Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Guardian Angels

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Guardian Angels, Sallins
Church of Our Lady and the Guardian Angels
Eaglais Mhuire na Rosann agus na nAingeal Caomhnóra, Na Solláin
West facade
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Guardian Angels, Sallins Show map of County Kildare Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Guardian Angels, Sallins Show map of Ireland
53°14′55″N6°39′50″W / 53.24849°N 6.664°W / 53.24849; -6.664
Location	Church Avenue, Sallins, County Kildare
Country	Ireland
Denomination	Catholic
Churchmanship	Roman Rite
Website	https://www.naasparish.ie/church/our-lady-and-the-guardian-angels-sallins/
History
Dedication	Our Lady of the Rosary and the Guardian Angels
Dedicated	5 October 1924
Architecture
Functional status	active
Style	vernacular
Specifications
Length	22 m (72 ft)
Width	10 m (33 ft)
Number of floors	1
Floor area	220 m2 (2,400 sq ft)
Materials	Corrugated galvanised iron, wood
Bells	1 (external, freestanding)
Administration
Diocese	Kildare and Leighlin
Deanery	Naas
Parish	Sallins

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Guardian Angels is a 20th-century Catholic church in Sallins, Ireland. It is known for its unusual corrugated galvanised iron exterior, earning it the nickname "The Tin Church" or "The Tin-and-Timber Church." ^[1]

Location

Sallins Church is located near the core of Sallins village, 60 m (200 ft) south of the Grand Canal and 70 m (230 ft) east of the R407 road, Sallins' main street.

History

In the early 20th century, the Catholics of Sallins had to travel to Naas to attend Mass; money was collected locally to build a church, but this was delayed by the First World War, Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War. By 1920, about 400 pounds was available. Local priest Fr. Norris decided to purchase a prefabricated structure, of a type that was common in Britain and the Empire. ^[2]

The Church of Our Lady and the Guardian Angels has a corrugated galvanised iron exterior and totally wooden interior. It was imported from England and erected in 1924 and is a simple rectangle in shape. ^[3] It was dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and the Guardian Angels on 5 October 1924. ^[1]

The altar is made of pitch pine and was gifted by Miss Condron of Eadestown; the external bell was a 19th-century gift by Fr Lockhart of Eadestown; Miss B. Hourihane, of Sallins national school, donated paintings, and the Boushell family gifted a stained-glass window by Franz Mayer of Munich. ^{[1] [4]}

In 1972 the altar was moved in line with the teachings of Vatican II; in 1990, a new floor was fitted, and in 2000 it became a protected structure. ^[2] The church marked its centenary in 2024 and was renovated. ^[5]

It is one of only four "tin tabernacle" churches still in use in Ireland, the others being in Rossnowlagh, Rearcross and County Leitrim. ^[6]

References

1. Kenny, Liam (21 September 2024). "The unusual history of the Sallins "tin-and-timber" church celebrating 100 years". www.kildarenow.com.
2. Steffens, Renata (10 October 2024). "The centenary of the Tin church".
3. "Our Lady & the Guardian Angels, Sallins – Naas, Sallins & Two Mile House Parishes". www.naasparish.ie.
4. John McEvoy, John Duffy: The Churches of Kildare & Leighlin 2000 A.D., ISBN   2-7468-0293-7, p. 114
5. "PICTURES: Centenary celebrations at Sallins Church, Church of Our Lady and the Guardian Angels". www.kildarenow.com. 1 October 2024.
6. "Catholic Church of Our Lady of Visitation, REARDNOGY MORE, Rear Cross, TIPPERARY NORTH". Buildings of Ireland.