For detailed information about the building, click here.

The following notice appeared in the Derry Journal on 20th January, 1864

Consecration of St.Mary’s Church, Stranorlar

On Sunday, the 31st instant, the Most Rev. Daniel McGettigan, D.D., Lord Bishop of Raphoe, will dedicate the above church. Ceremonies to commence at Eleven o’clock, a.m. A CHARITY SERMON by his Lordship, after twelve o’clock Mass, to aid in liquidating a Debt of £450, incurred in fitting up the church for Divine Service. A collection will be taken up after the sermon. Admission – by tickets, to be had of the Committee and the Rev. D. E. Coyle, P.P. Side Chapels and Front Seats 2s 6d, Nave 1s 6d, and aisles, 1s each. A special train, 1st, 2d and 3d class will leave Derry at 9.30 a.m. for Stranorlar, calling at intermediate stations as under. Viz. :-

Derry, 9.30 a.m.; Carrigans 9.45; St. Johnston, 9.50; Strabane, 10.15; Clady 10.30; Castlefin, 10.45; Killygordon, 11.5; and Stranorlar 11.20, and will return from Stranorlar at 5 p.m. to Derry, calling at same stations. Return tickets by the above Train for Single Fares. Tickets available for the Special Train only

The following article appeared in the Londonderry Journal on the 6th February, 1864

Consecration of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Stranorlar

(from a correspondent)

This splendid church was solemnly dedicated on Sunday last by Bishop of the Diocese, the Right Rev. Dr. McGettigan. Ample details of the architectural design of the church at Stranorlar appeared in a recent issue of your journal. On Sunday last, notwithstanding the severity of the morning, the interesting nature of the ceremonial and the distinguished character of the preacher attracted an immense congregation. There could not have been less than 3,000 persons in and around the church. The special train brought several hundreds from Derry and Strabane, and the other towns along the line of railway. The ceremony of dedicating the new church, which was performed by the Right Rev. Dr. McGettigan, was very impressive. High Mass commenced immediately after the dedication, the Rev. Mr Stephens, P.P., Killybegs, being celebrant, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Diver P.P., as Deacon, and the Rev. Mr. McDevitt, C.C., Convoy, as Sub-Deacon. The Rev. J. McMenamin, P.P., Raphoe, officiated as Master of Ceremonies. Among the clergymen present I noticed the Very Rev. Dean Feely, P.P, Inver; Very Rev. Edward Boyle, P.P., Donaghmore; Rev. John McGroarty, C.C., Killygordon; Rev. Hugh McFadden, C.C., Glenties; Rev. Peter McMenamin,

C.C., Ardara; Rev. Anthony Gallagher, C.C., Mountcharles; Rev. C. O’Donnell, Adminisrator, Letterkenny &c. The music was rendered in exquisite style by a select choir from Strabane and Newtownstewart – the principal parts being well sustained by the Messrs. McMahon, Miss McDermott, Mr. Denning, and Mr. Flanagan, and Miss Smily presiding with her usual ability at the harmonium. The dedication sermon was preached by the Right Rev. Dr. McGettigan, taking his text from Luke, viii., 4, 15. The discourse, which occupied more than an hour and a half in its delivery was heard throughout with the most profound attention. A collection was then made. The collection amounted to about £300. Great credit is due to the Rev. Daniel Coyle, the worthy parish priest, for his energy and zeal in erecting this really splendid church.

In the evening the Rev. Mr. Coyle entertained a large party at dinner in a very sumptuous style, including the Right Rev. Dr. McGettigan, Lord Francis Conyngham, Lord Lifford, Hon. Mr. Styles, the Messrs. Johnston, Mr. Fenton, Mr. Ledlie, Secretary to the Finn Valley Railway; Mr. Gunning, Dr. Wallen, with all the clergymen who assisted at the ceremonies of the day.

Several toasts were proposed.

In proposing the health of the “Lord of the Soil”, the Rev. Mr. Coyle pronounced a high eulogium on the Marquis of Conyngham, who was so much distinguished for his kindness and liberality, and who so generously gave them the site on which the church is erected. When his lordship was written to on the subject, he immediately replied, telling Mr. Coyle to select any site on his estate for the purpose, and that he would grant it with the greatest of pleasure.

Lord Francis Conyngham replied to his health in an admirable address.

The next toast was “The health of the Right Rev. Dr. McGettigan,” who contributed so much by his eloquent appeal to the success of the collection.

Dr. McGettigan, in acknowledging the compliment, said he took great interest in the new church which had been that day dedicated. A few years ago he laid the foundation stone – his first official public act, after being raised to the episcopacy. He also considered it as the centre from which would be diffused the words of peace, and concord, and charity. He expressed his delight at the manner in which the highest in the land, as well as the poorest, had come forward with their contributions to assist in its completion.

The next toast was the health of Lord Lifford, a nobleman who gave generous aid and encouragement during the progress of the new church. The Rev. Mr Coyle spoke of him as a kind and indulgent landlord, who contributed much to the development of the resources of the country, alluding to his efforts to carry out the Finn Valley line of railway, and the active interest his lordship always took in providing for the comfort of the poor in their union workhouse.

Lord Lifford made a very eloquent speech, in which he described the new church as one of the finest in Ireland. It afforded him great pleasure to aid in its erection. He also spoke in very complimentary terms of the valuable exertions of the bishop and clergy of Raphoe, to whose exertions the peaceable state of Donegal might be very largely attributed.

Several other toasts, including the health of Mr. Styles, were proposed and responded to, after which the party separated, much pleased with the character of the day’s proceedings.