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The Church, dedicated in 1928,
is an imposing structure, occupying a picturesque and
elevated site, commanding in front the valley of the
Finn, unrivalled for its rich scenic beauty.
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Stretching far away on all sides are the mountain ranges
- rising in majestic grandeur from the lovely valley of the
River Finn, which winds in and out through it like a ribbon
of silver - an appropriate setting for a temple of God. Strangers
and visitors are always impressed by the wonderful setting
of this Church and the view it commands from the front steps.
The Church was designed in the Irish Romanesque style, which
was a popular style of architecture at that period. When viewed
from the front, or in perspective - it impresses the spectator
with the feeling of beauty and solidity...and blends in beautifully
with the surroundings. It was built to accommodate approximately
800 persons. Such accommodation would have been required at
that time, before there was any Church in Letterbrick.
Despite such generous capacity, it is on record that during
Mission times, many people were unable to gain admittance
to the Church.
The combination of Mountcharles sandstone and the local limestone
produces an effect of restfulness, in strong contrast with
the background of green and heather-clad hills.
The interior is impressive, with the loftiness and the free,
graceful lines of the trusses and curved ribs rising from
the wall corbels, and with panelling of Californian pine -
combined with the soft and subdued tone of the general colour
scheme - gives a richness and an air of quiet repose which
is most devotional.
The beautiful Altar, reredos, and Shrine of Our Lady are
magnificent pieces of workmanship. The Altar is in white Carrara marble, the pillars supporting it in Galway green marble,
while the lovely statuary representing the 'Last Supper' is
also in white vein Carrara .
The reredos (behind the Altar) contains a wealth of inlaid
panels - all in marble - containing a mixture of Irish, French,
Belgian and Italian marble, all skilfully blended together
to give a delightful and artistic creation - such a credit
to Irish craftsmanship and skill at that time.
Only the very best timbers were used in the construction
of the Church - pitch and Oregon pine in roof panelling and
pews. The flooring is of pitch pine wood block. What was built
in those days was meant to endure.
The Baptismal Font is of white Sicilian marble, elaborately
carved, with white circular shafts of Galway green, and Cork
red marble. This Font was the generous gift of Mr. John Shovelin.
The marble side Altars of the original Sanctuary were the
gifts of Miss Annie Kelly, Cloghan; the representative of
the late Maurice Kair; and Miss M. Gallagher, Chicago.
When the Sanctuary area was refurbished in 1970 in accordance
with the directives of Vatican II, the marble from both altars
was incorporated in the new Sanctuary.
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