St. Connell’s Church

St. Connell’s Church, Glenties was designed by the architect, the late Mr. Liam Mc Cormick, Derry and was officially opened on Sunday 19th May 1974 by the Bishop of Raphoe, the late Bishop Anthony Mac Feely. Mr. Mc Cormick has won several awards for the design of his churches and he got an award for this church too.

Surrounded by trees, the Church echoes a feeling of encloure, its high pitched slated roof enclosing the building almost to the ground on both sides. The tall gable ends are white rough-cast. Mr. Mc Cormick makes three strong statements in the design of the Church. 1. Design blending with the environment. 2. The Role of Nature. 3. The Importance of Baptism.

St. Connell’s Church reflects the meeting of the two glens; the Big Glen and the Wee Glen. Na Gleanntai(The Glens) from which the town gets it’s name. The Church has a strong natural light coming mainly from the roof window and the low level window overlooking the landscape area. As we enter this beautilful Church we cross over water and this will remind us of Baptism, the gateway to the Eucharist.