On Sunday, 21st July 2024, Mallow Union of Parishes celebrated the Bicentenary of the Consecration of St James’s Church with a Festival Eucharist. the Bishop, Dr Paul Colton preached and presided at the service, and St James’s Church was full with parishioners, community representatives, clergy and readers from across the Diocese.

The Rector of Mallow Union, the Rev. Meurig Williams, said:

It’s a delight to give thanks for 200 years of worship and witness in St James’s Church Mallow. But equally we give thanks for the diverse and growing community that makes the church a living place of prayer, welcome and hospitality today. For all that, thanks be to God!

After the service, Bishop Paul planted a tree in the church grounds, the 23rd tree out of 25 trees he is planting across the Diocese to mark his 25th anniversary as Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. The procession to the planting site was led by three pipers from Mallow’s Thomas Davis Pipe Band which is celebrating the centenary of its foundation this year..

Afterwards everyone was invited to enjoy light refreshments in the parish hall. The Bishop cut a cake to celebrate the bicentenary and presentations were made to him and to Mrs Susan Colton.