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LOCAL CHURCHES |
Local Churches St. Feithlimidh's Cathedral, Kilmore Coronea Church |
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| Drumkeeran Presbyterian Church & Cemetery |
Drumkeeran is a daughter church of Killeshandra Presbyterian Church. Worship began here before this church was built. Mr. John Carmichael was ordained on 27th February 1835 as Minister.
The church was built by two local men by the name “Smith” from Drumcullion. The church or meetinghouse, as it was called in those days, was opened on the 28th October 1839. Rev. Carmichael resigned on 27th January 1844.
The next Minister was Rev. Thomas Barr 1844 – 1850, then Rev. William Hogg 1851 – 1855. Rec. Samuel Patrick was ordained as Minister on the 27th September 1855. This was a very important time in the life of the congregation.
In 1859 there was a spiritual revival and the numbers in the congregation increased dramatically. On Sunday 1st October 1859 a meeting was announced in the church. One hour before the meeting was due to begin the church was full and it was found necessary to hold the meeting in a field, there being 1500 people present.
A new manse was built during the ministry of Rev. Patrick and a graveyard was opened in September 1884. Rev. Patrick retired in 1889 but remained on in Drumkeeran until 1899.
Rev. Andrew Irvine was the next Minister, 1901 – 1913. There was a Presbyterian school associated with the church situated one mile away. At some time (date unknown) this school was closed and the pupils moved to another building on the church grounds until it was eventually closed in March 1913. The former school is now the home of Mr. James Sheridan, Drumkeeran.
In 1913, Rev. George Limerick became Minister until his retirement in 1935. The church was then united with Carrigallen and Killeshandra and had other missionary charges in this group – the Minister to reside in Carrigallen manse.
Rev. Irwin Steele (RAF Chaplain in World War II) was Minister 1936 – 1946. His successor was Rev. Samuel Watt 1946 – 1964 (now residing in Bangor, Co. Down)
The manse at Drumkeeran was demolished during the mid 1950’s. After a lengthy vacancy Rev. Ernest Stronge became Minister 1968 – 1979. Then another vacancy occurred and the church was united with Bellasis, Cavan, Carrigallen and Killeshandra.
In November 1984, Rev. Jean Mackarel was appointed assistant Minister until she was installed as Minister in January 1986. Rev. Mackarel is the first lady Minister in the history of this church. Daughter of a Kilmount farmer, married to a Clones farmer and mother of two sons.
If you would like further information on the life of the Cavan group of Presbyterian Churches, Cavan Library stocks a book entitled “Presbyterian Ministry in Co. Cavan – A Look Back”.
Sunday Services are held at 11.30am on all Sundays except the second in the month, where the service is in Cavan at 10.15am.
Contact:
Rev. Jean Mackarel M.A. B.D.
The Manse
15 Farnham Street,
Cavan
Tel: 049 – 4332242
