St Mary, Crossreagh, Mullagh, Roman Catholic

This fine church replaced a smaller T-plan barn church that stood at the corner of the site to the west. The tower is a striking landmark in the countryside and is an early example of a tower on a Catholic Church, a feature which remained the privilege of the Established Church until it was disestablished in 1869. The pinnacled Gothic Revival style of the tower is closer in style to the Church of Ireland churches of the early part of the nineteenth century, perhaps reflecting a lack of Catholic references. The designer of the church is unknown, however, the tower is similar to that of St. Killian's church in Mullagh, built some twelve years earlier apparently to the designs of the parish priest. The cruciform-plan of St Mary's with its arcaded transepts is more elaborate. The church retains much of its original form, fabric, and architectural detail. The contrasting material finishes of the brick and different coloured stone are the main ornamentation and is typical of Victorian architecture of the period. The church is prominently located and makes a strong contribution to the character of the surrounding area.

[ National Inventory of Architectural Heritage ]