A church of historical significance – regarded as Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built Dominican church and the only spired Dominican church in Ireland – could be set for considerable repair works.
Permission has been sought from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for remedial work at St Catherine’s Roman Catholic Church in Newry, which was founded 150 years ago.
More commonly referred to as the Dominican Church of the Sacred Heart and St Catherine of Sienna, the building is located on Dominic Street, Newry, and is attached to the Dominican Priory.
Proposals seek permission for the repair of numerous aspects of the Grade B+ listed property, including the removal and replacement of defective roof coverings and leadwork to the main roof, the repair of defective sandstone surrounds, repair and repointing in lime based render external stonework, repair of cast iron rainwater goods, leaded glass windows and storm glazing.
Externally, permission has also been sought to treat all roof timbers for wet/dry rot and for the provision of new ramp access.
Internally, proposals request the replacement of defective internal plaster in a lime based system, of all defective building services, defective wall and floor coverings and repair of internal and external doors.
Detailing the building’s rich history, a Design and Access Statement – prepared by P. O’Hagan & Associates Ltd on behalf of the applicant – reads: “On the 7th May 1871 four members of the Sons of St. Dominic, The Order of Preachers, arrived in Newry, Co Down, intent on establishing a Dominican foundation.
“The only Dominican priories previously in Ulster were in pre-reformation times in 1244 (Coleraine) and 1274 (Newtownards and Derry).
“The group were well received in Newry to the extent that, in a little over two years, on 23rd May 1873, the foundation stone for their new church was laid by Dr. John Pious Leahy, Bishop of Dromore Diocese.
“The church, named St. Catherine’s of Sienna, was built on a site originally leased from John Quinn, Ballybot, Newry and later granted freehold in 1906 by his sisters.
“The church was first dedicated on 17th October 1875, led by Dr. Leahy. St. Catherine’s is in the French Gothic revival style and was designed by George C Ashlin and Company, Architects, Dublin, who also designed the St. Joseph side altar.”
The building has several notable features including a main nave, lower side aisles, semi-circular apse, two side altars and an organ loft with choir seating.
Externally the church boasts its original Welsh slate roof and walls of cut Newry granite with sandstone dressings to windows and doors.
The spire was an additional add-on to the original George Ashlin design, completed from 1883 – 1884. Other improvements over the years to the church include the main altar in 1880, the pulpit in 1883, full height mosaics to walls of side altars and apse in 1928, electrical lighting first installed in 1929, various improvements and alterations to the original Connacher organ in 1910, 1938 and 1969.
Of the church’s involvement in community life, the statement adds: “The St Catherine’s Church and the Dominican Community continue to be closely integrated with the everyday welfare and spiritual needs of the people of Newry and beyond.
“Lay men and women continue to work on committees to ensure that this important historical asset is conserved and protected for future generations.”
To protect the building’s significance, the design allows for minimum loss of the historic structure of the church, whilst securing its use for the future.
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
