A Little History
Pappan was a 6th century hermit, mentioned in the Martyrology of Tallaght (9th cent.) as a son or affordable papers grandson of Aengus MacNathfriach, a “king of Munster” who had been baptised by St Patrick. He is said to grade my paper have studied with St Mobhi at Glasnevin. Pappan’s holy well is located near the parish centre; he is also associated with a sacred tree in the townland of Poppintree, which was the site of a patron on his feast day, 31 July.
The little community of Santry (Seantrabh, the old tribe) was destroyed in 836 by the Vikings, who occupied the area, giving it the name Fingal, the land of the fair-haired strangers.
On the arrival of the Normans, the lands of Santry were granted to the de Phoepe family. In the 12th century the parish came into being, and Adam de Phoepe built a church with nave and chancel. It was given to the Cistercian monks of St Mary’s Abbey, who supplied the pastors until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539.
Among the relics of this period, we have a baptismal font (14th cent), which at one time had been misused under a water pump until rescued and returned: it still bears the marks where it has been used as a sharpening stone, maybe for swords during the “Battle of Santry” in 1641.
Another delightful reminder of those days is the church bell. Dated to the 15th century, it appears to have come from the abbey, and is inscribed
+ AVE: MARIA: GRACIA: PLENA; DOMINU:
It still rings, Sunday by Sunday, in honour of the Son of Mary.
In the 16th century, St Pappan’s conformed to the reformed religion, but many of the parishioners did not; and by 1630 the church was ruinous.
A new period begins with the arrival of the Barry family as landowners in the 17th century: Sir James Barry was made first Baron of Santry in 1661. His son Richard is commemorated with a fine basalt monument in the baptistery. His son Henry, 3rd Baron, married Bridget Domville, a name we will hear of again. From this era we possess a chalice dated 1666; unfortunately too worn for use. In the chancel there is a memorial brass of 1680 which commemorates Revd Henry Brereton, vicar for 43 years. Another tablet commemorates his son-in-law, Revd Daniel Jackson, who was Vicar 1678 – 1707. A generous man of considerable fortune, he bequeathed funds to augment the stipend of his successors. He also left funds for a school (in Schoolhouse Lane); the school is gone, but the money still assists in the education of the parish children .
He was succeeded by his son John, and during his incumbency the 3rd Lord Santry built the present church in 1709. Originally the west gable had a double bell-turret. It is to this period we date our most impressive feature, the beautiful carved altarpiece, with its pediment and Corinthian columns, and the Hebrew Name of God in glory. The original inscription “This do in Remembrance of Me” was later changed to the present “I am the Bread of Life”. The pulpit is of the same period and style, but the Santry Court pew has long since disappeared. The communion silver dates from this time, as does a copper long-handled collection-dish in the Vestry.
The 4th and last Lord Santry – a colourful character, a member of the Hell Fire Club – died in 1751 and the estate passed to his uncle Sir Compton Domville of Templeogue. Several tablets recall the association with the Domvilles, and their tombs are in the graveyard. It was a Domville who built “the other” St Pappin’s (Roman Catholic) church in Ballymun, now a nursing home.
The 19th century saw great change. The Church of Ireland was disestablished, and the first rector was Revd Benjamin Adams (1878-87), an enthusiastic antiquary to whom all subsequent parish historians are indebted. The church was re-ordered at this time. A pipe-organ was installed (c. 1900), still doing sterling service under the talented fingers of Valerie Johnston. The West gallery is gone, however; it once accommodated the pupils from the Charter School in Ballymun.
St Pappan’s contains a small number of stained-glass windows: one of patterned glass (mid-19th cent, commemorating Lady Helena Domville who redesigned Santry as a Swiss Village) and three creations from An Túr Gloine, 1920s and 30s: these depict “Phoebe”, “St Michael”, and “Job, Fortitude, St John Baptist, & Justice” – in memory of the Poë family and Charles Vernon who died in the First World War.
The parish was united with Glasnevin in 1887, and with Coolock from 1924 – 1960. A small rural parish was transformed as the city spread northwards, and the airport was developed. The 1960s and 70s saw St Pappan’s filled with young families. Now the population has moved again. The small and faithful congregation have worked hard over the last few years to remedy problems of damp; the floor has been renewed and re-carpeted, the interior re-decorated; thanks to the generosity of a parishioner the walls of the Domville mausoleum have been re-built.
The Parish Centre, latest in a series of parish halls, is a lively place, with Bowls clubs, Girls’ Brigade, Mothers’ Union, dance classes, karate, badminton, and any number of supper dances and parties.
In 1994 Blessed Margaret Ball Chapel was opened as a chapel-of-ease to Whitehall R.C. Church, and the two congregations worship together from time to time.
In 1995 Finglas joined the group of parishes, and new friendships are growing.
In 1996 Santry welcomed its first female minister, when Revd Margaret Gilbert joined the staff as assistant priest.
Other friendships have a more international flavour; we have welcomed people from Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Poland and India. As we give thanks for 300 years (and longer!), remembering many good people who have lived and worked here, we look forward in faith and hope to what the next 300 years may bring.
Hello – My name is Maureen Ray; I am a decendant of Rev Henry Lefroy. My husband and two adult chi;dren will be visiting from Australia. We hope to join the Eucharist on Sunday 18 September. Look forward to visiting again.
Till then. Best wishes
Thank you for commenting. We look forward to your company.
Hello – My name is Maureen Ray I am a decendant of Rev Henry Lefroy. We will be vising Dublin and hope to worship with you on Sunday 18 September. Best wishes till then.
I remember the beautiful Beech Trees along the side of the church, collecting the nuts in Autumn eating them and hoping you wouldn’t die, and how each Summer the farmer would leave a portion of the cut hay for the local children to play with. We used to stack it high and jump off the school shelter roof, the church grounds were full of trees and hedges. I remember the Priest’s housekeeper showing me a blackbirds nest in the hedge bordering the house from the main church, she gave me 50p for collecting the paper from the “little shop” up at the cross where there was an old water pump. It was a different world to what it is today.
Hi Kathy.
My name is Tommy gibbons. My family emigrated to Canada in 1966. When I saw your reference to the trees and and the school shelter, I wondered if you could share any memories. I attended this school in the early 1960’s. Recently I was reflecting on those years, and I recall a favourite teacher (Dermot Sheehy) leading the boys and girls back to class. He encouraged the girls to sing songs they had been creating. It was a lovely memory. I’m guessing your time at this school preceded mine, as I don’t recall the hay stacking you mentioned. In 1964 most (if not all) of us were moved to the new school Our Lady Of Victories. I would be delighted to hear from you. My email is: tommyg109@gmail.com
I just realised I may have got the wrong Pappin’s or Pappan’s. The school I attended was a Catholic school.
tommyg
Thanks for sharing your memories! The whole area has changed tremendously over a single life-time. Older parishioners would reminsice about the tram stopping at Whitehall, and having to walk the rest of the way…