This delightful chuch is in the parish of Craigs, which includes the three churches of Craigs (Cullybackey), St. JamesSt. James Dunaghy (Clough), and Killagan (cloughmills)
Killagan Parish Church is situated on the Drumadoon Road on the outskirts of the village of Cloughmills. Designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, like the other 2 churches in the present grouping, it was consecrated 25th. November 1840 making it, technically, the oldest structure of the three churches. Unlike the other two churches, this church has a gallery, bringing its seating capacity up to about 150.
There are fine original glass windows, a reredos inscribed 'Do this in remembrance of me', and a memorial to the original incumbent, the Rev. Richard Jeffares, who ministered there for forty years.
There are historical references also to a much earlier foundation in the area, in the townland of Broughanore, probably near to Killagan Water Bridge, but the Ulster Visitation Book of 1622 records this to be 'utterly decayed' and the site is not certain.
In 1633 a Curate's Assistant for Killagan was named as the Rev. David Lightfood (Lutfield), who was possibly responsible for the rebuilding in Dunaghy (Clough), since he was also Curate's Assistant for that Parish. Reinventing this linkage, KIllagan was grouped with Dunaghy and Newtowncrommelin from 1894 to 1960.
The grounds of the present church are pleasantly laid out, and there is a fine scenic graveyard attached. Much quiet restoration work was completed in the 2000's, with generous contributions from all traditions in the village, and one of the most outstanding features is the finely designed wrought iron gates on both entrances to the church property.
Information courtesy of: http://www.connordiocese.org.uk/Craigs%2C%20Dunaghy%20and%20Killagan/
The cache is a micro with WITR log attached to camo – please only use one line. Bring your own pen.
It is accessible by wheelchair but help may be needed to reach the cache. Parking is available beside the cache but this is a fast road and very busy at times – take care & watch your mini-cachers. Please replace carefully.
The Church Micro IE series is open to everyone; if you have a church you would like to place a cache at then please contact THE_Chris through Geocaching.com. This is to keep track of the numbers of the churches and give you the general format for the cache page. In the UK there are #1500 caches in the series so we have some catching up to do! If you currently have a published cache at a church that you would like to include in the series get in contact and we can add it.
