Diocesan News
St Macartin’s Cathedral Clock to be lit for first time on Armistice Day
A familiar landmark to many on the tower of St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, the clock–face, is to be further enhanced.
The Cathedral clock will be lit for the first time on Sunday, 11th November, at 7pm to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the ending of the First World War.
The brightness of the clock, shining in the darkness, is to reflect light, hope, peace and reconciliation.
The first clock in the tower of St. Macartin’s Cathedral was presented by the Miss Halls in 1841. Since then a chiming clock has been maintained in the tower to inform the people of the town the hour of the day and the chimes as a reminder of the passing of time.
The old clock became worn and in 1934 Mr Alfred Weaver, a newsagent and book seller in Darling Street, presented a new chiming clock, then a most generous gift to the parish and town. The clock which chimed on eight bells, cost £256. In 1971 Smith of Derby valued the clock at £2,500.
A major overhaul of the clock, costing £3,432, was carried out in spring 1993 and again this was the generous gift of an anonymous donor. Further upgrading of the clock took place in 2016 when an automatic winding system was installed by Smith of Derby costing £9,800 and again the cost was met by the same generous benefactor who funded the major overhaul in 1993.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ending of the First World War, the clock has been back–lit using a light emitting diode system. This provision of this back–lighting which was installed by Smith of Derby cost £1,188 – again the gift of the generous sponsor of the clock.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Clogher
07708 869823
Mr Brian Donaldson
clogherdco@btinternet.com