US Institute to Preserve Christ Church Historic Cemetery

01/31/2022

The 2021 Annual Report of the USIPCCHC is now available with this link:

https://1drv.ms/b/s!AnnenLHPL7FQgfFcyLOJX833radO1Q?e=YLVI9Q

12/07/2021

A new 8-minute video covering the four historic churches in the Omey Group of Parishes is now available.at https://youtu.be/kJ_g7cqqF4M

The Omey Group of Parishes consists of four churches (Church of Ireland) located in the Connemara region of western Ireland. All of these churches were buil...

11/13/2021

Two Institute Board members, Ed & Bill Ruttledge met recently in Clifden, Ireland and had an opportunity to visit each of the churches comprising the Omey Group of Parishes, which is supported by the Institute.

Over the past several months, the Institute has contributed over $12,000 (USD) in support of projects, including:

Removal of damaging water intrusive exterior stucco at St. Thomas’ Church, Ballinakill (Moyard)

Rebuilding of portions of the churchyard wall along with restoration and maintenance of churchyard grounds at Christ Church, Clifden

Creation of an Institute donated “reserve fund” held by the Diocese for future projects mutually agreed between the Institute’s Board and the Diocese

Ed Ruttledge enjoyed an extended stay and had an opportunity to meet with Dean Grimason to discuss the next steps which are currently being prioritized. The Institute will be considering listed projects and options on how best to assist such projects.

Photos of the recent visit follow. Incidentally, the Institute’s Bylaws require Board Members to personally assume, without reimbursement, all travel expenses made on behalf of the Institute.

12/12/2017

THE INSTITUTE IS EXPANDING ITS MISSION!

In the past two years, the Institute has gained a better understanding of the maintenance, repair, and restoration work being contemplated by the Select Vestry of Christ Church. This became eminently clear when the Church property at Errislannan was vandalized only weeks ago. This property is within the authority of the Select Vestry as are other properties within the Connemara region. It seems appropriate to expand the scope of the Institute’s interest to match the scope of work for which the Select Vestry is responsible.

The Board of Directors, therefore, formally amended the By-Laws so that the Institute may “… facilitate the care, maintenance and preservation of cemetery grounds, buildings and other properties within the administration of the Omey Union Select Vestry (Church of Ireland) which is located in Clifden Ireland…”

10/30/2017

The Institute Board has approved a €500 contribution towards the recovery effort for the Errislannan church building after a horrific attack by vandals. It is estimated the damage will cost up to €70,000 to repair.

Part of the Christ Church parish, the Errislannan church is located outside of Clifden near the historic Alcock and Brown landing site. The building is used only in summer and for occasional gatherings. An article regarding this unfortunate event is attached.

Interior of Church of Ireland building on Errislannan peninsula completely destroyed

09/09/2017

Repairs at Christ Church...

Though not part of the mission of the Institute, I am reporting on some ongoing repair work of the church building itself at Christ Church.

A new gutter and downspout assembly has been installed on the "bay side" of the church building, replacing a worn out system with a classic cast iron structure that could very well last the century.

Unfortunately, long term water incursion behind the walls of the chancel caused the interior surface of the walls to collapse! The chancel has been closed off for safety reasons, a barrier constructed and the alter moved forward while funds are assembled to tackle a complicated repair task to stop water incursion, dry out the exterior stone work, replace the interior wooden lattice work and place new plaster on the walls.

Some photos are attached to this post.

Ed Ruttledge, Treasurer

09/09/2017

My spouse and I have been in Clifden for the past two weeks... I am pleased to report the churchyard is looking well cared for (the southwest corner remains a work-in-progress). I'll include some photos taken on Sept. 8, 2017. Thank you for your support of the Institute!

Ed Ruttledge - Treasurer

05/11/2017

While on a recent visit to Clifden, Ed Ruttledge, Treasurer of the Institute, provided a gift of €4500 to Christ Church for the care, maintenance and continued enhancement of the churchyard. Shown in the photo: Ed Ruttledge, Rosie Evans and The Very Reverend Stan Evans.

04/30/2017

Representatives of Clifden Garden Club, Clifden Tidy Towns, County Galway and Christ Church met this past week to confer on a grant proposal to create a "living churchyard." They walked through the site and reviewed key aspects of the proposal. I had the opportunity to join in as an "observer" for the Institute. It is interesting to see how the Institute's inquiry two years ago has grown into a community project!

04/26/2017

Spring clean up continues at the Christ Church churchyard. Grass has been mowed in about half of the area and looks far better. The other half is yet a "work in progress." Lots to do, but there is steady progress. See the photos below: