17.10.2016
Stunning New Book Details History and Treasures of Nun’s Cross Church
A beautiful new book chronicling the long and distinguished history of Nun’s Cross Church, Killiskey, was launched on Friday evening (October 17) by Archbishop Michael Jackson. Nun’s Cross Church, Co. Wicklow and its Treasures, 1817–2017 by Patricia Butler with photography by Mark Boland, was commissioned by the select vestry of Killiskey to mark the bicentenary of their church. A huge crowd of people connected with the church and from the wider community attended the launch which took place in Clermont Campus and which heralds the start of the church’s 200th anniversary celebrations.
The history of Nun’s Cross Church dates back to its medieval foundation in 1179 AD. The new church, completed in 1817 contains an astonishing array of ‘treasures’ outstanding not only for their quality but also for their diversity and interest. Home to a rich collection of items in wood, stone and marble which have direct links to the great international revival of design and artistic craftsmanship known as the Arts & Crafts Movement (c.1885–c.1925), the church is also fortunate to possess a unique and important collection of stained glass executed by leading international artists Michael O’Connor, Charles Emer Kempe and Catherine O’Brien (An Tur Gloine). Links to the political (Sir Roger Casement) and literary (John Millington Synge) scenes are also present and discussed.
Officially launching the book, Archbishop Jackson said a debt of gratitude was owed to Patricia Butler for tremendous work she put into envisioning the book. “The fact that you are all here shows the affection in which you hold Nun’s Cross Church, for its historical continuity, its historical innovation, the importance of the site and the way in which it has been used as a place of worship for centuries. The building draws us into the totality and complexity of our own history in Ireland. The architect of the building was associated with the building of the GPO. Then there is the relationship with Roger Casement and his family. Artistically and aesthetically we find ourselves with the best locally, nationally and internationally,” he said.
Patricia, who is a parishioner of Nun’s Cross as well as being a distinguished art historian, thanked all associated with bringing the book to publication. She described the treasurers to be found in the church and said, “This church is not only a focal point for worship but also an art gallery open for all to enjoy”.
Vicar of Killiskey, the Revd Ken Rue, paid tribute to the parish’s bicentenary committee and thanked Patricia Butler for working diligently for two years on producing the book. He also acknowledged the support of Wicklow County Council’s 1916–2016 fund and the sponsors of the launch event. He said there would be many bicentenary events taking place during 2017. The parish hopes to hold some joint events with Ashford Parish which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.
The book costs €25 and is available at the Hub in Ashford, Bridge Street Books in Wicklow and from Lesley Rue at +353 (0) 87 2810478 or by email at lesleyrue@gmail.com.
Photo captions:
Top – Vicar of Killiskey, the Revd Ken Rue; Patricia Butler, author; Archbishop Michael Jackson; and Daniel J Healy, MC, at the launch of Nun’s Cross Church, Co. Wicklow and its Treasures, 1817–2017.
Bottom – Lesley Rue and Jane Hammond at the launch of Nun’s Cross Church, Co. Wicklow and its Treasures, 1817–2017 at Clermont Campus, Rathnew.