St Joseph’s, Ballycran

The present parish of Ardkeen, established in 1866, stretches from the south wall of Mount Stewart Estate on the northern side of Greyabbey to Ardkeen corner at the junction of Rowreagh Road and Loughdoo Road, on the way to Portaferry; and from Ballywalter along the Irish Sea coast as far as Cloughey. The current church at Lisbane had been in use for nearly a century but was now too small for the population. There was a need for a larger church, schools, and a priest’s residence.

The Parish Priest, Fr John McAuley, considered a site near the church of Lisbane but ultimately chose a location in Ballycranbeg within sight of the ancient Mass Rock. Fr McAuley went to the USA to raise funds for the project and successfully raised £900 (equivalent to about £70,000 today).

The foundation stone was laid on 17th April 1874, and the new church was dedicated to St Joseph on 8th October 1876 by Most Rev Dr Dorrian, Bishop of Down and Connor. It is recorded that a special train was organised from Belfast to Newtownards, and many horse-drawn cabs were waiting to convey people to Ballycran. The organist from St Patrick’s Belfast presided at the harmonium. The collection, which exceeded £800 (equivalent to about £64,000 today), was collected by a large group of distinguished clergy, a Member of Parliament, a solicitor, a vet, and many others, as many of the congregation—over 1,000 people—remained outside the church. Many had come to hear the renowned orator, Fr Thomas Burke O.P (1830 – 1882), deliver the sermon.

Fr Felix McKeating was appointed Parish Priest in 1881, just two years after the apparition of Our Lady at Knock in County Mayo. He undertook the construction of the parochial house, which was completed in 1883. Upon his death, two years later, he was buried “just outside the walls of the church.” The site is believed to be close to the mission cross and beside where Fr Andy McGrattan, a native of the parish, was buried in March 2000. Fr McGrattan was born in Ballycranmore and celebrated his first Mass at St Joseph’s in June 1950. He later served as Parish Priest of Hannahstown (1978–1990) and Ballygalget (1990–1993). Hugh Joseph Quinn, who later was ordained Fr Salvator O.F.M. Capuchin, was also a native of the parish, born near the boundary between Lisbane and Ardkeen townlands. His brother William was also ordained into the Franciscan order, adopting the name Fr Emmanuel. They were ordained just before Fr McGrattan, in the late 1940s.

A few days after Christmas in 1894, a severe storm struck these islands; some described it as a hurricane. The roof of St Joseph’s was blown off, the windows shattered, the interior damaged, and the bell tower severely shaken. The Parish Priest at the time, Fr McKenna, and his successor, Fr Tully, carried out the necessary repairs. Fr Nolan completed the restoration in 1910 and installed a new bell in the tower in 1911. Fr Neeson installed a generator in 1927, providing electric lighting for the church and the school. Mains electricity was supplied in 1951.

Following the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), Fr Arthur Haughey was appointed Parish Priest (1965–1986). Like his colleagues in the clergy, he was tasked with implementing several reforms, including the transition from Latin to English in the Mass, removing the altar rails, which were seen as a barrier between the congregation and the altar, and facing the congregation during Mass, which involved installing a new altar.

Towards the end of the 20th century, three more men from the parish were ordained to the priesthood. Fr John Brown (CSSp) in 1980 and Fr Eamon Fitzgerald (OMI) in 1981, both from Kircubbin, entered religious congregations, while Fr Sean Dillon from Killyvolgan was ordained for the Down & Connor diocese by Bishop Cathal Daly on 1 June 1990 in St Mary’s. Fr Sean retired as Parish Priest of the Upper Mourne (Kilkeel) parish in 2024. During Canon Joseph Conway’s tenure as Parish Priest (1986 – 2000), a substantial refurbishment was undertaken, with the sanctuary being redesigned and the heating upgraded. The church was closed for several months in late 1991, and the nearby school was used to celebrate Mass. Bishop Patrick Walsh’s re-opening and dedication took place on 5 April 1992.