Restoration progress

In 2014, we were awarded a generous grant from the Heritage Council through Monaghan County Council. As a result we employed David Cousley, a local craftsman, to carry out vital repairs. This included under-floor ventilation, replacement of rotten joists, restoration of the floor using a majority of salvaged floorboards, the conservation of several windows, the re-installation of the pulpit and a couple of pews and a sizeable section of the ceiling which had fallen in, was replaced.

Before and after of the restoration work that has been carried out
Before and after of the restoration work that has been carried out

Additionally, external drainage work was carried out and the ground level lowered, effectively reducing damp in walls and the floor.

This extensive restoration work enabled us to hold two public events in the building – the final evening of the ‘Return to Cahans’ (250th anniversary of the ‘Cahans Exodus’) and the unveiling of an Ulster History Circle ‘Blue Plaque’ honouring David Nelson VC – a former member of Cahans congregation.

In the spring of 2015 Clogher Historical Society also held a lecture in ‘Cahans meeting house’. Gerald Reilly spoke on Bleachers, Free Masons and Presbyterians.