A Co Mayo village is divided over the decision of a local curate to create more space for communicants in the church by having the pews shortened.
The carpenters had scarcely begun their contract at Woodfield Church, Kilkelly, earlier this week when a delegation of parishioners arrived and demanded that work cease immediately.
After a telephone consultation with the local curate, Father Paddy Sheridan, work was suspended.
"The past week has been hot and heavy," Father Sheridan said yesterday. He added: "the way forward will have to be through compromise and negotiation."
Father Sheridan said it was necessary to cut the seats as the aisle was very narrow and went right up to the side walls of the church, making it very difficult and "undignified" for those receiving Communion.
The local Pastoral Council took a vote on the issue and decided by a narrow margin to have the controversial refurbishment completed.
"Everything was done very openly and transparently, but when the carpenters moved in a certain group became very angry and vocal," Father Sheridan said.
Objectors to the plan claim that the change is unnecessary, and say the pews were handmade to the finest standards of craftsmanship by a previous generation.
About 100 people attend Sunday Mass in Woodfield, which is part of Aghamore Parish.