The Church of Ireland is noted for having numerous country and village churches and the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh is no exception. We are informed from records that in 1862 the united Diocese had as many as 144 parish churches. Sadly, due to a decrease in numbers, which has resulted in closures of many of these churches, the united Diocese now only has 100 parish churches, still in use. Among these is the Parish Church of Loch Gowna.
The rich and varied history of Loch Gowna Parish Church can be traced back to the time of St Columba, when the earliest Christian foundation in the area was founded some three miles from the present church on the island of Inchmore. The present parish church, a sister church of the one founded by St Columba, was erected inside a fortified area in the townland of Cloone, Loch Gowna in 1840. The late board of First Fruits donated the main funding of the building work. It was licensed for worship in October of 1840 and was dedicated by the Bishop of Kilmore and Ardagh, George Beresford. Since 1840, a vestry and porch have been added to the church and no later than 1987, a major refurbishment of the building took place.
In 2001, the Bishop of Kilmore the Right Rev'd. K.H. Clarke launched "A History of Loch Gowna Parish Church", by Niall J. Sloane. Thus opening a new chapter in the history of Loch Gowna
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