Holywood Church of Ireland-St. Philip & St. James
at the north end of the town in Church Road

Part of the foundation of an old monastery of St. Francis can still be seen in the graveyard & the church (above left) In 1834 was only a wing or part of the old monastery. The rector in 1830 was Rev. Rafe Jebb. The church had the appearance in 1834 of being very old. Its dimensions were 63 by 30 feet with enough seating for 68 people but with an average attendance in 1834 of 150 people. It was re built in 1844. The vicar in 1910 was Rev. Canon Moore with curate Rev. R.H. White

Newspaper article from Down Recorder;
a new church built 27 Aug 1842

records from 1806,some showy tombstones in the graveyard; graveyard inscriptions available Vol 4 UHF; email me for a gravestone look-up
Try http://www.holywoodparishchurch.co.uk/

St. Mark's Church of Ireland, Dundela
Holywood Rd, Holywood

The church was rebuilt in 1878.
records from 1864

This photo was kindly sent to me by Brian McCleary.

1st Presbyterian Church, Holywood
in Bangor Rd, Holywood

This Meeting House was first built in 1615 on ruins of a old Norman Priory by James Hamilton. The first minister, Rev Robert Cunningham preached there for 21 years. The congregation separated from Dundonald church in 1704 and Rev Thomas Cobham transfered from Dundonald to Holywood. About 1729 some of the congregation left with Rec Michael Bruce to form the 2nd Unitarian/Seceeders Church. Next minister was Rev William Smith then Rev William Rodgers who in 1740 built a new Meeting House in Strand Street.The congregation assisted with its building. It measured 70 by 33 feet with a gallery and was capable of holding 700 people with the average attendance in 1834 of 275. There was a school attached. The minister from 1821-1832 was Rev. James Alexander Johnson.

The congregation built the above church in 1841 on a site acquired from William Patton. It was designed by Rev William Blackwood in the Gothic Revival style and cost £1500. The minister in 1863 was Rev. Henry Henderon of Thornbank Manse, Ballykeel & in 1910 was Rev. S.W. Chambers

I have indexed the baptisms and marriages from c. 1845-1930 into the Surnames Index.

records from 1840; no graveyard

2nd Presbyterian Church- Seceeders
in High St., Holywood

The congregation split with 1st Presbyterian under Rev Michael Bruce c. 1729 . They first worshipped in thatch cottage in Strand Street with dimensions 42 by 33 feet. The average attendance in 1834 was 150 people. They moved to present site in 1858 when Rev James S. Denham was minister (until 1862). The minister in 1910 was Rev. William J. Archer

records from 1857; no graveyard

Non Subscribing Presbyterian Meeting House
in High St, Holywood , opposite 2nd Presbyterian Church

The first congregation was formed in 1704 and in 1834 there were 100 people. The present building was completed in 1849. The minister from 1834- 1891 was Rev. Charles James McAlester then Rev Clelent Edwards Pike 1892-1898 & from 1938 was Rev. Charles Montgomery & Rev Ernest Peters from 1954.

Article from Newtownards Chronicle newspaper;
death of Rev C.J. McAlester, minister for 57 years 15 Aug 1891

no graveyard
This photo was kindly sent to me by Aaron Orr.

St. Columkille's Catholic Church, Ballyhackamore
in the SW end of town in Church View Street ; Parochial House, 2a Lady's Mile, Holywood BT18 9EW Tel 9042 2167

The parish priest in 1817 was Rev Bernard Magee (shared with Newtownards) . Funds were raised for new church in 1822 by Rev. Arthur McGlew. By 1834 the church was attended by 50 people . Rev. James Killen was parish priest here & Knockbreda in 1843-1857. A new chapel was built in 1872 in the French Gothic style, the architect was Timothy Heavy.

20th century priests- , Rev. James O'Laverty until 1906; Rev. John McShane 1906- 1907; Rev. Edmund Hasset 1907- 1922; Rev. John O'Brien 1922- 1934; Rev. Thomas Blacker 1934- 1942; Rev. Edward MacGowan 1942- 1950; Rev. Daniel Murphy 1950- 1960; Rev. Patrick Farry 1960- 1975; Rev. John Courtney 1975- 1978; Rev. Patrick McKavanagh 1978- 1985; Rev. John Stewart 1985+

no graveyard ; PRONI & NLI have baptisms 1866-1880; UHF has baptisms 1866-1900 & marriages 1867 -1900;

Article from Newtownards Chronicle newspaper;
consecration of new church 20 Jun 1874
This photo was kindly sent by Brian McCleary.