Parishioners in the Lyreacropmane area past and present are being invited to the unveiling of a make-over at the Church of The Sacred Heart on Sunday, June 29 at 1pm. There will be a mass to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first church built in Lyre and everyone is invited to attend.
“We’re particularly anxious to invite anyone who has ever had any connections with Lyre down through the years – they’re more than welcome,” said committee spokesperson, Joan Murphy.
The mass and blessing of the refurbished building will be followed by refreshments and entertainment in Lyreacrompane Resource Centre.
“Lyreacrompane’s first church was built in 1914 but was destroyed during the war except for three large, stained glass windows that survived. When the church was re-built in 1954 the three stained glass windows were fitted to the front of the building where they remain to this day,” said Joan.
It was decided a few months ago to give the church a make-over as it has been 25 years since this was last done. It was also agreed that the historic windows should be given a great profile from the floor of the church.
“The three stained glass windows were never fully visible to the public because of the parapet of the balcony so it was decided to remove the centre of the papapet and replace it with glass. This has made an enormous difference to the interior and opened up the view of the windows from the ground,” said Joan.
As part of the current programme of refurbishment, the church was painted inside and outside with some minor repair work to the roof. Also some interior renovations were carried out.
“Our church is dedicated to the Sacred Heart and always had a steady stream of visitors and this has increased since the renovations were done. Sunday the 29th will be a great day here. Mark it in your diary,” Joan concluded.
