Extract from The Derry Journal, June 29th, 1928

     'Yesterday, the sacred edifice was crowded to the doors when Solemn High Mass commenced at noon. In the interior of the Church, and particularly within the spacious sanctuary, with its many coloured marbles, there was revealed a spectacle of beauty and chasteness - reflecting in conjunction with the general character of the construction - the greatest credit on the architect, Mr J V Brennan, MRIAI

     'Prior to the celebration of Mass, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. MacNeely solemnly blessed and dedicated the Church. The Bishop was assisted by the following priests:

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Very Rev. Chancellor McCafferty, P.P., Stranorlar; Rev. Dr. B. Duggan, C.C., Edeninfagh; Rev. D. Sweeney, E.I., Letterkenny; Very Rev. J. Murray, P.P., Glenfin; Rev. W. Lynagh, C.C., Drumkeen; Rev. Peadar McLoinsigh, C.C., Castlederg; Rev. J. Kelly, C.C., Convoy

     'His Lordship presided at Solemn High Mass which was sung by Very Rev. Joeseph Sheridan, P.P., Carrigart, who was endowed with a particularly rich and melodious baritone voice. Assisting priests were: Rev. D. Sweeney, Rev. C. McGlinchey, Rev. J. Sweeney, Rev. Peadar McLoinsigh, and Rev. James Gallagher - nephew of Fr. Anthony Gallagher (who sadly died during the construction of the Church).

     'In the Choir were: Rev. J. Kelly, Rev. W. Lynagh, Rev. J. Deeney, Mr. W. T. McMenamin and Mr Charles McLean. Mrs. Hannigan, Letterbrick, presided at the organ.'

The Dedication Sermon was preached by Very Rev. J. H. Monastery, Belfast. He congratulated the parishioners for having provided such a worthy Shrine for the Madonna of Perpetual Succour; and having outlined the history of the Miraculous Picture - he urged the people to even greater devotion to the mother of God under this lovely title.

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At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the then parish priest, Rev. John Murray, thanked all the benefactors of the new Church. He expressed deep gratitude to Mr Anthony Carlin, formerly of Tonduff, who had made good in Cleveland, Ohio, and who had donated the beautiful High Altar and marble reredos (ornamental screen, covering the back of an altar). This gentleman's generosity was not confined to his native parish - he was also benefactor to many churches in the land of his adoption - and had bestowed upon him by the Pope the singular honour of 'Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great'. There is a stone plaque in the Sanctuary area of the Church commemorating his beneficence. (Pictured right)

Another generous benefactor was the late Mr. Morris Kair of Cloghan. His nephew, Rev. John Kelly C.S.S.R. was to have preached the Dedication Sermon, but was unable to be present.

Other benefactors thanked publically were:

Sir William Gallagher, London - a native of the parish; Mr. Shovelin, Chicago & Glenties; Miss M. Gallagher, Kinadderra & Chicago; the national teachers of the parish - Mr. McGilloway, Miss Mary J. Campbell, Mr. Coyle of Dublin; and Mrs. Logue-Porter of Letterhillue & Chicago; the various donors of nave windows, Stations of the Cross, etc. The window behind the Altar was donated by the parish priest's brother - Charles Murray, who at that time was a publican in Brandywell Road, Derry.

It may be of interest to recall the text of Mr. Anthony Carlin's telegram received by the parish priest on that occasion. It seems to throw much light on the character of the man. It read:

"As an exile from Erin's green isle, I send my tenderest love to the clergy and people of my native parish, and pray that you join my heart's love with the Altar, as a Gift to Our Divine Master and Blessed Mother, and offer it up on the day of Consecration as a proof of my undying gratitude for my Irish Faith, until all are united about Heaven's own Altar - with the sons and heroes in the land of eternal peace."