Roof Project at Holy Cross Church, Tramore
Last Wednesday, Fr Michael Toomey, Curate Tramore & Carbally, ascended the current scaffolding around Holy Cross Church Tramore – which has amazed many for these past number of months- and re-dedicated the Cross and blessed and prayed for those who originally built this fine church and spire. Accompanied by a member of the building contractor for safety, and wearing the appropriate safety clothing, Fr Michael said: “Today I re-dedicated this Cross – which is a symbol and emblem of mans salvation to the people of Tramore and Carbally. May those who look upon this cross now, and in future generations, be guided by the Light of Christ in all things.” Fr Michael then gave the blessing, and then turned and blessed those who are currently working on the renovations of the roof, spire, windows and stonework, and blessed Tramore from 190 foot above the ground. Fr Michael also blessed those buried in our cemeteries and then blessed the new roof from the spire.
The building works began last August and the builders are making great progress. It is hoped that most of the works will be completed by Easter. Fr Michael thanks the people and parishioners of Tramore & Carbally for their financial support – particularly in the ‘Donate a Slate’ campaign which has raised almost €35,000 euro. “There is still a lot more to do to reach the €1.5 million needed but so far so good” said Fr Michael. “The ‘Donate a slate’ campaign is on-going, and we are so grateful to so many who have already given personal donations at this time”.
HISTORY OF THE SPIRE:
While Holy Cross Church in Tramore was completed in 1860, it wasn’t until 10 years later that work began on the Spire. The work began in September 1870 and completed a year later. On Saturday 30 September 1871, Mr James Ryan, the contractor ascended the scaffolding which was a firmly built network from the ground to the apex, and with his own hands assisted the planting of the Cross into the Spire.
From the Waterford News October 6th 1871:
“On Saturday last, we had the very sincere gratification with many others, of witnessing the crowning glory of this noble edifice- THE CROSS – the emblem of man’s salvation, being placed on the pinnacle of the handsome and lofty sire just completed. …On the summit [of the spire] is placed the highly ornamented iron Cross, standing 9 feet over the stone work, and let down 35 feet into the spire, where it is secured by a framework of iron, built in the solid into sides. The arms and devices on the Cross are all of gilt copper.”
PHOTOGRAPHS:
Fr Michael also took the opportunity to take a number of photographs from the Spire which will be on display in the Church in the coming days and on a new Facebook page under ‘Tramore Parish’. “It was an amazing view – to see all around Tramore – even the Airport and the outskirts of Waterford City could be seen”. Asked if he was nervous up there, Fr Michael confessed that when he got to the top, he said: “Is now a bad time to tell you I’m scared of heights?”
Donations for the ‘Donate a Slate” or personal donations can be made to Holy Cross Church, Tramore.
