renovations over the years.
In order to accommodate the congregation, it was necessary to erect extensive galleries, and this was started in the summer of 1857. The galleries were opened to the congregation on Christmas morning of that year.
In 1872, a tower and spire were added.
Between 1924 and 1927, there was a complete renovation of the Church with many extensions and new features added. This cost over £8,000 and, at that time, the Parish Priest was Canon Maguire. The extensive works included the beautiful stained-glass window behind the altar. The stained-glass window was designed by A.E Child and depicts the Ascension of our Lord. These works also included the provision of a marble communion-rail which extended the full width of the Church, a panelled pine ceiling, a new pulpit, new confessionals, new Stations of the Cross and new floors paved with ornamental tiles.
In 1941, to mark its 100th Anniversary, there were numerous centenary celebrations. At a Mass in St. Lawrence’s Church, in the presence of an immense congregation of the people of the parish, Fr. M’ Elligott, a priest from Dublin, said the following:
“this Church would be a credit to any parish in Ireland, a Church of which the people of that parish should be justly proud. It should be a source of pride to them to belong to the people who built it.”
In 2013, major renovation works were undertaken including the renewal of the Church spire, removal and refurbishment of the Church bell, replacement of any defective stonework, lead flashings etc.
Following this most recent work, the Church was rededicated by the then Bishop of Clogher, Liam McDaid, on Friday 31st January 2014. During his introductory remarks, Bishop McDaid said:
“For many years, this Church has been admired as one of the finest in this part of the world. You, the people of the Parish, have been most generous in your support of this refurbishment. It is very much to your credit that you weathered the difficult financial times, realising the lasting nature of the work being done. It was a magnificent Church and still is a magnificent Church.”
