ONE OF the New Ross district’s most picturesque churches celebrated its 125th anniversary on Saturday evening with a special mass and community celebration.
The Parish Church in Newbawn welcomed a large congregation of people through its doors for the mass which was celebrated by Mon. Joe McGrath. The night also included the official launch of the up-dated history of the church. The document includes links to the history of schools and teachers in the locality through the decades.
Mon. McGrath was assisted on the alter by a number of priests from throughout the local area.
The congregation was reminded of the important role the church has played in the life of the community since it was built in 1889.
A close-knit community the people of Newbawn are very proud of their area and the parish church has always been at the heart of the community down through recent generations.
Following the mass refreshments were served at a social event in the community hall. Members of this year’s First Communion class helped cut the celebratory cake with Mon. McGrath following the mass.
Copies of the history book were on sale on the night and are now available locally. The book documents the history of the church, the parish’s schools and teachers, and various other interesting bits of information relating to the area. It also contains numerous photographs and as a document of events in the parish is a valuable publication.
