Enniskillen
St Macartin's Cathedral in Enniskillen is one of two cathedral churches serving the Diocese of Clogher within the Church of Ireland. Originally constructed as St Anne's Parish Church and completed in 1842, it was rededicated as St Macartin's Cathedral in 1923, becoming the second cathedral for the diocese. It stands on elevated ground offering views of Enniskillen and is a significant ecclesiastical center for the region.
Key Facts
- ›Completed in 1842 as St Anne's Parish Church, it was rededicated as St Macartin's Cathedral in 1923.
- ›The cathedral incorporates elements of an earlier church building dating back to around 1627.
- ›It features a 150-foot (45 M) tower and spire, housing ten bells.
- ›The dean and chapter of Clogher hold their stalls in this cathedral.
- ›Queen Elizabeth II attended a Diamond Jubilee thanksgiving service here in 2012.
- ›In March 2023, the Cathedral celebrated 400 years of worship on its site.
- 150-Foot Tower and Spire
- Peal of Ten Bells
- Three-Manual Electro-Pneumatic Organ
- Incorporates Elements of A Former Church Building
About Enniskillen
St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen
St Macartin's Cathedral, located in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is one of the two cathedral churches serving the Diocese of Clogher within the Church of Ireland. It is situated on high ground, offering views over the town and standing as a significant religious and historical landmark.
History and Development
The site has a long history of worship, with the first church building completed around 1627 by Sir William Cole as part of the initial development of Enniskillen. By 1832, this original structure had deteriorated to the point of being structurally unsafe. The present building was then erected to replace it, with construction concluding in 1842. Initially serving as St Anne's Parish Church, it underwent further modification with the enlargement of its chancel in 1889. A significant shift in its ecclesiastical status occurred in 1923 when the church was rededicated as St Macartin's Cathedral, thereby becoming the second cathedral for the Diocese of Clogher. In March 2023, a special service marked 400 years of continuous worship on the site.
Architectural Features and Significance
The cathedral is characterized by its prominent 150-foot (45 m) tower and spire. This tower houses a peal of ten bells, which are also capable of being chimed to play various tunes. Inside, the cathedral features a substantial three-manual electro-pneumatic action organ. This instrument comprises thirty-three speaking stops, complemented by a full pedal board and enclosed swell and choir divisions.
Notable Events
St Macartin's Cathedral has hosted significant national events. On June 26, 2012, Queen Elizabeth II attended a thanksgiving service within the cathedral to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. This service involved leaders from various Christian denominations in Ireland. The cathedral also serves as the location for the stalls of the dean and chapter of Clogher, alongside the senior cathedral in Clogher itself.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St Macartin's Cathedral completed?
The current building of St Macartin's Cathedral was completed in 1842. It was originally constructed as St Anne's Parish Church.
What is the history of the site of St Macartin's Cathedral?
The first church building on the site was completed around 1627, as part of the original building of Enniskillen town. The current structure replaced a building that had become structurally unsafe by 1832.
When did it become a cathedral?
The church was rededicated as St Macartin's Cathedral in 1923. This made it the second cathedral of the Clogher Diocese.
What notable events have occurred at St Macartin's Cathedral?
In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II attended a thanksgiving service for her Diamond Jubilee at the cathedral. In March 2023, a service was held to celebrate 400 years of worship on the site.
What are some architectural features of St Macartin's Cathedral?
The cathedral features a 150-foot (45 m) tower and spire. The tower contains a peal of ten bells and also has a three-manual electro-pneumatic organ with thirty-three speaking stops.
Related Cathedrals
Clogher
St. Macartan's Cathedral in Clogher, County Tyrone, is one of two cathedrals serving the Diocese of Clogher within the Church of Ireland. The current neo-classical structure was designed by James Martin and erected in 1744 on a site traditionally founded as a monastery by St. Macartan around 490 AD.
Down Cathedral
Down Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is a significant Church of Ireland cathedral located in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. It stands on Cathedral Hill, overlooking the town, and is a central point within the Diocese of Down and Dromore. The cathedral holds historical importance, with origins tracing back to a monastic community in the Celtic church period.
Dromore Cathedral
Dromore Cathedral, formally known as The Cathedral Church of Christ the Redeemer, Dromore, is a significant Anglican cathedral in County Down, Northern Ireland. It serves as one of two cathedrals within the Diocese of Down and Dromore and functions as an active parish church, ministering to approximately 600 families while also playing a vital role in diocesan life. The site has a history of worship dating back to the 6th century with the establishment of a church by St Colman.