The Abbey Church Ballasalla History
There is much to be learnt about this interesting and attractive Church from publications written during it's long history.
This is an extract from the souvenir handbook produced to mark the Golden Jubilee in 1945...
"On the 5th August 1853 a beautiful and convenient site, a portion of the grounds of the ancient Abbey of Rushen, was given to the Vicar and Church Wardens of Malew by the Reverend William Percival Ward of Dorset, for the purpose of building a Church to serve the village of Ballasalla and an addition to the site was given by his honour the Deemster Gill...
Owing to lack of funds, no further steps were taken until 1893. In that year the matter was warmly taken up by a few Parishoners, and a large and influential meeting was held on the 23rd March under the presidency of the Lord Bishop of the Dioceses, at which a committee was appointed to promote the erection of a Church.
The design of Ewans Christian esquire, architect, of London was approved and a local builders estimate of £1,500 was accepted. The foundation stone of the new Church was laid by Lady Ridgeway in 1895. In October 1897 the Church was dedicated.
Since that time the Church has continued to adminster to the spirtiual needs of the Village and it is most likely that it's sphere of influence and usefulness will increase as the years pass. This beautiful Church owes much to the devoted labours and loving care of many hands"