The following item appears in the Parliamentary Returns, 1739—‘The Parishioners of Donaghmore have presented 80 pounds to be levy’d to build a new church in four years, and said Primate (Archbishop Boulter) has promised to give timber to roof the church and ten guineas to finish it.’ The church possesses no particular architectural design, except that the windows are gothic. The vestry was built in 1826, and a handsome wquare tower was added in 1829, ornamented with buttresses, pinnacles and finials. The cost was defrayed by a sum levied off the parishioners, and by voluntary contributions.

The former bell was erected in the church tower in 1829, at a cost of 160 pounds, levied off the landholders of the parish in 1827—the amount to be spread equally over that and the two succeeding years. This bell bore the inscription-‘Cast at Gloucester by John Ruddell-1829.’

Extensive improvements were made in 1879-including the erection of a chancel, a stained east window, new pews, etc., at a cost of 242 pounds 19s. 9d.

During the present rectorate further improvements were made, and embellishments added. In 1888 two ‘Tablets,’ on which are inscribed the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments, were placed on the walls on either side of the chancel arch-presented by the late Arthur Charles Innes of Dromantine. In 1885, two handsomely carved oak scrolls were erected, one on the wall beneath the east window, and the other on the chancel arch, on which are respectively the texts in gilt letters, in relief:-‘Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty’-‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.’ These were gifts of Mrs. Innes (first wife of Arthur Charles Innes), as were the two exquisitely wrought banners which adorn the cancel walls, the beautiful alms basins, and brass pulpit desk. The alms basins, which are of solid brass pulpit desk. The alms basins, which are of solid brass, bear the monogram I.H.S., and the words (interspersed with shamrock leaves and Maltese crosses): ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures in earth.’ The pulpit desk, which is of a very chaste design, bears the monogram I.H.S. as does the handsomely carved oak desk on the Holy Table, presented by Mrs. Todd, wife of the Rev. Henry Todd, Rector of Camlough, who for ability and scholarship has few equals in the Irish Church. The church was renovated and new choir stalls added in 1887. In 1905 the sacred edifice was again renovated and heated with hot water at considerable cost.

A new bell was erected in the church tower in 1905, cast by the Messrs. Taylor of Loughborough, which bears the following inscription: ‘Rev. J.D. Cowar, L.L.D., Rector, 1905,’ The bell was dedicated, October 11, of that year, by the Bishop of Dromore (Dr. Welland). The following are the words of dedication: ‘We dedicate this newly erected bell to the glory of God, and to the Benefit of His Holy House, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.’

The church possesses a handsome marble font on which is engraved the date, 1726. The carvings are conventional in pattern, and not very elaborate. The memorials of the dead consist of two mural (marble) tablets, on the North and South side walls of the church. That on the North, over the rectory pew, , bears the inscription: ‘In loving memory of Rev. John Campbell Quinn, M.A., Rural Dean, who for forty years laboured in this parish of Donaghmore as Curate and Rector, and departed this life November 15^th, 1882. "The Lord is my Shepherd."’ On the other tablet, over the Innes pew, are engraved the words: ‘To the glory of God, and the dear memory of Arthur Charles Innes-Cross, of Dromantine, J.P. and D.L. for the County of Down, and formerly M.P. for Newry, Born November 25^th, 1884. Died April 14^th, 1902. Aged 67 years. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Erected by his wife.’ The tablet is surmounted with the Innes-Cross arms, crest and mottoes: ‘Be Traiste’ and ‘Certavi et vici.’

Donaghmore was never a ‘fat’ living, and especially in its medieval days, as may be seen in the Ecclesiastical Taxations of 1806, 1422 and 1546-the origin of which we will first explain, in substance, as given by Bishop Reeves. The Kings of England and France in 1188 imposed upon their respective subjects a tax (called ‘Saladin’s Tenths’) of one-tenth of their movables and annual income for the ‘the relief of the Holy Land,’ i.e. its recovery from the Saracens. Subsequently the tax became limited to the clergy, and continued to be imposed, notwithstanding the fact that the term crusade had lost its original meaning. Both King and Pope seem to have become jointly concerned in levying the tax, and in appropriating the proceeds, as the case might be, according to their respective necessities-which were generally rather urgent! In order to compute the amount payable by the clergy, valuations of ecclesiastical property were made at different times-that for Ireland being completed in the beginning of the fourteenth century-about the year 1306.

In the Ecclesiastical Taxation for the Diocese of Dromore the following entry occurs: ‘The Church of Donnachmore-20s.-Tenth, 2s.’ Thus the annual income of the Vicar of Donaghmore in 1806-7 was the handsome sum of twenty shillings! That, however, was a large income as compared with the lowest in the diocesses of Down, Connor and Dromore which was forty pence, as in the case of the chapelss of Enacha (Aghagallon), Thanelagh (Tamlaght), Acheli (Aghalee), and Rosrelick. The richest benefice at the time was that of Bile (Billy) worth 36 pounds; while amoung the moderate incomes were those of ‘The Abbot of Virida Lingnum’ (Newry) and ‘The Bishop of Drummore’-each receiving ’20 marks’ annually-i.e. 23 pounds 6 sh. 8d. Two further valuations of the parishes in the diocese of Cromore were made, one in 1422 and the other in 1546, both of which are among the tables of procurations payable to the Primate in his Provincial Visitations. In that for 1422 the following entry occurs: ‘Ecclesia de Domnaghmore-3 marc’-i.e. 2 pounds. It will thus be seen that the benefice had doubled in value since 1306-a circumstance which must have been highly gratifying to the O’McCrelas-one of whom was the vicar at the time. `In the taxation of a similar nature of ‘all the benefices of the Diocese of Dromore in the year 1546, the value of the Donaghmore has again increased. The entry is "Rector f Donnoughmore-5 marc,’ i.e. 3 pounds 9s. 4d. At this date Peter O’Mackrell was in all probablity Vicar of Donaghmore-having succeeded his brother Donald, who died in 1534 . Donaghmore at the time seems to have been a kind of ‘family living’-the O’McCrelas or O’Makrella having held it for upwards of a hundred years.

Doubtless the position of the O’Makrells as hereditary herenachs of the manor had much to do in obtaining for Peter, the Vicar, the princely annual income of 3 pounds 9s. 4d.!

The Royal Visitation Report (Marsh’s Library) of 1622 is very meagre in regard to the parish-viz. ‘Donogh-Rectory appropriate to the Archbishop of Armagh.-Proxies 6-6 the third of all the tithes.’ It may be noted that Proxies of Procurations were the fees due to the Archdeacon for Visitation. They were originally so called because the clergy visited were obliged to procure meat, drink and provender for the Archdeacon and his train when visiting. They were afterwards allowed to be compounded in cash and payable by the Rector of Vicar.

In the Parliamentary Returns (Public Record Office of Dublin) we find the following item in the return of the diocese of Dromore:-‘Donaghmoe, a Vicarage, the rectorial Tythes in the Primate, has a small Glebe, no house on it, and a church in tolerable condition, served by a curate, the vicar (George Vaughan) not resident, nor through infirmities capable of serving-January 1768.’

In 1828 it was resolved by the vestry (particulars in vestry minutes) to bring the parish under the operation of the Tithes Composition Acts. The annual composition of the rectorial tithes was assessed at 252 pounds, and that of the vicarial tithes at 200 pounds. The parties concerned gave their assent to the composition-viz. The Primate,John Vaughan (the lessee of the manor), and the Vicar-Marshall Joseph Mee.

There had been much opposition in the parish to the payment of tithes, especially during the incumbency of Rev. J. Mountgarrett, when it was found necessary to institute legal proceedings for their enforcement. So far opposition in Donaghmore other than a grievance, real of supposed, on the part of the some outside the church, that they should be obliged to pay towards its support. If we are to believe Froude, it is to be feared such cannot be said of all parishes in Ireland. At the time (and indeed since 1786) a great anti-tithe agitation was raging in Ireland, which culminated in what is known as the "Tithe War’-commencing about 1830, by which a large number of the clergy and their families suffered great privations, amounting in many cases to destitution. The agitation, at least in the beginning, was not so much directed against the clergy, as against the system of extortion resorted to by some of the tithe proctors and tithe farmers who became exorbitant in their exactions, and hence, as often happens, the innocent suffer, while the sins of the few are visited on the many. Froude is a prejudiced writer; but probably his strictures on the tithe proctors and tithe farmers in many cases are justifiable-even towards the close of the eighteenth century. Our author informs us that as the century waned the tithe proctor became more grasping in and avaricious. He exacted the full pound of flesh, and as his trade was dangerous he required to be highly paid. ‘He handed in his employer (the Parson) perhaps half what he collected. He fleeced the flock and fleeced their shepherd.’

There were gradations in the profession. ‘A tithe farmer in active practice of his profession held of another who held of a proctor, who held of a clergyman who did not reside.’ Their ‘abominable extortions furnished a tempting opportunity to the apostles of anarchy,’ who made the most out of every real or supposed grievance. The Whiteboys in 1786 took up the cause of the tithe payers, and made war with the tithe proctors. In cases where Captain Right considered them cruel, they were sentenced to death and executed. Where their offences were judged by the same authority as only moderate they were’carded’, which meant,’ they were stripped naked and tied with their faces downwards, while a strong tom-cat was dragged up and down their backs by the tail.’ The clergy, who had been ‘distinguished for kindness and liberality’ suffered, and, as ‘the symbols of a tyrannical system,’ came under the condemnation of lawless combinations. ‘Men of the purest and most inoffensive manners were torn from their beds at midnight. Their wives and children were driven naked out of doors, themselves rolled on dunghills, and hardly suffered to escape with life.’ Lord Luttrell told in Parliament of a friend of his, who, riding out of Carlingford, overtook a clergyman whose head was bound in a napkin and seemed in great pain. On being asked if anything was the matter the poor cleric replied: ‘Did you not see, sir, as you rode through the town, two ears and a cheek nailed to a post? They were mine.’ All this was previous to the actual ‘Tithe War’ of 1830.

Tithes were not an institution of the ancient Irish Celtic Church. Indeed they were almost unknown till 1172. In that year Pope Alexander III. Informed King Henry II. That the Irish paid no tithes, while Giraldus Cambrensis makes a similar statement. True, the Councill of Kells (1152) had imposed them; but, not withstanding, such wer not generally paid till they were enjoined by the Synod of Cashel (1172)=its decrees having been ratified by King Henry. Bishop Doyle (a Roman Catholic), in a letter to the Marquis Wellensley in 1823, states: ‘Tithes in this country should always have been odious, they were the price paid by Henry II, and the legate Paparo to the Irish prelates, who sold for them the independence of their native land, and the birthright of their people. Until that period tithes were almost unknown in this country. And from the day of their introduction we may date the history of our misfortunes; they were not the only cause, but they were an efficient cause of all the calamities which followed.’

But to come back to the Parliamentary Returns, which inform us of ‘a small Glebe’ with ‘no House on it.’ The Glebe House was erected in 1786 (date on the west gable), out-offices built, and other improvements made at a cost of 538 pounds 19 s. 0 ½ d. Towards payment of this amount the Commissioners of First Fruits granted the sum of 100 pounds. The house (an old-fashioned structure of three stories, the under story a basement with kitchens and pantries) was built during the last year of Francis Johnston’s incumbency. In his will (1789) he specifies certain monies due him in respect to the erection of the house-namely that he was ‘entitled to 250 pounds for so much of the cost of building the Glebe House as his successor was to pay.’ In 1816 extensive repairs were executed in connection with the house at a cost of 46 pounds 15s. 10d. A study was added in 18126-the work being completed February 15 of that year.

The amount opposite ‘Dilapidations and Repairs’ on the appointment of Marshall Joseph Mee as Vicar, in 1824, was 175 pounds 15 s. 6d. Mr. Mee had a ‘building charge’ against his successor for 64 pounds 12s. 8d., and also a certificate (dated January 25, 1834) for 183 pounds 12 s. 2d. ‘expended by him under memorial.’ On the appointment of his successor in 1858, the amount claimed towards dilapidations amounted to 217 pounds 9s. 6d.

After the Act of Disestablishment, which confiscated all ecclesiastical property (except the church edifices and the graveyards attached thereto, which did not come under the Act of spoliation) the Representative Church Body purchased, for the parish, 13a. 3r. 6p. of the original glebe, together with the rectory house and offices (a double set)-the government valuation of which is 37 pounds. The amount to be paid by the parish in the transaction was 460 pounds 17s. 7d. which remained as a debt due to the Church Body-while the rector/paid the interest on the amount as ‘rent.’ In the Spring of 1898 and effort was made by the parishioners to clear off this indebtedness-when a bazzar was held (April 14 and 15) for that purpose-the amount realized being 200 pounds. The Representative Church Body and the Glebes Purchase Committee of the diocese generously advanced, respectively, the sum of 200 pounds-thus leaving a balance due of 60 pounds, 17 s. 7d. By a further grant of 28 pounds 17s 7d from the Glebes Purchase Committee, and a local advance of 82 pounds, this balance was paid the Representative Body on July 19, 1909-thus leaving the rectory house and glebe lands free of ‘rent.’ We may state in this connection that the annual value of the ‘small gleve’ (60 acres) mentioned in the Parilamentary Returns was estimated in 1828 at 105 pounds, as portion of the clerical income-the vicar receiving besides (as we have seen) 200 pounds per annum from ‘Tythes under the Composition Act.’

The value of the benefice was considerably increased in 1858-when the vicarage was endowed with the rectorial tithes. ‘Primate Beresford by deed of May 1858, with the consent of the Dean and Chapter (under Act 14 and 15 Victoria), conveyed to the Rev. John Campbell Quinn, Vicar, the Rectorial Tithes, hitherto appropriate to the See of Armagh-endowing the Vicarage with these Tithes arising from the townlands of:

Ballyblough Held by Arthur Charles Innes at rent ch. (less 25 percent) of 85 pounds 2s. 6d.

Ballylough

Corgary

Half Carrickrovaddy

Dromantine

Drummiller

Lurganarah

Half Carrickrovaddy . Rep. James Savage, 4 pounds 16 s. 2d.

Ballymacrattmore Earl of Clanwilliam, 21 pounds 19s. 2d.

Ballymacrattybeg

Ballymacrattybeg John Heron, 16s 8d.

Killysavan Repts. Gen. Meade, 31 pounds 15s. 2d.

Tullymore

Maddydrumbrish Isaac Corry, 18 pounds 2s. 0d.

Moneymore

Aughintober

Derrycraw Fr. Colgan, 12 pounds 2 s. 10d.

Total 174 pounds 14 s. 6s 6d.

At present the total value of the benefice is only about 200 pounds annually, and although we are not actually starving on the meagre income, yet we are in better financial position than were the sons of the old herenachs of the manor-the fifteenth-century vicars, even considering that during their long regime there was never a Mrs. O’McCrela at the vicarage! It should be stated, however, that the comparative value of money, say in the fifteenth century and now, is totally different.

Donaghmore church has never been highly favoured in regard to the benefactions. The only bequests we are able to record are two small legacies-one from Mrs. O’Hara (nee Innes) of O’Hara Brook, co. Antrim, and another (1909) from Mrs. Kidd (nee Mathers), wife of George Kidd of Buskhill.

It will be noticed by the census of 1911 that there are only 141 Church of Ireland persons in the parish, but that number does not represent the Church congregation, which is composed of many besides, from the parishes of Aghaderg and Newry, who reside in the vicinity.

In the Public Record Office, Dublin, there is a long list of persons (upwards of fifty) excommunicated in the parish of Donaghmore, for about ten years from 1735, and of these only one is recorded as belonging to the parish church-viz. A churchwarden (for not paying parish money and making up his account), who has left no representative in the parish bearing his name. Opposite the names of the p;ersons excommunicated are the various crimes of which they were guilty-three of whom we notice were excommunicated for "prophaining the Sobbath.’ There is no record of penances in these cases, but doubtless there were such. In regard to ‘penances’ we note in particular a case in this diocese, in 1832, where the penitent was ‘placed in the most conspicuous place in Dromore, Maralin, and Donaghcloney the three Lords’ Days next,’ and that he shall stand barefooted and in a white sheet during the time of divine service in said churches,’ thus publicly confessing his actual sin in the presence of God and the congregation, etc.

There are several old Service Books, formerly in use, which are safely kept in the Glebe House. The oldest Book of Common Prayer in our possession has on the front cover the following words, engraven in gold letters: ‘Chapel of Armagh House-1796’: but this date is evidently that of a rebinding. Unfortunately the title-page is missing and the first three months of the Calendar, with the Table of Lessons, and hence we have no date; but there is evidence in the "Table of the Moveable Feasts’ that the book was published in 1765. The State Prayers are for King George (George III.), Queen Charlotte; George, Prince of Wales, and the Princess of Wales. The book is artistically bound, in brown leather with gold stencillings and fleurs de lis, and is in a fairly good state of preservation notwithstanding its age. It contains "The Order for Morning and Evening Prayer, Daily to be said and used throughout the year’; ‘The Litany of General Supplication’; the Collects, Epistles and Gospels; ‘The Order for the administration of the Lord’s Supper or Holy communion’; ‘The service for Holy Baptism’; ‘the form of solemnisation of Matrimony,’ and the Catechism. On a fly-leaf are written in pencil the words ‘Nobody owns this Book,’ but the statement is incorrect! The next Prayer Book in point of antiquity is dated 1828 and was printed at the Clarendon Press, Oxford, by ‘Samuel Collingwood and Co.’ It contains the usual services, also ‘The Articles of Religion,’ and ‘Constitutions and Canons Ecclesiastical.’ ‘The Psalms of David,’ by Tate and Brady, are given, and ‘An alphabetical Table showing how to find any psalm by its beginning.’

Another Book of Common Prayer, which is dated M.D.CCC.XLVI, was ‘Printed by George and John Grierson (Dublin), Printers to the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty.’ It contains, besides the Services, the Psalms (Tate and Brady) and ‘Constitutions and Canons Ecclesiastical.’ There are two copies of ‘The book of the Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, according to the Use of the United Church of England and Ireland; together with the Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.’ These books are dated MDCCCLX and were ‘Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode,’London. They are artistically bound in leather, and bear in gold letters on the front cover: ‘Donoughmore Church, 1863.’

The Holy Bible formerly in use contains, at the beginning of each book, a very good small engraving, in which is placed artistically the first letter of the opening chapter. The title-page is missing, but that of the New Testament affords us the following information in regaard to printer and date; ‘Dublin: printed by George Grierson, Printer to the King’s most excellent majesty, at the King’s-Arms and Two-Bibles in Essex Street, M.D.CC.XLI.’

The Bible now in use bears on the front cover in gold letters the date 1845. It was printed at the Pitt Press, Cambridge, M.C.CCC.XXXIX, by William Parker, University Printer.

The Service Books in use are dated MDCCCCI. On the front binding of each are engraven in gold letters the words: ‘Donaghmore Parish Church, 1905.’

The church plate consists of a paten and chalice of solid silver=both of which are very fine and heavy.

The former has the Irish hall-mark for the year 1724, and the latter for that of 1825. There are besides a flagon and large plate=both of plated ware. The following is the inscription on all four: ‘Parish of Donoughmore-Rev. Marshall Mee, Vicar, 1825.’

In this connection we will give the Rural Dean’s report in 1824-the Rev. Marshall Mee, Vicar-‘Folio Bible-bad, very bad. Three quarto Prayer Books very bad. A pewter Chalice and Plate-bad. Surplice tolerably good, but no napkin.’ (Rural Deans’ Returns, Public Record Office, Dublin).

Owing to the loss or destruction of records it is impossible to give more than a few of the Vicars of Donaghmore in medieval times, but undoubtedly the following held the Benefice:

A.D. 1408-John O Mccrela was presented by the Primate to the Parish church of Donnachmore.

A.D. 1440-John O McKerrell, ‘Rector of Dompnachmor ‘died.

A.D. 1440-Gelacious O McKerrell was appointed John’s successor.

A.D. 1487-‘John Omakrell, Rector of Dompnachmor.’

A.D. 1534-Donald Omakrell, Vicar of Donaghmore, died.

A.D. 1534-Peter Omakrell was appointed Donald’s successor.

‘Bishop Reeves, to whom we are indebted for the above information,’ observes that the reason for the same name prevailing in these appointments was owing to the position this family occupied as hereditary herenachs of the manor of Donaghmore. In consequence of the tribal organisaton of the Irish Church there was a tendency to family succession in ecclesiastical and semi-ecclesiastical offices. The office of bishop and abbot frequently ran in families, as did the position of herenach, and hence we find the latter often hereditary, as in the case of the O’Markrells. A herenach was at first the superintendent of the church lands and the hereditary, as in the case of the O’Makrells. A herenach was at first the superintendent of the church lands and the hereditary warden of the church. Originally, whoever founded a church was obliged to endow it with certain possessions for the maintenance of those who were to attend God’s service therin, nor could such be consecrated till the instrument of donation was delivered by the founder. The endowment consisted chiefly of lands (and, as in Donaghmore, ‘lands next adjoining’ unto the church)’ with servants appertaining thereunto, free from all temporal impositions and exactions.’ In order that those who ministered in holy things might dedicate themselves ‘onely to praier and the service of God,’ herenachs were appointed to ‘manure and occupied those lands,’ as managers and stewards. They were originally clergymen, and belonged to an order of archdeacons. Indeed ‘Archdiaconus and the Herenache have in the irish tongue both the same name.’ The deacons had the special care of the poor and strangers and the disposal of ecclesiastical monies, but the archdeacon (not the order of archdeacon of higher rank, who exercises jurisdiction under the bishop) was Herenach of the church lands. Subsequently the office fell into the hands of laymen, who with the Coarbes, the successors of the church-founding saints, privately enriched themselves and their families by not only appropriating to their own uses profits intended for the church benefit, but by taking actual possession, in many cases, of the old church lands as absolute owners-out of which they were good enough to pay certain contributions, in money or kind, towards ecclesiastical purposes. When diocesan bishops were introduced in the twelfth century, it was decreed that every ‘corbe or herenagh shoud give unto the Bushopp (within whose diocese he lived) a yerely pension, more or less, according to his proportion out of his entire erenachie.’ To this decree, we are told, the ‘corbes and herenages submitted themselves, but hold their herenagie free forever, and could not be removed by any of the temporale or spirituale lords, or other person whatsoever.

In the dioceses of Derry, Raphoe and Clogher a third part of the ecclesiastical property in the herenach’s hands was assigned to the bishop for his support, the other two-thirds being allotted to church repairs, keeping of hospitality and the maintenance of the herenach. In Connaught the bishop had a fourth part, etc. In the several dioceses different customs prevailed for the distribution of church revenues. It may be noted that long after this old order of things had grown everywhere out of use, it still remained in vogue in the North of Ireland.

But to return to the Vicars of Donaghmore.

1684-In this year Richard Pudsey, Vicar of Donaghmore, died.

1634-August 12, Patrick Dunken was appointed to the parish with that of

Garvaghy. He was made Prebendary of Dunsport (or Dunsfort) in 1640. He seemed to have figured prominently at the time of the Rebellion, and was afterwards a ‘Deponent.’ The following reference to him is taken from the Commonwealth MSS. In the Public Record Office, Dublin: ’26 September 1660, ordered that he (Rev. Patrick Dunken) should enjoy the Preb. Of Dunsport, County Down, and Vicarage of Donaghmoe, County Down, which he held before the rebellion, and from which he and his family were driven by the rebels.’

1661-John Coffin was Vicar.

1667-October 26, Henry Harrison was appointed by the Primate to the Parishes of Kilbroney and Donaghmore.

1669=March 25, Michael Matthews was appointed Vicar.

1682-September 21, Jeremiah Radham was appointed to the parishes of Seapatrick, Donaghmore, and Aghaderg (Diocese of Dromore) with Donegore and Kilbride (diocese of Connor) by faculty. It is to be hoped that the reverend gentleman faithfully discharged the spiritual duties of his little ‘diocese’!

1690-November 8, John Wetherby, F.T.C.D., was appointed Vicar of Donaghmore. In 1710 he was made Archdeacon of Connor, Prebendary of Dromara, and Dean of Emly, and in 1718, Dean of Cashel. He was Scholar, T.C.D., 1687; B.A., 1689; M.A.; 1683; Fellow, 1694; B.C., 1700; and LL.D., 1706. Dean Wetherby died at his lodgings, Fade Street, Dublin, Tuesday July 14, 1736, and was buried on the 21^st at St. Nicholas Within, Dublin. On his resignation of the Vicarage of Donaghmore, Oliver Gardner was appointed.

1734-Oliver Gardner, Vicar of Donaghmore, died. B.A. (T.C.C.), 1682, and M.A., 1685.

1734-March 18, Paul Twigge was appointed Vicar. He was instituted April 3, 1735, and resigned in 1740. B.A. (T.C.C.), 1721, and M.A., 1724.

1740-August 8, Alexander Niaismith became Vicar. He was instituted August 20, and inducted by William Rowan, Vicar of Seapatrick and Magherally, on 22^nd of that month. At the Visitation, 1740, he was appointed ‘to preach next visitation sermon.’ He died 1758.

1758-April 18, George Vaughan was presented to the living and inducted May 26. He became B.A. (T.C.D.), 1732, and was some time Rector of Dromore and Annaclone. He was second son of John Vaughan, B.A. (who was Rector of Dromore and Annaclone), by Anne, his wife, sister of the Right Reverend Ralph Lambert, D.D., Bishop of Dromore. He married Margaret Smith of Clontibret, Co. Monaghan. He died May 14, 1794. His second son, George, married Anne, daughter of Alexander Montgomery of Bessmount Park, Co. Monaghan, and was grandfather of George Montgomery Vaughan of Quilly, Co. Down, J.P., B.A. (T.C.D.). He married Frances St. Laurence, daughter of General Hon. Arthur Grove-Annesley; Ernest Llewellyn; Alice Katherine, who married the Rev. Joseph Quinn, M.A., Rector of Annalong, Co. Down, and Margaret Beatrice, who married Ralph de Seton Dudgeon, 25^th Bombay Rifles.

1769-March 14, Thomas Sacheverell (curate of Ballymore) became Vicar, and was instituted April 6. He was second son of Henry Sacheverell and his wife Elizabeth of Ballinteggart, Co. Armagh. He was educated at Armagh under Mr. Martin, entered T.C.D. June 15, 1719, aged 18 years. B.A., 1724. He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Crozier of Stramore (who survived him). In his will, dated April 23, 1775, and proved July 15 following, he desired to be buried at the North side of the church of Donaghmore, opposite the steeple, as privately as possible. He bequeathed property in Tandragee to his widow and legacies to his niece Hester, daughter of his brother William, and the children of his nephew Meredith Atkinson, and appointed Thomas Kelly, Richhill, executor. He was descended from Francis Sacheverell (son of Henry Sacheverell of Reresby, Leicestershire, and his wife Gertrude, daughter of John Hunt of Lynnon, Co. Rutland) by his wife Frances daughter of William Gilbert of Lockboe, Derbysire. Francis Sacheverell, who was born 1574, obtained in 1611 (9^th James I.) from the Crown a grant of 2000 acres then called Mullalelish and Leggacorn, Co. Armagh (now known as the Richhill Estate), which, on his death, descended to his eldest son Francis Sacheverell (mentioned with his brothers Henry and William in the Muster Roll of Ulster for 1631, the other brother, Rev. Clarence, being Rector of Reresby), on whose death in 1649 the estate passed to his only child Ann, by his wife Dorothy, eldest daughter of the Right Hon. Sir John Blennerhassett, P.C., Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and his wife Ursula, daughter of Edward Duke. Ann Sacheverell married Major Edward Richardson, M.P. for Co. Armagh (Foster’s ‘Funeral Certificates of Nobility and Gentry’ and ‘Ulster Inquisitions’).

Rev. Thomas Sacheverell’s sister Lettice married Thomas Woolsey (Settlement December 1, 1722), and from her the late John Buckby Atkinson and Andrew G. Sloan of Portadown descended.

1775-July 19, Francis Johnston was collated per mortem Thomas Sacheverell. He appears at Visitation, August 15, 1775. A ‘Francis Johnston’ was Scholar (T.C.D.), 1735, and B.A., 1736. Francis Johnston (younger son of James Johnston of Tremont and Carrickbreda, and grandson of the first Presbyterian minister of Donaghmore) married (Settlements dated December 17, 1780) Anne, daughter of John Martley of Ballyfallon, co. Meath, by Clementina his wife, daughter of the Rev. Robert Meares, jRector of Almoritia, third son of Lewis Meares of Meares Court, Co. Westmeath. Francis Johnston had a son James and daughters Clemena and Eleanora, who married in 1831 Hubert Kelly Waldron, J.P., D.L., of Drumena, Co. Leitrim, and Ashfort, Co. Roscommon (High Sheriff, Co. Leitrim, 1832), and had a son –Captain Hubert Kelly James John Johnston Waldron, 31^st Regiment. Francis Johbnston’s will dated April 25, 1789, was proved June 27 of the same year. He died June 13, 1789.

1789-October 20, Brabazon Smith, M.D., became Vicar. Dr. Brabazon Smith, formerly of Limerick, married a daughter of Dean Hoare. He died in Newry, April 9, 1816. The following entries occur in the register of burials: ‘Sarah, wife of Rev. Brabazon Smith, M.D., Vicar of Donaghmore, was buried July 30, 1796’; ‘Rev. Michael Smith, D.D., Precentor of the Diocese of Dromore, Rector of the Parishes of Maralin in the Diocese of Dromore, and the aParish of Tynagh in the Diocese of Clonfert, Prebendary of ---in said Diocese, and Chaplain of his Majesty’s Garrison of St. Vincent in America, was buried August---, 1796.

1816-March (April 7 ?), John Mountgarrett was appointed to the benefice-having been promoted from the curacy of Drumbanagher, where he was held in high esteem. We take the following reference to him from the local Press: ‘Mr. Mountgarrett has for nearly half a century distinguished himself by a pious and exemplary discharge of his duties as curate of Drumbanagher church in the Parish of Killeavy. A stong proof of the respect and attachment of his late flock has been evinced by their voluntary proposal to plow and harrow his present glebe containing 40 acres. In the preferment of this venerable gentleman, his Grace, the Lord Primate, has given additional proof of his earnest desire to reward merit, and still further exalt the character of the established church.’ The parishioners of Drumbanagher presented him with an address, April 23, 1816. He died at the Glebe House, March 2, 1824, and was buried in Drumbanagher churchyard. His tomb bears the following inscription: ‘Here lie the remains of the Rev. John MountgarrettCicar of Donaghmore, who died the 1^st March, 1824, aged 82.’ Mary, his widow, died September 30, 1828. His younger son Warren, senior captain of the Armagh Militia, die January 31, 1851.

1824-March 1, Marshall Joseph Mee was appointed Vicar by the Primate. The Mees were a Co. Cavan family.. From a Chancery Bill (‘Nixon versus Mee,’ entered June 12, 1772) we find that John Mee lived at Butler’s Bridge, Co. Cavan. His eldest son, Marshall Mee, married in 1748 Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Reilly of Tullyco, Co. Cavan, and was drowned October 1758, on his passage from England, where he had been on business about his lands in Leicestershire, leaving, with two daughters, an only son, George Mee. Mrs. Marshall Mee married, secondly (Licence Bond December 6, 1769), Matthew Nixon, J.P., Co. Cavan, second son of the Rev. Andrew Nixon, of Nixon Lodge, near Belturbet. Marshall Joseph Mee was a son of the above George Mee. He entered Trinity College, Dublin, on March 7, 1796, aged seventeen. Scholar, 1798. B.A., 1800 (Wrongly given in Dr. Todd’s ‘Catalogue of Graduates’ as James Marshall Mee.) He was a curate of Tynan, Co. Armagh, when appointed Vicar of Donaghmore. On his promotion the parishioners of Tynan at a largely attended meeting, April 19, 1824, passed a number of resolutions of highly complimentary character regarding him and his work in that parish, one of which was as follows:

‘That the thanks of the Parish are justly due and are hereby given to him for his zealous and effective discharge, for the twenty-two years that he has lived among us, of the several important duties attached to his late office, which will long be remembered by the inhabitants of theis extensive and populous district with grateful and reverential affection.’

He died July 20, 1857, and was buried in Donaghmore parish churchyard. His wife, Susanna, died March 31, aged 55 years.

1857-August 18, the Lord Primate appointed John Campbell Quinn Vicar of the Prish. Mr. Quinn was ordained by the Bishop of Kildare, August 10, 1834, for the Curacy of Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone. He became curate of Drumbanagher, Co. Armagh, in March 1836, and curate of Donaghmore in December, 1842. He was Rural Dean of Aghaderg, and a member of the Diocesan Council.

He was second son of John Quinn of Newry, and of Drum, Co. Monaghan, by his wife Mary, daughter of the Rev. William Campbell, D.D., vicar of Newry, who was brother of the Rev. Thomas Campbell, LL.D., Chancellor of Clogher, the well-known historian and friend of Doctor Johnson, mentioned in Boswell as ‘the Irish Dr. Campbell,’ He was born in 1811, and was educated at Dr. Henderson’s School, Newry, and at Trinity College, Dublin (B.A., 1832, and M.A. 1839). He married October 18, 1837, Mary Stuart youngest daughter of Trevor Corry of Abbey Yard, Newry, J.P. and D.L., by whom he had issue (among others), viz. John Thomas Campbell Quinn of Tower Hill, J.P. (deceased); James Quinn; Rev. William Quinn, Vicar of West Bradley, Glastonbury; Mary Louisa, married Rev. J.T. Kingsmill, D.D. (T.C.C.), Rector of Hockering, Norfolk; Norah Anne Elizabeth, married Rev. Richard Plummer, D.D. (T.C.C.), Rector of Ashfield, Co. Cavan; and Alice Eva Jane, married Rev. Walter G. Morgan, B.A. (Durham), Vicar of St. Stephen’s Norwich. Mr. Quinn died at Rostrevor, November 15, 1882, and was buried at St. Patrick’s churchyard, Newry. His widow died at Bath, November 27, 1891.

1882-November 24, the present Rector was appointed by the Board of Nomination, and was instituted on December 12 following by the Bishop. The writer is informed by a competent authority that it is not considered correct to make any special reference to himself. It may be stated, however, that he married April 30, 1901, Edythe Huntington, youngest daughter of the late Rev. Robert Whitaker, M.A., of Trinity College, Cambridge, and Rector of Scorborocum-Leconfield (East Yorkshire), and Mrs. Whitaker of Figham House, Beverley, and grandaughter of commander Whitaker, R.N., and William Duesbery Thornton-Duesbery of Skelton Hall and Gransmoor Lodge, J.P. and D.L. for the East and North Ridings of Yorkshire.

The following were the curates of the Parish of Donaghmore:

1725-Skelton

1727-Henry McCullough.

1728-Thomas Barton, licensed October 1

1729-Samuel Burgess, M.A., licensed September 27

1732-Henry McCullough, M.A., licensed December 26; Scholar, jT.C.D., 1726; B.A., 1728, and M.A.1731

1735-James Dickson, licensed September 22; Scholar, T.C.D., 1719; B.A. 1721

1742-James Dixon

1758-Mordaunt Hamilton. A ‘Mordaunt Hamilton’ was Scholar, T.C.D., 1724; B.A., 1726, and M.A., 1729

1759-Haskett, or Hacket

1764-John Martin

1768-George Howse-who was probably a son of the Archdeacon of Dromore (1742. He may have been the Rev. George Howse who became Vicar of Kilbroney (Rostrevor), August 18, 1768

1769-………..Lindsay

1789-John Price, B.A. (T.C.D.), 1779

1790-John Mountgarrett

1791-William Henderson

1795-William Leslie, B.A. (T.C.D.), 1788

1796-James Glass

1801-James Anderson. A ‘James Anderson’ was B.A. (T.C.D.), 1796 and M.A. 1832

1823-James Rigg

1833-Norman Johnston

1842=John Campbell Quinn, subsequently Vicar and later Rector

1858-George Brydges Sayers, B.A. (T.C.D.), Senior Moderator (Math.), 1853; Div. Test., 1854 Deacon,1854 , Priest, 1855. Curate of Dunluce, 1854-8; Donaghmore, 1858-65; Ballywillan, 1866-9; Vicar of Templecorran and Kilroot, 1869-76; Rector of Islandmagee, 1870-6; Vicar of Ballinderry, 1876 (which he held till the time of his death); Prebendary of Kilroot, 1875; Rural Dean of Lisburn, 1876. He died June 16, 1903. His widow (Sarah Jane) died November 4, 1912.

1866-William James Askins, jB.A. (T.C.D.), 1865; Div. Test. 1866; M.A., 1869. Deacon, Mary 27, 1866; Priest, December 21, 1867. Curate of Donaghmore, 1866-72; Rector of Dunany, Co. Louth, 1872, where he remained till his death in April, 1895. He married Jane, daughter of Francis King, D.D., Archdeacon of Dromore and Rector of St. Patrick’s, Newry.

1870-Ribton McCracken-Div. Test., T.C.D., 1872; B.A., 1873; M.A., 1881; Deacon, 1870; St. Nicholas, Carrickfergus, 1883-6; Christ Church, Belfast, 1887; Portadown, 1887-92; Rector of Jonesborough, Co. Armagh, 1892; Rural Dean of Creggan, 1895, and member of the Armagh Diocesan Councel. He married Julia Maria Gray, daughter of Rev. Edward Edmond Brett, Rector of Rathmackmee, Co. Wexford.

The appointment to the benefice since Disestablishment rests with a Board of Patronage, which consists of three parachial and a similar number of diocesan nominators, with the Bishop.

The first record in the vestry minutes (which are missing from 1869 till 1876) of the appointment of Parochial Nominators is that dated July 26, 1876, when the following were chosen to the office:

Arthur Charles Innes, Samuel Gordon and William Glenny. At a vestry meeting April 23, 1878, Joseph Patterson was chosen nominator in the place of William Glenny (deceased). From 1879 till 1902. Arthur Charels Innes, Samuel Gordon and Joseph Patterson were trenially elected to the office. On the death of Mr. Innes-Cross, George Gordon was appointed in his place. In 1908 Colonel Carden, Samuel Gordon and Joseph Patterson were elected, and continued in office till 1911, when Arthur Charels Wolseley Innes-Cross was appointed in the place of Colonel Carden (deceased). In 1912 these persons were reappointed, as were (for the first time) the following Supplemental Nominators: George Gordon, James Johnston Robinson, M.B., and William Mathers.

Samuel Gordon of Mountkearney and Curley House has been a Parochial Nominator, Hon. Secretary and Parochial Treasurer since 1876. The church owes him a debt of gratitude for his successful efforts during all these years, both in regard to its finances and all that concerns its welfare. He is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, and magistrate for the County of Down. He married Georgina, daughter of the late Rev. Edward Edmond Brett, Rector of Rathmackmee, Co. Wexford and has had issue, George Annesley, Percy Herbert (deceased) and Arthur Charles.

William Glenny of Glenville was second son of Isaac Glenny, the antiquary, whose father and grandfather (both named Isaac) reside at Glenville, now owned by James Swanzy Glenny, J.P. William Glenny died January 8, 1878. His brother, the Rev. Isaac Glenny, B.A., was for some time curate of St. Mary’s, Newry.

Joseph Patterson has been a Nominator since 1878. He has always evinced a deep interest in the welfare of the church and has been a generous contributor to its funds. He is a member of a much respected family, the Pattersons of Ballykeel. His father, William Patterson, married Fanny, daughter of Hill Wills Maginnes (a lineal descendant of the great family of that name), whose not distant forbears owned a portion of the Maginnes property, viz. The townlands of Ballykeel, Cullen and Lurgancahone.

George Gordon of Maryvale (brother of Samuel Gordon of Mountkearney) has been for many years the warm and constant friend of the Donaghmore Church, which is indebted to him for many sets of kindness and generosity. He married (as we have seen) Mary Alice Eden, daughter of Edward Smithson Corry, by whom he had issue, Sydney George, physician, Nottingham (married, November 1912, Muriel, daughter of the late Lieut.-Colonel Finnis), and Edward Corry (deceased). Mrs Gordon died February 1, 1906. She was a loving wife, and fond mother, and an estimable Christian and Churchwoman, and her demise continues to be keenly felt not only by the members of her family, but by the writer (who received from her many tokes of friendship) and the large and admiring circle who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.

Colonel Henry Parry Carden was both Nominator and Rector’s Churchwarden. By his death in the hunting field, December 19, 1910, the church lost an ardent lover, and the writer a true and constant friend-whose demise he deeply laments. Colonel Carden was a son of Colonel Carden of Knightstown, Portarlington, and grandson of Sir Henry Carden, Bart.m, of Templemore. He served in the Egyptian War of 1882, and for his services he received the Khedivial Star and third-class Medjidie. He also took part in the Nile Expedition in 1884-5, and for his conduct in the field was mentioned in dispatches, and was granted the rank of brevet-major. On his return home he was appointed to the command of the Duke of Cornwall’s Commandant of Discharge Depot at Fort Brockhurst, Gosport. He filled this onerous and important position with distinction for five years, when (August 1904) he retired from the army with the rank of colonel. He was a magistrate for the County of Down. He married, August 26, 1897, Mrs. Greer of Savalmore, granddaughter of John Boyd, M.P. and D.L.), widow of Edward Nugent Greer. He is survived by Mrs. Carden and two children, Catherine Constance and Sybil Parry, and two sepchildren, Eleanor Beryl and Araby Mona. These good your people presented the church as a Christmas gift (1907), with an exquisitely worked set of markers for the Service Books (for Festivals). Accompanying the gift were the words: ‘To the Glory of God, and for use in Donaghmore Church-These six markers were worked by Dona de Winton (cousin) and given to the church by Beryl, Mona, Kitty and Sybil. –Christmas 1907.’

James Johnston Robinson, M.B. (T.C.D.), is the second son of the late Rev. George Robinson, M.A., Rector of Tartarraghan, Co. Armagh, by his wife Augusta, eldest daughter of the Honourable Andrew Godfrey Stuart, son of the Earl of Castlestuart. He married, October 23, 1889, Katherine, daughter of John Lindsay, J.P., of Tullyhenan, co. Down. Dr. Robinson contributed the generous sum of 50 pounds towards the Auxiliary Fund of the Church of Ireland-which was the largest amount subscribed in the parish.

William Mathers is descended from a family who have had a long and honourable connection with the Donaghmore Church, and have supplied the parish with many churchwardens for upwards of a century and a half. William Mathers, his forbear, was churchwarden in 1771, while his brother (George) acts in that capacity for 1912-13. Tow of the Mathers family have distinguished themselves in Canada: viz. Isaac Henry Mathers (Assistant Receiver General) and his son Henry Isaac (Norwegian Cousul at Halifax)-both of whom have been honoured by King Haakon of Norway, who recently conferred on them the order of Knighhood of St. Olav.