Pictured at the 225th anniversary celebrations at Straid Parish Church, Foxford, were Rev. Canon Doris Clements, Rev. Andy Pierce, Rev. Clive Moore, Rev Rachel Kenny, Rev. Caroline Morrow, Rev. Karen Duignan, Fr. Padraig Costello PP, Bishop Michael Burrows, Rev. Canon Andrea Wills, Fr. Stephen O’Mahony PP, Fr. Dan O’Mahony, Rev. John Young and Beverley Stafford, Parish Reader. PHOTO: ALISON LAREDO

Mayo church marks 225 years of continuous worship with ecumenical service

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The Church of Ireland Straid Parish Church, Foxford, has held a special Ecumenical Service of Celebration, marking 225 years of continuous worship and service to the local community.

Rev. Canon Andrea Wills before the 225 year anniversary service. Photo: Alison Laredo

The church warmly invited people from across the parish and surrounding community, from all Christian traditions and backgrounds, to join together for this very special occasion.

The service was led by Bishop Michael Burrows, Bishop of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe, who joined the congregation in giving thanks for the church's long history and its continuing place at the heart of the Foxford community.

Located on the market square in the heart of Foxford village, Church of Ireland Straid Parish Church, was constructed in 1801 by parochial assessment at a cost of £400 with the tower and gallery added in 1826.

Welland and Gillespie were the appointed architects, and the church design is indicative of The Board of the First Fruits.

During the 19th century, Foxford was owned by the Bingham family, the Barons of Clanmorris of Newbrook, and they were responsible for the structural build.

Among the church's many features is its beautiful East Window, (designed by William Francis Dixon of Franz Mayer & Company, Munich and London).

The East Window was erected in 1908 by John Bingham, 5th Baron Clanmorris and dedicated to the memory of his parents.

The window remains a treasured part of the church and serves as a reminder of the generations who have contributed to the life and story of the parish.

For 225 years, the church has been a place of worship, prayer, celebration and remembrance, witnessing the changing lives and stories of generations within the parish.

So, the 225th anniversary celebrations yesterday provided an opportunity not only to reflect on the rich heritage of Church of Ireland, Straid Parish Church but also to look forward with hope to its continuing role within the community for generations to come.

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