Later this month the Church of Ireland will consecrate and open its first new church in Kerry in over 100 years. The £450,000 church in Killorglin will also be the centre for the church's first integrated spiritual and social development project in the Republic.
The consecration ceremony will be conducted by the Bishop of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe, the Right Rev Edward Darling, and the sermon will be preached by the Most Rev Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.
Located on the Iveragh Road in Kilorglin, the church and social centre will have three halls and meeting rooms, toilets, showers and a kitchen. The project was designed by architect Mr Peter O'Reilly and built by Castlemaine Construction.
Mr Brian McCarthy, chairman of the fund-raising committee, said the project had widespread support in Co Kerry. Archdeacon Malcolm Shannon, rector of Kilcolman, said the centre was urgently needed to cater for local and visiting church members.
He added that it was also planned to make it available to the wider community.
Some £310,000 of the overall cost has already been raised and it is hoped that the remainder of the money will be collected before the consecration ceremony.