St Johns COI celebrates 400 years

KERRY’S Church of Ireland community have recently marked an historic anniversary as they celebrated the 400th anniversary of St John’s Church in Tralee.

The first section of St John The Evangelist Church on Ashe Street was erected 400 years ago this year with the second section of the church added 200 years ago.

The church’s remarkable 400 year history was celebrated on Sunday, October 6, when the Primate of all Ireland Archbishop of Armagh Richard Clarke visited the church to lead a special ceremony.

Also in attendance at the inter faith ceremony were the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne; the Bishop of the COI Diocese of Limerick, Aghadoe and Ardfert (of which St John’s forms part) Rev Kenneth Kearon and numerous local dignitaries, politicians and community leaders including the Mayor of Tralee Cllr Jim Finucane.

Priest and representatives from all churches in Tralee and its surrounding areas also took part in the proceedings.

The celebrations began with a drumming performance outside the church on Ashe Street by some of the parish’s African members.

This was followed by a 30 minute performance by Aidan O’Carroll’s Choir which led into the mass during which Bishop Browne read the Gospel following an inspirational sermon delivered by Archbishop Clarke.

The proceedings concluded – ahead of a reception and refreshments for all in the nearby St John’s parish centre – with a 30 minute performance by the members’ of St John’s own choir.

Photo: John Cleary. Photo John Cleary. Photographed at the bicentenary celebrations in St John The Evangelist Church Ashe Street, Tralee on Sunday, from left Violet Ryle, The Bishop of Kerry Rev Fr. Ray Browne and Ellen McElligott.

From left Photo John Cleary. Pictured after the bicentenary celebrations in St John The Evangelist Church Ashe Street, Tralee on Sunday, The Rector Canon Jim Stephenson. The Most Rev Richard Clarke Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Cllr. Norma Foley, The Bishop of Limeick Ardfert and Aghadoe Rev Kenneth Kearon, The Mayor of Tralee Cllr Jim Finucane and Cllr Sam Locke.

Photo John Cleary Attending the bicentenary celebrations in St John The Evangelist Church Ashe Street, Tralee on Sunday, from left Mark Boyle,Canon rev Robert Warren, Mona Butler, Rector Rev Jim Stephenson St John’s, and Michael Latchford.