The doors have closed at Taughboyne Parish Church near St Johnston due to falling congregation numbers.
The final closing service was held at the Church of Ireland’s historic St Baithin’s Church on Sunday 7th June.
The decision to close was made by the parish’s Select Vestry, following consultation with the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster.
Regular services stopped at the church two years ago and since then the small congregation have been worshipping at other churches within the Taughboyne Group of Parishes.
No decision has yet been made on the future of the building. The communal graveyard at Taughboyne Parish Church will continue to be maintained by the Church of Ireland.
The site has witnessed four centuries of worship, with heritage records detailing that the building was originally erected around 1627 and renovated around 1830.
Bishop Forster has paid tribute to the clergy and church officers who served the parish over many generations.
“This is a sad time for those who worshipped at St Baithin’s Church and for those who served there,” Bishop Forster said.
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“Unfortunately, though, the cost of maintaining the church had become prohibitive for its dwindling congregation. The Select Vestry’s decision was a difficult one to make but the right one.
“I pray that those who worshipped in St Baithin’s and felt deep love for it feel equally at home elsewhere in the grouped churches – at Craigadooish Chapel of Ease, St Fiach’s in Killea or All Saints’ Newtowncunningham – and that they will continue to build God’s Kingdom in east Donegal.
“We are thankful for the faithful witness of so many parishioners and clergy down through the centuries in Taughboyne.
“We are thankful, too, for the leadership shown by the Ordained Local Minister in Taughboyne, Rev Sean McClafferty, during this recent challenging period and for Canon David Crooks’ 40 years of service as Rector until his retirement almost two years ago.”
St Baithin’s Church is owned by the Church of Ireland’s Representative Church Body, which holds it in trust for the parish.