Celebrating two centuries of worship in Arva

The Church of Ireland in Arva will celbrate 200 years of the present building this Sunday, June 16. The current building was built in 1819 with the aid of a gift of £900 and a loan of £100 from the Board of First Fruits. It's believed the building was designed by the well known architect, John Bowden, it is built in a subdued Gothic Revival style.

The bicentenary celebrations will be led by Bishop Ferran Glenfield, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh who is the guest preacher at the Bicentenary service getting underway at 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon.
The celebratory music will be provided by the Kilmore Cathedral Choir. Following the service refreshments will be provided for all those attending in the Memorial Hall in Arva. Everyone is welcome.
The church building retains many of it's original 19th century features, although the north transept was a later addition. Architect John Bowden designed many churches and public buildings across Ireland, including the Peppery Cannister church in Dublin and Derry's courthouse.
The Arva building was built three years before his death in 1822. The skills of the craftsmen involved in construction is evident in the many original features, in particular the cut stone detailing to the openings, quoins and tower parapets. The church of Ireland building is believed to be the oldest building in Arva.