We must restore St. Peter's Church. There's no simpler way of putting it. We can't watch such an architectural gem, and important place of worship, diminish and die. This church, which was the target of an arson attack in May 1999 and which has been undergoing restoration since then, has been described as certainly among the best provincial churches in Ireland erected during the 18th century.

Since 1752, the present church of St. Peter's has charmed the people of Drogheda, Louth and Meath. Many more have come to appreciate its atmosphere, music and singing, the famous bells and the tranquility of the Close. To know a little about this church invokes a resolve to do something to save it.

This is an important building by any standard. Hugh Darley, its designer, was a distinguished architect. He used the local grey limestone cleanly and wisely. Another renowned architect, Francis Johnson, added the gracious spire some forty years later. The fine organ was built by John Snetzler in 1770 and the magnificent Baroque plasterwork was created by a brilliant stuccodore. Everywhere he went following his great work here, he was celebrated as "The St. Peter's Stuccodore". (Click here for an image of the ornate plasterwork in the church.)

Any one of these accolades is enough to cry out for restoration and preservation, but to have them all together demands it. The Parish of St. Peter's has resolved to undertake a complete restoration of this important part of our National Heritage.

But restoration and preservation are not enough. St. Peter's belongs to the whole community and to future generations. As well as a living place of worship, the Parish intends to make it a centre for recitals and concerts, utilising its excellent acoustics for the benefit of all.

YOUR  HELP  IS  NEEDED.