Belleek, Garrison,
Kiltyclogher & Slavin Group
  |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Church of Ireland (Anglican Communion), This group of parishes is the most westerly in the Diocese of Clogher in Ireland.
Garrison group of parishes consists of approximately three hundred souls. A minority community mostly involved in agriculture, situated on the border between Fermanagh on the northern side and Leitrim and Donegal on southern side of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Two churches are used each Sunday, on a rotational basis, for Sunday services. Garrison, Belleek and Slavin are in Fermanagh whilst Kiltyclogher is situated in north Leitrim. All the parishioners live in Northern Ireland.
The largest parish numerically is Garrison, with the church situated on the shores of the picturesque Lough Melvin Lake. It has within its parochial boundary a very fine Victorian rectory which is situated on the outskirts of the village. The church is always open and together with the hall and grounds are always beautifully maintained.
Slavin, situated on the edge of Lough Erne, was built as a chapel of ease and was in much need of renovation. A new vestry including kitchen and toilet facilities has been built. The church was rededicated in April 2009 after extensive renovation to the whole building. . It was in this church Catherine Elliott, daughter of Robert Williams Armstrong co-founder of Belleek potter worshiped. She was organist there for many years and one of her poems immortalised the church and church yard.
Belleek celebrated its bi-centenary in 2009. This could be described as the potter’s church as Robert Williams Armstrong and William Henshall who played a major role in bringing the art of basket weaving and flower making to the pottery both worship here, were members of the select vestry and are buried in the church yard. The church has undergone extensive renovations and is now open to the public every day. This sends out a very positive message of the church being a place where people can visit and get away from the bustle of life.
An interesting feature in the building is the wooden cross which hangs on the east gable and was a gift to the church during what were difficult times politically by Dr. Brian J. Finn. This symbol of peace is greatly valued by the parishioners and provides a focal point for all who come to rest under its shadow. The select vestry are currently proceeding with plans to install a three light east window depicting the history of Belleek and the potter’s wheel. It is planned to have the work completed in time for the flower festival which takes place from the 22nd to the 25th of May 2009.
Kiltyclogher in north Leitrim is the largest and most impressive of the four churches and yet has the smallest congregation. It is built of fine-cut stone and has a fine rose window in the west gable. The interior gives a great sense of space and it has the benefit of a pipe organ. Services in all the churches are according to the Book of Common Prayer with the Holy Communion always the central act of worship. Services are well attended and there is a good sense of community as a whole. A choir of 15 drawn from the four parishes under a musical director leads the singing at all special and united services. An effort is made to welcome and include visitors, whatever their tradition or background.
| |
Homepage | Churches | Worship | Wark
Hall | History |
| |