Entrance Hymn: Hail, Redeemer, King Divine

Continuing the History of Christ the King Church…

The Turner’s Cross building commission was subject to an overall cost restriction of £30,000. After some investigation, site supervising architect J.R. Boyd Barrett reported that a brick and wood building could not be accomplished on that budget and suggested that a complete concrete construction with plaster ceiling would be more realistic. Although somewhat reluctant to sacrifice the brick and wood design, Byrne reworked his solution to use concrete as the main construction material. The result would involve the use of large sections of cast and steel re-enforced concrete. The reissued model, depicted a new departure in Byrne’s style and the Church of Christ the King, became the first Irish church ever built from concrete.

Work began in March 1929 with foundations being blessed on 21st July of the same year by Dr. Cohalan. Initial problems were mostly in relation to the foundation. The soft marsh-like terrain of the site was no match for the heavy foundation. Before any walls could be erected, the building contractor, John Buckley, had to sink foundations some fifteen feet to reach a solid base, well above the 5-6 feet estimations of Byrne. Other issues included a strong opposition from the Society of Stone Cutters and Marble Masons. Their anger related to the selection of concrete as a base material and instructed that the foundation stone “..shall not be worked, as the building of the said Church is detrimental to our trade”. A general building trade strike took place the following year from May to August causing significant delays in the project. The church did however open on time on the Feast of Christ the King, October 25th 1931. Such was his delight with the results, Barry Byrne would never again choose brick as his preferred material. His later churches would perfect the use of concrete, not only as a more versatile material, but as a cheap alternative to brick. In 1957, Turner’s Cross was designated an independent parish by Bishop Cornelius Lucey. This coincided with the construction of five new churches under the direction of Bishop Lucey. Several Irish architecture publications feature this church and on an international scale, the only two Cork churches to frequently feature in journals and books are the Church of Christ the King and the Protestant Cathedral of St. Finbarr.

Thanks

Sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the Autumn Dues in support of the priests’ income. The weekly collections are for the running of the parish and do not go to the priests. Thanks to the many parishioners who presented the names of the deceased for the All Souls Novena and for the offerings attached. Mile buiochas.

Recent Death:

The death has occurred of Declan Burke, Erin Tce. May he rest in peace. We offer our sympthay and prayers to his family.