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History of the Parishes
Ramoan Parish (Rath-Modhain, Modan's Fort).
The parish was founded by St. Patrick in about 450 A.D. The following is a resume of parish history based upon Hugh Boyd's 'A History of the Church of Ireland in Ramoan Parish.' (R. Carswell & Son Ltd, Belfast, 1930). The parish has two churches.
Holy Trinity, Ballycastle.
The church is situated in the main square (or 'Diamond') of Ballycastle enclosed in a churchyard. Like the rest of the square the church is grade 'A' listed. The church was completed in 1756, being built by Colonel Hugh Boyd, who bore the total cost. It was built in Graeco-Italian style with an apse-shaped chancel and an octagonal spire about 100 feet high. It was effectively a chapel for the Boyd family and estate for many years, the remains of many Boyd descendants are in the vaults below, although it was always subject to Episcopal jurisdiction. It was given to the Church of Ireland about 1950. This church is open every day from 9am-5pm.
St. James, Ramoan.
This church is about a mile outside of town at the intersection of Ramoan Road and Church Road and lies a short distance from the original site founded by St. Patrick about 450 A.D where a church was established under St. Ereclacius. A series of churches were built on this site but eventually the current parish church was built in 1849 about 150 yards from the ancient site and the name changed to St. James. It is built in Early English style with Gothic windows. A notable Rector was Rev. J. S. B. Monsell (1811-75) who authored the hymns 'Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness' and 'Fight the Good Fight', amongst others.
Culfeightrin Parish.
This small parish is grouped with Ramoan and was also founded by St. Patrick. The current parish church is found just before the village of Ballyvoy and dates from 1831. Within this parish lies the promontory Fair Head (636 feet) upon which can be seen Scottish mountains and, of course, the Mull of Kintyre, just across the sea. Also within the parish boundary is the centre of reconciliation known as 'Corrymeela'.
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