Leitrim church fundraiser aims to protect generations of faith and heritage

A fundraising drive is taking place to carry out emergency works at a church in rural Leitrim, while also honouring the late Leitrim-born Bishop John McBride.

The fundraising drive is for emergency works at St Michael’s Church in Killavoggy, Dromahair, in honour of Bishop John McBride, OFM, Bishop of Kokstad, South Africa.

The GoFundMe is being organised by the Emergency Works Committee at St Michael’s Church. Committee member Hubert McHugh has outlined the importance of the church and the legacy of Bishop John McBride.

“St. Michael’s Church has served as an important place of worship and community life for generations,” he said.

The church was originally built in 1883 by Canon Thomas Cahill, Parish Priest, on land generously donated to the church by Hugh McTiernan.

In 1903, Canon Cahill extended the original small church, providing additional space for the growing local community.

The church remained largely unchanged until 1965, when it underwent a complete restoration under the direction of Fr. Moran, Parish Priest, and Fr. Gill.

Following these emergency works, the church was rededicated by Bishop John McBride, OFM, a native of Killavoggy who served as Bishop of Kokstad in South Africa.

Mr McHugh explained some of the works that the church has needed.

“Over the years, smaller works and repairs were carried out as required. However, in more recent times, significant health and safety concerns arose, with the church's electrical wiring becoming a major issue.

“Much of the existing wiring dated back to the 1960s, making a complete rewiring of the church necessary. Heating also became a significant concern. The church could become extremely cold and damp, particularly during the winter months,” he explained.

To address this, the Parish Priest, Fr. Patsy McDermott, formed a small committee and oversaw the installation of a new gas heating system.

The Killavoggy area, like many parts of rural County Leitrim, has been deeply affected by emigration since the time of the Great Famine.

Today, the descendants of families from Killavoggy can be found throughout the United States, England, Australia, New Zealand and many other parts of the world.

Despite this history of emigration, the connection between these families and their place of origin remains strong. St. Michael’s Church represents an important part of that shared heritage.

The committee behind the fundraiser also wishes to honour the life and legacy of Bishop John McBride.

Born in 1911, Bishop McBride passed away in 1991 in Merchants Quay, Dublin.

People from the local area vividly remember Bishop McBride’s visits home to Killavoggy. During these visits, he would celebrate Mass and spend time with family members, neighbours and people throughout the community.

He was a popular and highly respected figure within this deeply rural community, and his connection to Killavoggy remained an important part of his story.

“As part of our emergency works and preservation efforts, the committee proposes developing an exhibition space where various artifacts pertaining to Bishop McBrides life will be on display within the church,” explained Mr McHugh.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Bishop McBride’s family, who have generously donated his vestments and other personal belongings to form part of the collection.”

A QR code will also be installed within the church, allowing visitors to access further information about Bishop McBride, his life, his ministry, his connection to Killavoggy, and his years serving the people of Kokstad in South Africa.

This will allow people visiting the church, including descendants of families who emigrated from the area, to discover more about the remarkable individuals and stories connected to Killavoggy.

Mr McHugh issued an appeal for support, saying:

“We respectfully appeal to people from Killavoggy and the wider Leitrim community, as well as those around the world whose families have connections to this area, to support our efforts to preserve St. Michael’s Church.

“Your donation will help us continue the Emergency Works and maintenance of this historic church, address essential works, and preserve its history and heritage for future generations.

Every contribution, regardless of size, will make a difference,” continued Mr McHugh.

“By supporting St. Michael’s Church, you are helping to preserve more than a building. You are helping to preserve the history, memories, faith and heritage of a community that has remained connected across generations and across the world.

“We sincerely thank everyone who supports our efforts and helps ensure that St. Michael’s Church, Killavoggy, remains a living part of the community for generations to come.

Thank you for helping us preserve our history for the future.”

Donations are available to be made on GoFundMe at this link: https://www.gofund.me/ef3d216bf