Irish Times Notes27 May 23

Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Kilbixy Mausoleum Project

The Follies Trust will soon embark on its latest project – the conservation of the Malone mausoleum at Kilbixy, Co Westmeath. Architectural historian, Kevin Mulligan, has written of the’ mausoleum of the Malone family set cheek by jowl with the parish church … each a mascot for their respective architectural style – the Gothick church light, serene and delicately detailed, the Greek–Revival mausoleum, weighty, pure and prismatic’.

In preparation the Trust will hold two lectures. On Thursday in All Saints church, Mullingar, at 7pm, Richard McLoughlin, Director of Lotts Architecture, will explain the findings of the survey undertaken in 2022 and how the conservation of the structure will be carried out.  In addition, local historian, Ruth Illingworth, will outline the history of the Kilbixy site. The second lecture is in the Irish Architectural Archive, Merrion Square, Dublin, on 7 June, when Dr Finbar McCormick, Archaeologist and Trustee of the Follies Trust, will outline the history of the Malone family and discuss the survey of the mausoleum vault which he undertook in 2022. There is no charge for the lectures but donations will be greatly appreciated. For further information see www.follies–trust.org

St Bigseach’s church, Kilbixy, is part of a group of parishes  based on Mullingar, where the rector is Canon Alastair Graham. The church was designed by the celebrated London architect, James Wyatt, and it is believed that he may also have designed the mausoleum.

The Ecumenical Service for Pentecost Sunday in Clogher Diocese will take place this year at the former Church of Ireland church, graveyard and ancient round tower at Inniskeen near Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. Both  Bishops of Clogher, the Most Revd Larry Duffy, and  the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis, will lead the service which begins at 4pm on Sunday.

On Monday evening at 6pm the series of organ recitals will continue in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin. The recitalist will be George de Voil from St James’ church, Sussex Gardens, London.

The Davidson United Methodist Church Choir and Bell Choir from North Carolina will give a concert on Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in St. Joseph’s Catholic church, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick, in aid of the Turkey, Syria Earthquake Appeal. This is a collaboration between St. Joseph’s church and All Saints Church of Ireland. The Choir will sing again on Thursday evening at 8pm in St. Peter’s church, Bandon, Co. Cork.

Following its sold–out Lenten sessions, the Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland is running further ‘Under the Tree’ days. This nature connection and Bible study takes place in the beautiful surrounds of a garden in Rathmines on two Thursday evenings, the 1st and 8th of June, from 7.30pm–9.30pm. Lydia, Ministry Leader of CMH:I, will lead the nature connection and practising presence aspects; Julie from the National Bible Society of Ireland will lead the interactive Bible Study. All are welcome to attend one or both of these sessions, but spaces are limited, so please book via www.ministryofhealing.ie

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with The series of Summer Music at Sandford continues in Sandford parish church, Ranelagh. On Friday, at 1.10pm, there will be a piano recital by Cormuin Ó Raghallaigh who will pay music by Bach, Haydn and Chopin.

The Past Choristers of Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, will have their annual reunion on Trinity Sunday (4th June) and will join the cathedral choir in singing Evensong, followed by a reception in the Chapter House. Those who are interested should contact pastchoristers@christchurch.ie for further details.