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A MODERN BUILDING ON NEW ROAD IN KILKENNY CITY

Kilkenny Presbyterian Church: A Tale of Two Churches

Kilkenny Presbyterian Church, as a name, can be a source of confusion as it refers to two distinct buildings with a shared history. This article aims to clarify this confusion by exploring the history of both churches, their connection to each other, and their place within the broader context of Presbyterianism in Kilkenny. It also delves into the history of New Road, where the modern church is located, and highlights any notable stories, events, or news reports related to the church and its community.

Two Churches, One Name

The name “Kilkenny Presbyterian Church” most commonly refers to the modern church building located at 16 New Road in Kilkenny, Ireland (R95 X588) . This church, with its contemporary design and active congregation, serves as a hub for the local Presbyterian community. However, there is another church that historically held the same name: the older Kilkenny Presbyterian Church on Ormonde Road. This older church, built in 1839 , is now used as an office building.

The Older Church on Ormonde Road

The older Kilkenny Presbyterian Church on Ormonde Road is a detached, three-bay, double-height, single-cell Gothic Revival Presbyterian church . Constructed in 1839 , it features a pitched slate roof with clay ridge tiles and cast-iron rainwater goods . The front (south-east) elevation is built with limestone ashlar and includes cut-limestone dressings . Adding to its historical richness, the church incorporates a salvaged twelfth-century Romanesque doorcase (1133), along with several smaller artefacts carved from a honey-coloured local sandstone .

The church’s design exhibits several unique architectural features. A Tudor-headed window opening graces the entrance bay, with a cut-limestone surround, chamfered reveals, a hood moulding, timber Y-mullions forming a five-part lancet arrangement, and decorative fixed-pane iron windows . Flanking this central window are pointed-arch window openings with cut-limestone surrounds, chamfered reveals, hood mouldings, timber Y-mullions forming a bipartite lancet arrangement, and fixed-pane fittings with diamond-leaded glazing . The remaining window openings are also pointed-arch, with cut-limestone sills and fixed-pane timber fittings .

The church underwent renovations in 1994, during which the interior was remodelled to accommodate its use as offices . This renovation reflects a period when the congregation was without its own dedicated minister . However, the building retains its historical and architectural significance as a testament to the enduring presence of Presbyterianism in Kilkenny.

The Modern Church on New Road
The modern Kilkenny Presbyterian Church on New Road is a more recent construction, although the exact date remains unclear from the available information. It is a modern building with facilities designed to cater to the needs of a contemporary congregation, including a kitchen, a hall, and rooms specifically for toddlers, teenagers, and prayer meetings . The church can be contacted by telephone (086 8362633). The current minister is Rev Jonathan Currie.

Connecting the Two Churches
The two Kilkenny Presbyterian Churches are linked by their shared history and the evolution of the Presbyterian community in Kilkenny. The older church on Ormonde Road served as the original place of worship for the congregation, which dates back to the 1830s . The congregation was formally organised in 1838, and its first minister, Rev. Joshua Collins, was ordained in 1841 .

Over time, the needs of the congregation changed, and the decision was made to establish a new church building on New Road. This move likely reflects a desire to provide a more modern and accessible space for worship and community activities. The older church on Ormonde Road was subsequently repurposed as an office building, while the new church on New Road became the primary place of worship for the Kilkenny Presbyterian community.

The History of New Road

While the name might suggest a recent addition to Kilkenny’s streetscape, New Road is not as new as one might initially think. Although the exact date of its construction remains unclear from the available information, it likely developed sometime after the medieval period . To understand this seemingly contradictory name, it’s essential to delve into the broader history of Kilkenny and its unique urban development.

Kilkenny boasts a long and complex history, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 6th century . The city’s street names often reflect this historical development, with many roads named after significant events or landmarks . For instance, St. Kieran’s Street, named for Ciaran’s Well, marks the site of an ancient church that was demolished and later incorporated into the public market . This street served as the original thoroughfare from Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral and is likely one of the oldest in the city . Adding a touch of intrigue to its historical significance, St. Kieran’s Street was also reportedly home to Alice Kyteler, the infamous “witch of Kilkenny,” who escaped the city after being tried for witchcraft.

Similarly, Parliament Street derives its name from the Confederate Parliament of 1648 but was previously known as Coal Market Street, reflecting its function as the site where coal from the Castlecomer mines was sold . High Street, another prominent thoroughfare, was built as an extension of the existing High Street at the request of the occupying English, who agreed to lease the ground from the Church for an annual rent of 4 ounces of gold . Notable buildings on High Street include Grace’s Castle and Rothe House, a 16th-century merchant’s house restored in 1966, which once housed the Gaelic League where Irish was taught .

In more recent times, Kilkenny has seen the development of the Kilkenny Central Access Scheme (CAS), previously known as the Kilkenny Inner Relief Road Scheme . This scheme, comprising 4.5 kilometers of single carriageway road with a width of 7.3 meters , aimed to alleviate traffic congestion in the city centre. However, the CAS proved controversial, with concerns raised about its route potentially bringing heavy traffic through residential areas and the medieval Irishtown section of the city . The Inner Relief Road was initially proposed in 1978 to provide access for brewery traffic, but the brewery has since closed . Before the CAS, Kilkenny already had a two-thirds ring road, and some argued that completing this outer ring road would be more effective in addressing traffic issues . Despite these concerns, Kilkenny County Council prioritised the CAS project over completing the outer ring road .

Stories, Events, and News Reports

Kilkenny Presbyterian Church has been an active presence in the community, hosting various events and featuring in local news and publications. In December 2019, the Kilkenny City Brass Band held a carol service at the church, bringing festive cheer to the congregation and the wider community . In 2014, the church hosted a farewell event for a departing minister, marking a transition in leadership while acknowledging the contributions of the outgoing minister . During the COVID-19 pandemic, the church adapted to the challenges of the time by providing online resources and guidance to its congregation, ensuring continued support and spiritual connection during a period of isolation .

The church offers a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. Men’s Bible studies meet every Saturday morning, providing an opportunity for men to come together and delve deeper into their faith . The church also hosts Ladies Bible Studies on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, Mum’s in Prayer meetings monthly, and an ECL bereavement group that meets monthly, offering support and fellowship to those who are grieving . Additionally, the church provides a weekly email and A5 booklet resource called “Let’s Pray,” which offers prayer topics and requests for the coming week, covering various aspects of church life with a focus on Global Mission and Mission in Ireland.

One of the church’s notable initiatives is the “What’s the Story?” program, which aims to engage people in conversations about faith and Christianity . Through this program, the church has listened to nearly 1000 stories from people across Ireland, uncovering two common objections to Christianity and four common questions that point to a deep need for Christ . In the fall of 2022, “What’s the Story?” launched a nationwide publicity campaign to encourage people to think about the big existential themes that are woven through their lives . This campaign reflects the church’s commitment to reaching out to the wider community and fostering meaningful dialogue about faith and spirituality.

Interestingly, in the summer of 2012, Tyler and Carrie Dirks and their children worked with Kilkenny Presbyterian Church . This collaboration highlights the church’s connections with individuals and families from other countries, demonstrating its openness to engaging with different perspectives and experiences.

ANGLICAN COMMUNION

KILKENNY PHOTO COLLECTIONS AUGUST 2018

During my 2018 visit to Kilkenny it rained almost constantly. I had almost given up and was sheltering in my hotel room across the street from this old church when I noticed a break in the weather and that there were many people outside the gates of the church so I took the opportunity to visit the churchyard as I could not gain access earlier in my visit.

St. John’s Priory, established in the 13th century by the Augustinian Order, is much older than St John’s Catholic church which is nearby. It is a remarkable example of medieval architecture and a National Monument of Ireland.

The Lady Chapel, the most well-preserved part of the priory, is now used as a parish church of the Church of Ireland. It’s known for its beautiful stained glass windows, which were once considered some of the finest in Ireland, earning it the nickname “Lantern of Ireland.”

The ruins of the rest of the priory, including the nave and chancel, are also of great historical and architectural interest. They provide a glimpse into the lives of the Augustinian canons who lived and worshipped there for centuries.