Villierstown Chapel and ChaplainsNiall C.E.J. O’Brien

Introduction

At the centre of Villierstown today stands the chapel which isnow (2015) the local community centre. A survey map of theDromana estate in 1751 placed the chapel further up the hilland nearer to the entrance gates to the Dromana demesne. Themap also placed the chapel of the west side of the street asopposed to the east side that it is currently on.1 This map wasnot an actual representation of existing structures in 1751but a vision of how the full Dromana demesne would look whenall the improvements had been made.

Front elevation of Villierstown chapel

Villierstown chapel

In 1746 there were just sixteen churches in repair in theDiocese of Lismore. This low number had to do with thepolitical and religious landscape after the 16th centuryReformation. In England the local landlord and the localcommunity were of one religion after the Reformation. The

1 Hugh Maguire (ed.), An Introduction to the Architectural Heritage of County Waterford (Government of Ireland, 2004), p. 14

local landlord would fund the repair of the medieval parishchurch or help build a new one. In Ireland the landlord andthe local community were of different religions. Thissituation, along with other issues, contributed to the lack ofchurch building or refurbishment in the 18th century.2

But there were a few exceptions to this situation. In the1750s the religious landscape on the Dromana estate hadrecently changed. At the new village of Villierstown thelandlord and the new Protestant community, recently arrivedfrom Ulster to work the linen industry, were of the samereligion. In an age where religion was still important, John,Earl Grandison, decided to fund a new church building on asite where no previous church existed to support the religiouslife of the new community. For more on the linen industry andthe Ulster settlers see the article about same athttps://niallbrn.wordpress.com/2015/03/09/villierstown-and-the-linen-industry/

The chapel building dates from 1748 or 1760 depending on whichsource you read. The chaplaincy appears for the first time inthe Visitation Books of 1784.3 Among the Villiers-Stuart papersare a number of letters from the 1750s which give more certaininformation. On 22nd June 1755 Christopher Musgrave of Tourin(agent of Earl Grandison) wrote to an unidentified recipientthat “My Lord has not yet determined whether he will removethe well at the east end of the church, but says he will if hefind it necessary. They have laid the foundations and thepiers, and are settling the walk round the church”.4

Late in 1755 the interior fittings of the chapel appear tohave been installed. In about December 1755 ChristopherMusgrave wrote that “My Lord still resolves to have the seats,

2 R.B. MacCarthy, The diocese of Lismore, 1801-69 (Four Courts Press, Dublin, 2008), p. 423 Hugh Maguire (ed.), An Intro to the Architectural Heritage of County Waterford, p. 14; Rev. W. Rennison, Succession list of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore, p. 2214 P.R.O.N.I., Villiers-Stuart papers, T.3131/B/7/36, 22nd June 1755, Christopher Musgrave, Tourin to [Aland Mason?]

pulpit and altarpiece, etc. all painted the same oak colour”.5

This interior woodwork was the most notable feature ofVillierstown chapel. The finished chapel could accommodateabout 400 people.6 Another delightful feature of the chapel isthe three stain glass windows. The clock over the front doorwas erected in 1910 by Mary Villiers Stuart for the benefit ofthe people of Villierstown.

It was also hoped to finish the outside of the chapel towardsthe end of 1755 but it was impossible to get labourers tosettle the earth directly around the chapel. ChristopherMusgrave wrote that the usual labourers were “digging outpotatoes [where] most people gave them 6½d or 7d (d = pence) aday, and their breakfast and dinner besides, which made itimpracticable to get them as my Lord had none of his own tocommand. The others will naturally go where they are bestpaid”.7

On April 1757 Earl Grandison wrote to Aland Mason about therecent bad weather but hopes that the weather “will notprevent my appearing at church with my weavers” on thefollowing day.8 This would suggest that work on building thechapel was complete and normal divine services could be held.

The chapel was endowed by John Fitzgerald Villiers, 1st EarlGrandison, in his will of 25th June 1763. The then personalchaplain of Earl Grandison, Rev. Francis Green, became firstChaplain of Villierstown. There was no district assigned tothe chaplain and the village of Villierstown remained part ofthe civil parish of Aglish. Instead the chaplain was to give“divine service” and catechize.9 In the 1840s we learn that

5 P.R.O.N.I., Villiers-Stuart papers, T.3131/B/7/36, c. December 1754, Christopher Musgrave, Tourin to [Aland Mason?]6 R.B. MacCarthy, The diocese of Lismore, 1801-69, p. 447 P.R.O.N.I., Villiers-Stuart papers, T.3131/B/7/36, c. December 1755, Christopher Musgrave, Tourin to [Aland Mason?]8 P.R.O.N.I., Villiers-Stuart papers, T.3131/B/7/37, 30th April 1757, Earl Grandison, Dromana to Aland Mason, Dublin9 Rev. W. Rennison, Succession list of the Bishop, Cathedral & Parochial Clergy of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore (Dublin, 1920), pp. 220, 221

there was an average congregation every Sunday, whateveraverage is supposed to mean.10

It is not known who performed the services in the chapelbetween c.1757 and 1763 when Rev. Francis Green is recorded aschaplain. As the chapel was within the parish of Aglish andalways remained as part of Aglish it is likely that the vicarof Aglish did the business until 1763. The vicar of Aglish atthe time is not known for certain. In 1662 the position ofvicar at Aglish was united to Affane parish. Henry Gervais wasvicar of Affane in 1738 and so also vicar of Aglish but it isunknown if he was still in position in about 1760. Henry Baggewas curate of Affane and Aglish in 1757 and became vicar ofAffane in 1769.11 It is likely that Henry Bagge performed theinitial services at Villierstown until 1763.

North elevation of the chapel

==========

Chaplains of Villierstown

10 J.R. O’Flanagan, The Blackwater in Munster (Jeremiah Hon, London, 1844), p. 4011 Rev. W. Rennison, Succession list of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore, pp. 138, 139

Francis Green (1763-1768): This person was possibly theFrancis Green who entered Trinity College, Dublin on 26th May1742 and graduated in 1746 with a B.A.12 Rev. Francis Green wascurate at Kilsheelan and Carrick until 1761. It is not knownwhen he took up this position. In 1762 Rev. Francis Greenbecame a member of the Vicar Choral in Lismore which he helduntil his death. Around this time Rev. Francis Green becamepersonal chaplain to John, Earl Grandison. It was thispersonal connection that ensured that in 1763 Rev. FrancisGreen became first chaplain of Villierstown which he serveduntil his death. In 1767 Rev. Francis Green became vicar ofTallow but he didn’t hold the position for long.13 In February1768 Rev. Francis Green died.14

Years of no chaplain

From 1768 to 1781 there is no record of a chaplain in office.15

Michael Greene (1781): Michael Greene first appears in therecords of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore in 1778 ascurate in Dungarvan. In 1781 he appears as chaplain ofVillierstown. It is not clear for how long he served aschaplain as Harris Oldfield was in office in 1796 and so wasappointed chaplain before 1796. In 1793 Michael Greene wasrector of Outrath which he served for one year until 1794.16

For a few years before 1782 Michael Green was curate atDungarvan. Others details of the life of Michael Greene are asyet unknown.17

Harris Oldfield (in office 1796): Harris Oldfield is firstnoted in the records as curate in 1781 at Whitechurch and

12 George D. Burtchaell & Thomas U. Sadlier (eds.), Alumni Dublinenses (Thoemmes, Bristol, 2001), vol. 2, p. 34313 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists (Ulster Historical Foundation, 2008), p. 26814 Rev. W. Rennison, Succession list of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore, p. 22115 Rev. W. Rennison, Succession list of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore, p. 22116 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 26917 Rev. W. Rennison, Succession list of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore, p. 163

Kilronan. By 1796 he was chaplain at Villierstown.18 It is notknown when Harris Oldfield was appointed to Villierstown orwhen he left. From 1796 to 1818 Rev. Henry Oldfield was vicarat Seskinan. It appears he died around 1818 as his will isdated to that year.19

Rev. Harris Oldfield was married to Ann Greatrakes from Affaneas her second husband. Ann was previously married to ThomasFudge of Ballyclanane, Co. Waterford. It may be this localmarriage that helped his appointment to Villierstown. Rev.Harris Oldfield and Ann Greatrakes had one son (Rev. JohnOldfield) and four daughters. One of these daughters,Charlotte married the next incumbent at Villierstown, Rev.Thomas Sandiford. Another daughter, Margaret, married Mr.MacArdell and went first to Newfoundland and then to Tasmaniawhere she left descendants.20

Thomas Sandiford (1818): Thomas Sandiford was born in Droghedaas the son of James Sandiford, merchant of that town. He wasfirst educated by Rev. Norris before entering Trinity CollegeDublin on 8th February 1759. He graduated in 1763 with a B.A.21

In 1763 Thomas Sandiford became an Usher at Kilkenny College.In about 1765 he was made curate of Lisgenan and Templemichaelin the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. In 1773 Rev. ThomasSandiford became rector of Outeragh.22 In 1785 Rev. ThomasSandiford became vicar of Whitechurch, which he held until hisdeath, and vicar of Kilronan. In 1786 Rev. Thomas Sandifordbecame vicar of Modeligo and Kilgobinet which parishes he helduntil his death in 1820. In 1818 he became chaplain of

18 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 34919 Rev. W. Rennison, Succession list of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore, pp. 207, 22120 Llewellyn Jewitt & others (eds.), The Reliquary (John Smith, London, 1865), volume 5 (1864-5), p. 102; Information supplied by Rachael McDouall, descendant of Rev. Thomas Sandiford21 George D. Burtchaell & Thomas U. Sadlier (eds.), Alumni Dublinenses, vol.2, p. 73222 Rev. W. Rennison, Succession list of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore, p. 133

Villierstown and in the following year became curate atSeskinan.23

Rev. Thomas Sandiford succeeded his father-in-law, Rev. HarrisOldfield, at both Villierstown and Seskinan. Rev. ThomasSandiford was dead by 1833 leaving his wife Charlotte Oldfieldand at least two children. One daughter, Ann, married Rev.Samuel Sandiford who was son of Rev. James Sandiford andgrandson of Rev. Henry Sandiford, brother of Rev. ThomasSandiford, and she is buried at Farahy, Co. Cork.24

Of all the parishes held by Rev. Thomas Sandiford, it was hisposition as vicar of Whitechurch which was recognised themost. The memorial tablet in St. Carthage’s Cathedral,Lismore, which records the burial of the father and mother andother members of the Sandiford family, mentions ThomasSandiford as the vicar of Whitechurch for many years.

Memorial to the family of Thomas Sandiford, St. Carthage’scathedral, Lismore

23 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 37924 http://historicgraves.com/farrahy-graveyard/co-fary-038/grave accessed 15May 2015; Information supplied by Rachael McDouall, descendant of Rev. Thomas Sandiford

Philip Homan (1822): It is said that Philp Homan was bornabout 1799. In 1822 he was made a deacon in the Diocese ofCloyne. In the same year he became chaplain at Villierstown.This appointment seems to be the only clerical job that PhilipHoman had in his life before his death on 29th November 1846from fever contacted while serving his people.25 His death wasas an early victim of the Great Famine. He was buried insideVillierstown chapel near the altar.

The appointment of Philip Homan to Villierstown was due to afamily connection. On 13th June 1797 Sir William Jackson Homanmarried Lady Charlotte Stuart, third daughter of John Stuart,1st Marquess of Bute. Lady Charlotte’s brother, Lord HenryStuart, married on 1st July 1802 Lady Gertrude Emilia Villiers,only child of George, last Earl of Grandison and heiress tothe Dromana estate in County Waterford which included theVillierstown chapel.26

Sir William Jackson Homan was the second son of Rev. PhilipHoman of Shurock House, Co. Westmeath (son of George Homan ofWestmeath) by his wife, Mary Ann Thomas, daughter of GeorgeThomas of Rathfarnham of Co. Dublin. Sir William Homan wascreated a baronet in August 1801.27 In the 1802 Sir WilliamHoman had a son called Philip and in the 1830s Sir Williamlived at Clifton, Youghal.28

On 16th November 1826 Rev. Philip Homan married, in LismoreCathedral, the daughter of Colonel Cameron of the 9th Regimentof Foot and his wife, Eliza Covett. From this marriage Rev.Philip Homan had six children.29 One of the children wasFrances Helena who in 1873 married Laurence Patrick Duke of

25 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 28726 Edmund Lodge, The Peerage of the British Empire (Saunders & Otley, London, 1843),p. 91 27 http://www.abandonedireland.com/Shurock.html accessed on 1 May 201528 http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/estate-show.jsp?id=3368 accessed on 1 May 201529 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 287

Newpark, Co. Sligo and left issue. This reference to Francessaid her father, Rev. Philip Homan was a student of TrinityCollege, Dublin and had an M.A. and lived at Ballylanigan, Co.Tipperary.30

The records of Trinity College Dublin have four studentscalled Philip Homan. The first Philip Homan (b.1748) was theson of George Homan of Westmeath and got an M.A. in 1771. Thisperson became Rev. Philip Homan, the father of Sir WilliamJackson Homan. The second Philip Homan at Trinity was the sonof Isaac Homan, solicitor of Dublin and he got a B.A. in 1820.The other two people called Philip Homan are too late in timeto be the chaplain of Villierstown. This would suggest thatthe Philip Homan of Villierstown chapel was this second PhilipHoman. Further records show that Isaac Homan was the son ofWilliam Homan, merchant of Dublin.31 There is a need forfurther investigation to establish what family connectionthere was between Rev. Philip Homan of Villierstown and SirWilliam Jackson Homan.

Other records show Rev. Philip Homan holding two townlands inthe parish of Kilvemnon, in the Barony of Slieveardagh, Co.Tipperary in Griffith’s Valuation. The entries in Griffith’sdescribes Philip Homan was deceased as the property is held byhis representatives. This would suggest that Rev. Philip Homanof Villierstown was the owner of these two townlands ofCappoge and Kilvemonon.32

Meanwhile back in Villierstown we learn that in the 1840s Rev.Philip Homan was “equally beloved by his Protestant andCatholic parishioners”.33 His memorial tablet in St. Carthage’sCathedral, Lismore, also records this respect from both sides.The tablet further records that Philip Homan was a fine

30 Burke’s The Landed Gentry of Ireland, 1899, pp. xvii, 12531 George D. Burtchaell & Thomas U. Sadlier (eds.), Alumni Dublinenses, vol.2, p. 40832 http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation accessed on 1 May 201533 J.R. O’Flanagan, The Blackwater in Munster (), p. 40

religious scholar and a great benefactor of the poor in timesof distress.

Memorial to Philip Homan in St. Carthage’s cathedral, Lismore

Hans Butler (1847): Hans Butler was the son of Francis Butlerof Rathmoyle House, Co. Laois. He was first educated by Mr.Martin and entered Trinity College Dublin in October 1824 atsixteen. Hans Butler got a B.A. in Easter term 1831.34 HansButler got married on 12th September 1837 to Mary, daughter ofAbraham Baker of Balhealy House, Co. Dublin by his wifeSophia, daughter of Sir John Blunden and granddaughter of 1st

Baron Desert. Mary Butler died on 2nd February 1860 afterhaving two sons; Francis Butler, a doctor in Surrey, and HenryButler, a solicitor, along with a daughter, Jeannette Butlerwho became the first wife of Frederick Kennedy, solicitor.Another daughter, Mary Letitia, lived for ten years beforedying in July 1857. A memorial tablet for Mary Letitia Butlerwas erected within St. Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore and namesRev. Hans Butler as chaplain of Villierstown.34 George D. Burtchaell & Thomas U. Sadlier (eds.), Alumni Dublinenses, vol.1, p. 122

Sir Barry Drew of Flowerhill near Ballyduff, Co. Waterfordmarried Jane Baker, a niece of Mary and this family connectionprovided Hans Butler with his first job. Hans Butler wasordained deacon in 1831and priest in 1832 with Mocollop as hisfirst curacy. He served on the Vicar Choral in Lismore from1839 to 1891 and became chaplain of Villierstown in 1847 until1886.35 In 1871 Rev. Hans Butler had a gross income atVillierstown of £102 and a net income of £101.36 In about 1894the stipend was worth £130.37 It is unclear how this increasehad arisen. Rev. Hans Butler died on 7th January 1891 at hisresidence at 12 Ranelagh Road, Dublin.38

35 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 204 36 Joseph Hansard, History of Waterford, edited by Donald Brady (Waterford County Council, ND), p. 28637 P. Egan, History guide and directory of the county and city of Waterford (Dublin, 1894), p. 42538 Memorial in St. Carthage Cathedral, Lismore

Memorial to the daughter of Rev. Hans Butler, St. Carthage’scathedral, Lismore

Richard Bartlett Langbridge (1886): Rev. Richard Langbridgewas born about 1844 in England. In 1866 he got a B.A. fromTrinity College Dublin and in 1870 got an M.A. In 1867 he wasmade a deacon and in 1869 became a priest. RichardLangbridge’s first job was as curate in 1867 at St. James,Handworth. In 1868 he became curate at Mar and at Dartfordwhich latter place he held until 1870. In 1870 RichardLangbridge became headmaster of the Dartford Grammar School.

He remained headmaster until 1876 when he left to becomecurate at Dukinfield.

But Rev. Richard Langbridge was only a short time atDukinfield before he left overseas to become curate at Missyin Chile. Rev. Richard Langbridge stayed in Chile until 1882when he moved to Uruguay. In that year he became consularchaplain in Montevideo. In 1885 Rev. Richard Langbridgereturned to Ireland where in 1886 he became chaplain atVillierstown. In 1887 Rev. Richard Langbridge leftVillierstown to become perpetual curate at Mocollop.

In 1892 Rev. Richard Langbridge moved again to become vicar ofTubrid.39 In 1901 Rev. Richard Langbridge was living at Tubrid,Co. Tipperary with his wife, Emily Ada (aged 49) and theirdaughter, Winifred (aged 20).40 Rev. Richard Langbridge heldthe Tubrid living until 1903.

George Gillington (1887): George Gillington was born in 1824as the son of George Gillington, a smith in Dublin who diedwhen George junior was young. After some education with aprivate tutor George Gillington entered Trinity College,Dublin on 6th November 1843. He graduated in 1850 with a B.A.41

In 1852 George Gillington became a deacon and in 1853 wasordained a priest. He first served as curate of Larne in 1855followed in 1857-62 as curate in Carrickfergus. While there hemet and fell in love with Mabel, second daughter of HillWilson of Carrickfergus. On 25th January 1860 they were marriedat St. Mary’s, Dublin. In 1862 George Gillington was madecurate at Ballymena (a position later occupied by John GeorgeDisney, see below) and served until 1864 when he became curateof Ramoan and there served until 1877. In 1880 GeorgeGillington became curate of Urney in the Diocese of Derry andserved there until 1883. After a break in his career George39 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 30540 Census 1901 return for house number 5 at Tubbrid, Co. Tipperary41 George D. Burtchaell & Thomas U. Sadlier (eds.), Alumni Dublinenses, vol.2, p. 327

Gillington became chaplain at Villierstown in 1887 where heserved until his death on 21st December 1899.42

Arthur Wellesley Chapman (1899): Rev. Arthur Wellesley Chapmanwas born in England in about 1853. Following some time inEngland Arthur Chapman went to the United States to furtherhis education. He attended Trinity College Cambridge,Massachusetts and later in Harvard University with a B.D. in1880. He was made a deacon in 1881 at Huron and a priest in1882 in Massachusetts. Arthur Chapman was rector of Amesburyin Massachusetts, 1881-82 and curate in charge of Hamstead1885-87. Arthur Chapman took up a position in the Irish churchin 1888 as curate of Cashel and Rathcline. In 1891 he becamecurate of St. Michael’s parish in Limerick for one year.After a few years outside the records Arthur Chapman reappearsin 1898 as Organisational Secretary of the Irish Society inLiverpool until 1899 when he became chaplain at Villierstownand moved to west Waterford.43

In the 1901 census Arthur Chapman was living in Villierstownwith his wife, Elizabeth Mary (aged 37 & from Dublin) and fourdaughters and one son. The four daughters were Lillian (aged11), Gwendoline (aged 10), Kathleen (aged 8) and Dorothy (aged7). The one son was Arthur Wellesley Coates Chapman (aged 5).Lillian, Gwendoline and Dorothy were all born in Co. Wicklowwhile Kathleen was born in Co. Limerick and Arthur junior wasborn in Co. Dublin.44

After leaving Villierstown in 1901 Arthur Chapman moved to aplace called Crockford where he was last recorded in 1909.45

John George Disney (1901): Rev. John George Disney was born inCounty Wicklow in about 1867. He entered Trinity College,

42 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 26443 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 212 44 Census 1901 return for house number 1 at Villierstown, Co. Waterford45 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 212

Dublin where he graduated in 1890 with a B.A. In 1889 JohnDisney became a deacon and in 1890 became a priest. His firstposting was in 1889 as curate of Ballymena in the Diocese ofConnor which he served until 1893. In 1893 John Disney becamecurate of Eighton Banks in Durham which he served until 1898.46

In 1898 he returned to Ireland as curate of Clonegam until1901 when he moved to Villierstown. Rev. John Disney heldVillierstown and the curate position at Cappoquin until 1904.47

John Disney was married to Elizabeth Sarah Clarke fromNorthumberland in England (born c.1866). They were married in1899. In the 1901 census they had one daughter, MarionLongridge Disney who was one year old and born in CountyWaterford.48

In 1904 he was elevated from the rank of curate to becomerector of Tubrid which he held until 1919. In 1912 he servedone year as rural dean of Cahir.49 In 1911 Rev. John GeorgeDisney was living at Tubbrid, Co. Tipperary with his wife andthree children. These children were Marion Disney (born 1900),Gervase Atkinson Clarke Disney (born c.1904) and KathleenCrawford Disney (born c.1905).50

In 1919 Rev. John Disney became vicar of Tullameelan. On 30th

July 1933 Rev. John Disney died and was buried atTullameelan.51

William Henry Rennison (1904): Rev. William Henry Rennisonstudied at Trinity College Dublin where he got a B.A. In 1899he was ordained and in 1900 became curate in Clashmore. In the

46 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 24147 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 24148 Census 1901 return for house number 10 in Coollin, Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford 49 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 24150 Census 1911 return for house number 6 at Tubbrid, Co. Tipperary51 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 241

same year he became curate in charge at Templemichael. In 1901Rev. William Rennison got married and in 1902 became curate atKinsalebeg. In 1904 Rev. William Rennison became curate atCappoquin and chaplain at Villierstown. His predecessor, Rev.John Disney, also held the two positions at the same time. In1914 Rev. William Rennison was appointed rector of Ardmore.52

While in Ardmore he lived in the rectory with his wife MaryEdith Rennison and their daughter Elizabeth Mary (Mollie).Mollie died in 1918 aged 8 years and II months. In 1919, theRennison's second child Louisa was born. Her parents calledher Elma from the first two letters of Elizabeth and Mary.Elma Rennison says her father was 'a kind man, a good father,and liked animals'.

Rev. William Rennison was a keen historian and is bestremembered as the author of "Succession List of the Bishops, Cathedral andParochial Clergy of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore" (1920) - aninvaluable source book for present day local historians and inthe writing of this article. Rev. William Rennison alsopublished a series of articles in the Journal of the Cork Historical andArchaeological Society on his transcript of Joshua Boyle's "Accomptof the Temporalities of the Bishoprics of Waterford" which wastaken from the original in the Public Record Office, Dublinbefore it was destroyed in 1922. This account by Joshua Boylegives valuable information on the Dioceses of Waterford andLismore in the first half of the seventeenth century. Rev.Rennison was also a family historian and created a scrap bookof all newspaper cuttings related to the family.

In 1921 Rev. William Rennison was transferred to Portlaw andaccording to the Preachers Book (Ref 6) he took service at St.Paul's for the last time on Sunday 6th November, 1921. Onleaving Ardmore, the parishioners showed their appreciation ofhis ministry by presenting him with an Address and cheque part

52 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, pp. 378, 379

of which they desired to be spent on fees for the M.A. Degreeat T.C.D. This he subsequently did.

Rev. William Rennison died on 12th October 1937 aged 52 years.The death actually took place in Annestown near Tramore wherethe family were taking a late summer holiday. He was buried inArdmore graveyard beside his daughter Mollie. His wife died in1946 in London where Louisa Rennison now lives.53

Charles Geoffrey Nason Stanley (1914): Rev. Charles Stanleywas born in County Cork in about 1884. His parents wereCharles Henry Stanley and Belinda Mary Stanley of Monoloo,Kilcronet, Co. Cork. Rev. Charles Stanley had a youngerbrother, Frederick (born c.1888) and a younger sister, Edith(born c.1892).54 By the time of the 1911 census Rev. Charleshad another younger brother, William Henry, born about 1905.

In the same 1911 census the Stanley family had moved toYoughal, Co. Cork and slightly down in the economic scale.Whereas in 1901 Charles Henry Stanley lived off the incomefrom investments, by 1911 he was listed as a fisherman andagent.55

Rev. Charles Stanley followed the usual clergy course ineducation by entering Trinity College Dublin where hegraduated with a B.A. In 1904 he was appointed curate ofTramore and in 1907 he was made a deacon.56 In 1911 Rev.Charles Stanley lived as a curate at Summer Hill, Tramore, Co.Waterford.57 Rev. Charles Stanley stayed in Tramore until 1914when he was appointed to the two positions of chaplain atVillierstown and curate at Cappoquin.

53 http://www.waterfordmuseum.ie/exhibit/web/Display/article/331/14/The_Ardmore_Journal_Rectors_Of_St_Pauls_Ardmore.html accessed on 27 January 201554 Census 1901 return for house number 1 at Monoloo, Kilcronet, Co. Cork55 Census 1911 return for house number 1 at Springfield, Youghal, Co. Cork56 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 38857 Census 1911 return for house number 9.2 Summer Hill, Tramore, Co. Waterford

In 1916 Rev. Charles Stanley was appointed rector ofKilrossanty which living he held until 1934. In 1934 Rev.Charles Stanley was elevated to the senior church position inthe Diocese of Lismore when he became dean of LismoreCathedral. In 1955 he accepted responsibility for the care ofthe parish of Cappoquin while remaining as dean at Lismore. In1957 his duties were increased when he became rural dean forWaterford. Rev. Charles Stanley held all these positions untilhis retirement in 1960. In February 1977 Rev. Charles Stanleydied leaving two sons as clergymen among other issue.58 One ofthe sons, Rev. Jeffrey Stanley was in the Royal Navy duringWorld War Two on a minesweeper.59

Clock over the front door of the chapel

William J. Skuse (1916-1919): Rev. William Skuse was born inKing’s County (Offaly) on 17th December 1886.60 He was the sonof Rev. Richard D. Skuse and Sarah Kate Budd. In 1901 WilliamSkuse lived with his parents at Sranure, Clonygown, King’sCounty where his father was the incumbent clergyman. William’sfather was born in co. Cork while his mother was born in Co.Waterford. William Skuse had a younger brother, James H. Skuse

58 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 38859 Conna in History and Tradition, p. 34060 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 383

(born c.1887).61 In 1911 James Skuse worked as a bank clerk inTemplemore, Co. Tipperary.62

William Skuse became a student in Trinity College Dublin andin 1909 graduated with a B.A. In 1910 he was made a deacon andappointed curate in Kenmare, Co. Kerry.63 In the 1911 censusWilliam Skuse was listed as a boarder in a house on ShelbourneRoad, Kenmare. In 1911 William Skuse was single and gave hisoccupation as Church of Ireland deacon.64 Later in 1911 he wasordained a priest in the Diocese of Limerick.

In 1912 Rev. William Skuse became curate of Ematris in theDiocese of Clogher but in 1915 returned to Kerry as curate inDingle for one year. His return to Kerry also had personalreasons as in 1915 he married Mary Elizabeth, 4th daughter ofDr. Maybury of Riversdale, Kenmare. They had two sons. In 1916he took up the two positions of chaplain at Villierstown andcurate at Cappoquin. Rev. William Skuse held both positionsuntil 1919 when he became rector of Kiltallagh in the Dioceseof Limerick.65 The spiritual and administrative activitiesrelating to Villierstown remained united with that ofCappoquin long after the chaplain position ceased to exist atVillierstown.66

In 1922 Rev. William Skuse became curate in charge at Kilflynwhich position he held until 1932. In 1932 he became rector ofGrean and Caherconlish in the Diocese of Emly and held thisliving until 1951 when he became Diocesan curate in Casheluntil 1956.67

61 Census 1901 return for Sranure, Clonygown, King’s County62 Census 1911 return for house number 68 on Main Street, Templemore, Co. Tipperary63 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 38364 Census 1911 return for house number 8 on Shelbourne Road, Kenmare, Co. Kerry65 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 38366 Church of Ireland, Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, Report to the Diocesan Council, 1941, p. 23

The end of the Villierstown chaplain position

This position of chaplain at Villierstown ended in 1919 andthe chapel needs were overseen by the clergy in LismoreCathedral.68 The 1941 Church of Ireland Diocesan reportrecorded the realisation of £1,070 5s 3d from the sale of theglebe land attached to Villierstown chapel. This money wasincluded in the Diocesan endowment fund to provide an annualincome on the interest for the needs of the Diocese.69 The 1945Diocesan report recorded the amount raised as £1,070 5s 8d butthen who is going to argue about five pence?70 Another parcelof land near Villierstown was granted to the Diocesanendowment fund for the support of parish clergy by theVilliers Stuart family. This endowment was worth £1,002 16s6d.71 In 1955 the chapel ceased to operation as a house ofworship. It remained idle for many years before given to thelocal people in Villierstown to become the community centre atthe heart of the community. In 1974 President Erskine Childersvisited the chapel and dedicated it for ecumenical use.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the help of Julian Walton and thelate Robin Bush in the preparation of this article.

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67 Rev. Iain Knox (ed.), Clergy of Waterford, Lismore and Ferns: Biographical Succession Lists, p. 38368 Rev. W. Rennison, Succession list of the Dioceses of Waterford and Lismore, p. 22169 Church of Ireland, Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, Report to the Diocesan Council, 1941, p. 1370 Church of Ireland, Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, Report to the Diocesan Council, 1945, pp. 11, 1271 Church of Ireland, Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, Report to the Diocesan Council, 1941, p. 13

This article is part of the Dromana 800 celebrations of July2015. For more information see their website atwww.dromana800.com

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First published on 7th May 2015 athttps://niallbrn.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/villierstown-chapel-and-chaplains/

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