St Trea's church.

[Ringading]

Hi All, Once again seeking guidance.

In the townland of Ballymaguigan, and the barony of Loughinsholin in the parish of Artrea, there was a church named St. Treas. This Roman Catholic  church was dedicated in 1831, what I want to know is what church if any stood on this site prior to 1831, or where would the main church have been in this area prior to this date. To explain, I am researching a catholic family living in Ballymaguigan in 1831 with an established family, The obvious method would be through baptismal records, but as my search takes me further back in time before the dedication of St. treas
 where should my search be focused.
Hope this makes sense, Once again thanks for your help.

[gaffy]

The OS Memoirs identify 3 RC churchs in the parish of Artrea:

- one on the eastern outskirts of Moneymore, the position on old maps is consistent with today's St. John & Trea church on the Springhill Road, the OS Memoirs state that it was built in 1831;

https://www.townlands.ie/londonderry/loughinsholin/artrea/moneymore/

- one in the townland of Ballynenagh, the position on old maps is just to the south of 'The Loup', the only church I can see in that general vicinity today is St. Patrick's on the Loup Road;

https://www.townlands.ie/londonderry/loughinsholin/artrea/ballynenagh/

- one in the townland of Derrygarve, the position on old maps is consistent with today's St. Trea's church on the Aughrim Road, the OS Memoirs state that it was built by subscription in 1813.

https://www.townlands.ie/londonderry/loughinsholin/artrea/derrygarve/

[Ringading]

Hi Gaffy,
what can I say, incredible information, thank you so much, but my next question might be a lot harder to answer. Given these churches, where would any possible records be lodged for them. are we talking  the Archdiocese of Armagh, or could it be Tyrone. or maybe somewhere else.
I can appreciate these said records might not still be in existence, but in the vain hope some might remain, any suggestions as to where I should start looking.
I can appreciate the fact that I should be asking an easy question like ' what the secret of life is ' lol
In grateful thanks.
Ringading.

[gaffy]

I would expect records for these county Tyrone churches to fall under the ambit of the RC Archdiocese of Armagh.  First guess would be the parish of Ardtrea & Desertlin, though there could be some overlap with Lissan and Magherafelt:
https://registers.nli.ie/parishes/0182

What PRONI is aware of, is listed in their guide here:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Guide-to-Church-Records-October-2019.pdf

[Ringading]

Hi Gaffy,
Once again I am in your debt. thank you so much for this information, it helps enormously.
Best regards