St Mary's Church Altinure picks up national award

A County Derry church is celebrating this week after winning a national award.

St Mary's in Altinure won the Nayler Awards for Excellence in Church Maintenance during last Monday's National Church Awards.

Known as the ‘BAFTAs for Churches’, the awards recognise excellence in a number of areas including tourism and maintenance.

The ceremony, which was organised by the National Church's Trust, was held in London and was attended by Fr Micheál McGavigan, parish priest of Banagher, and parishioner Catriona Doughty.

Judges commended the local church on its 'ethos and community involvement'.

They were particularly impressed by a statement made by one of the volunteers on how their work around the church in Park village has had a positive effect on others.

“Volunteering in the church gives me a sense of belonging, I have developed lifelong friendships. I know my actions will have a positive effect on others and this gives me a sense of accomplishment,” the volunteer said in a statement.

Geraldine Lynch, Secretary of Banagher Parish Finance Council, was responsible for putting St Mary's forward for the prestigious award.

Geraldine explained that she became aware of the awards while speaking to National Church's Trust representative for Northern Ireland, Nina McNeary, during one of her visits to the church.

Geraldine completed the extensive application form and submitted photographs.

She said she was delighted to learn the church had won the top accolade.

Fr McGavigan said: “It was great to know that all the work that was done was recognised. There are a lot of volunteers here and a lot of work and help goes into the maintenance of the church.”

The church, which was built in 1871, is due to undergo major renovation work in the coming months, as the priest explained.

“There is some structural work to be done first to solve problems with water ingress and then when that's complete there is, and has been plans for a number of years, for some internal renovations to the church. Hopefully when we get the water ingress sorted we will get started on some of the other work next year.”

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, extended her warm congratulations to St Mary's Church in Altinure and also two other churches which were successful in other categories.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Strabane received the Church Tourism: Open for Visitors Award, and Christ Church, Derry, picked up the Church and Community Volunteer Award in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust.

Congratulating all the winners, Mayor Logue said it was a real testament to the commitment of local volunteers and communities in maintaining local churches. “I am delighted to see three of our local churches singled out for recognition and that all three regional winners from the North are in our council area. I want to extend my congratulations to all three who are very worthy winners, and play a really important role in our local community.

“Our churches are a wonderful asset with so many fascinating artefacts and we will continue to work with them to shine a light on the important role they have in local heritage.”