In 2026, the Kilternan Parish, Church of Ireland, will celebrate it’s 200th Anniversary. Associated with this anniversary, there will be many celebration events. We are also using this time as an opportunity to make several improvements that enhance our beautiful church building and ensure that the church meets the challenges of the next century with boldness and vigour.
Capital Programme
Preparations began in 2024 and by the end of 2025 major works have been completed and fully-funded as part of our celebration and stewardship of the parish, include a major restoration of our 200 year old church building.
- We completed an internal redecoration to celebrate the beauty and fullness of our building.
- We replaced and upgraded the heating system with more efficient systems and radiators.
- We completely rewired the church and fitted new lighting throughout.
- We completed a audio-visual upgrade with new projectors and sound systems.
- We added new glass doors at the entrance to the church.
Over 2026 we will complete the works planned including the installation of a new Stained-glass window designed and built by the studio of Evan Connon to mark this significant milestone.
As part of this capital campaign, we raised money for these exciting improvements. The total project costs were about €180,000 and we meet this through fundraising, grants, endowments and the release of some parish funds. We are so grateful for the contribution by so many members of the parish who made this major work possible and enables us to protect and future proof our buildings for future generations.
Events Programme
Over the course of the year there will be a number of events to market this anniversary which will be announced online and in-services over the year.
- March 6th – Bicenternial Historical Talk, Poetry and Song in the Church at 7.30pm with Rob Goodbody.
- April 26th – The Stones of our Church with Philip O’Niell and Nicholas Ryan including a film and illustrations of the history of our local quarries and sculpting. Also placing of a new commemorative stone.
- May – New St. Brigid Window dedication and interview with designer and builder Evan Connon
- May- 200 Concert in Church with Simon Morgan and Friends ‘ The Reimagining of Thomas Moore’
- May – Fete
- June – Festival of Art & Flower – Exhibition in the Gathering Grounds Hall
- July/ Aug Trip to Kildare Cathedral to learn more about the history of St. Brigid.
- Sept – The Mission Golf fundraising tournament for our mission partners.
- Oct – Harvest Thanksgiving
- Oct – 200 Dinner In the Gathering Grounds
- Oct – 200 year service with the Archbishop
If you are willing to contribute and pledge a gift to the bicentenary capital or events programme you can give a gift electronically through online banking or through the parish website. You can give a donation directly via the parish office on in an envelope in the collection basket or to the bank details below. Please ensure you mark your gift Bicentenary.
Account name: Kilternan Parish, Church of Ireland
Sort code: 900017
Account Number: 16306936
IBAN: IE50 BOFI 9000 1716 3069 36
We claim tax-back on all donations over €250 annually. This adds an average of 30% to the total giving at no cost to members. To avail of this, we would ask you to put your name or weekly envelope number on your donation.
Registration Charity Number (RCN) 2000 599
If you would like to find our more on how to support the Bicentenary works and events you can also contact Rev. Rob at rector@kilternanparish.ie.
Thank you all.
