St. Catherines Church, Oughterlin

©St. Catherine’s Church, Oughterlin 1792

Rev. John McElwee became Parish Priest of Killygarvan & Tullyfern in 1782. By that time many of the Penal Law restrictions had been relaxed and he succeeded in having Oughterlin Chapel built in 1792. In those days the Priest resided nearby, at a house more recently known as "Mickey the Brig's". The "Meenasona" area was known as Priest Town.

When ground on which to build a Chapel was sought, Mr Knox, the Rathmullan Landlord offered a site at the top of Glencross Road. This was considered unsuitable as parishioners wanted it to be nearer Oughterlin but his boundaries did not extend any closer. The Landlord for Oughterlin, Rev Willaim Mortimer, Ballynahinch, was then approached and he came and had a look at the present site.

The Oughterlin Landlord offered the site; "which lies between two brooks, on Lease forever, on the basis of three half crowns rent per year."

The Lease was bought out by Rev. John O'Doherty, P.P. 1926 -1940

This is the location of the present Church, situated in Legland townland.

Lieutenant William Lancey of the Royal Engineers in his Ordinance Survey Report for the Parish of Killygarvan dated; 17th November 1834 states :

"The public buildings detached from the village are the Chapel and McAmish Fort. The former is in Legland and was erected by subscription in 1792 ; cost 200 pounds, can contain 1200 persons and is well attended. It is placed in a commanding and conspicuous, though remote place, but well chosen for the general accommodation of the people."

According to folklore, the original building on the site had a thatched roof, clay floor, open doorway and the new building was constructed around the outside of the original structure.

Sand used in the building of the new Chapel was taken from Loughswilly shore by horse and cart to the bottom of the "Backwood" bray and then in bags on horses backs' for the remainder of the journey. Stones were quarried in the hill above the Chapel and passed on by hand, in a continuous line of helpers, to the builders on site. So numerous were the helpers, it was said, that "There was a stone on the ground for the builders at all times".

Some doubts have been expressed concerning the date of the present building with some people suggesting 1845, however, Lieutenant William Lancey clearly confirms that it was erected in 1792 and functioning well in 1834.
The further building work, completed in 1844, was most likely the addition of the Sacristy. At an election time, Willie McGrorey, Killygarvan, made an after Mass election speech while standing on the Sacristy steps. In the course of his speach, he said; "The steps on which I am standing here to day were built by my Great Grandfather, one of the Bankers". His Great grandfather was Hugh (Banker) Doherty 1796-1871. The Church was later dedicated to St. Catherine by Bishop McGettigan.
When finished at the Chapel, the same builders moved on to start building Carradoan school in 1844 which they completed in 1847.

Rev. John McElwee
Was an industrious priest who qualified for the grant of a Spinning Wheel from the Linen Board (1796) by growing the required one rood of flax. In 1798 he was transferred as Parish Priest to Massmount, Fanad. In January 1801 he was appointed coadjuter-bishop of Raphoe. However, he was not consecrated Bishop as his appointment was opposed by 16 priests alleging that, because of his lifestyle, he was not suitable for the position. He put up a strong defense to the allegations but deliberations by the Vatican, on his suitability, had not been completed when he died, September 1801.

Other Priests who served in Oughterlin were Rev Aongus Friel who brought his nephew, McMearty to Meenasona. Rev. Charles McLaughlin P.P. (1810) was accompanied by his housekeeper and her brother. He was followed by Rev. William Carolan (1821 to 1868). Then came Rev Bernard Walker, born 1839, Stonebrook, Loughross Point, Ardara. In 1878 he became parish priest of Tullaghabegley and from there to be P.P of Lower Templecrone 1879-1894. Rev. Daniel McGettigan & Rev John Ward served after that. Rev J.R. Collins P.P. Rev. James Gallagher P.P. 1894-1926. Rev. John O'Doherty, 1926-1940, Rev. Hugh Boyle 1940-1962.

During their time, both Rev. Carolan & Rev. Walker, were addressed as "Mister".

In Tullyfern, Rev. Carolan built a new Chapel at Lagg near Milford (1829) and from then on, the Parish Priest resided at Drumacloghan. He travelled on horseback to say Mass which was at Oughterlin and Lagg on alternative Sundays. In the Tithe Applotment records 1833, "Rev. Wm Carlin", Drumacloghan, is listed as Landholder of 14 acres 1 rood & 3 perches .
William Carolan was born at Tawney, Kilmacrennan and buried at the old Abbey, Kilmacrennan.