GENERAL FEATURES

St. Mary's Church, built on an elevated site facing Main Street, is approached by two flights of stone steps stretching across the front of the building and leading up to the main entrance. The walls are built of limestone with chiselled dressings. The main section of the building was completed in 1879 and the tower block as added in 1925. The tower block was surmounted by a large limestone cross which was subsequently removed because of its excessive weight. This cross has recently been erected at the entrance to the local Famine Cemetery following its restoration and upgrading for the 150th anniversary of this tragic event.

The two side porches and confessionals were added in 1979 when the sanctuary area was being re¬designed. They too are constructed of limestone, retrieved from the site of the old Fever Hospital which was built in 1849 to relieve gross overcrowding in the adjacent Workhouse.

St. Mary's measures 170 feet long, 60 feet wide and 60 feet high. As you enter the Church through the front door there is a vestibule stretching the entire width of the building. Your attention is immediately drawn to the magnificent wrought iron spiral staircase leading up to the organ gallery. The interior consists of the nave and two side aisles, chancel (sacristy) and altar of reservation and baptistery. At the rear of the chancel there is a spacious sacristy and prayer room which is also used as a chapel of adoration. The aisles are divided from the nave by a series of pointed arches sustained by polished granite pillars with moulded bases of Portland stone and ornamental caps. The seating throughout is made of pitch pine with ornamental terminals.

In 1979, in line with Vatican II recommendations, the sanctuary area was re-designed. The main altar was dismantled and portions of it were used to construct the side Altar, Tabernacle and surrounding area where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.The altar rails were used to enhance the corresponding area on the right side of the main altar where the Baptismal font is located.

The painting positioned at the back of the main altar, depicting Christ the Teacher, was created by the well known artist Ray Carroll.

The parishioners of Kiltoghert can be justifiably proud of the fact that since 1984 there has been uninterrupted Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Mary's Church.