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Retired Clergy Association (NI) and guests visit Brownlow House

Wednesday August 12th 2026

Members of the Retired Clergy Association (NI) and guests during their August visit to Brownlow House.

After a summer break, members of the Retired Clergy Association (NI) resumed their activities on Thursday August 6 with a visit to Brownlow House, Lurgan.

Joining the group were some members of the Retired Methodist Fellowship and two spouses and all were welcomed by the RCA (NI)’s Honorary Secretary, Canon Jim Campbell.

Brownlow House (also known as Lurgan Castle) was built in 1833 by the Scottish architect, William Henry Playfair, for the Irish politician, the Rt. Hon. Charles Brownlow, 1^st Baron Lurgan. Situated a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the town, it commands an imposing view over Lurgan Park.

The property remained in the Brownlow family until the beginning of the 20^th century and was eventually sold to Lurgan Loyal Orange District Lodge who continue to own it today.

Following traditional light refreshments, all were taken on a tour of the House, which encompassed both a history of the building and the stories behind the House’s many interesting features, eg the walls, ceilings, windows, courtyard, chimneys, chandelier and the grand staircase.

The House played an important role as the headquarters for various military purposes during the First and Second World War. In 2014, a museum was opened in the basement to commemorate its role during the First World War, followed a year later by the addition of an exhibition – along with an American artefact room – to highlight the building’s use as a military outpost during the Second World War.

Badly damaged in an arson attack in 1996, the House was redesigned with help from an expert in the restoration of Windsor Castle following the fire there in 1992.

The group heard that no visit to Brownlow House would be complete without reference to one of the most famous greyhounds of all time, Master McGrath, owned by the 2^nd Lord Lurgan. It became the first dog to win the prestigious Waterloo Cup three times, in 1868, 1869 and 1871, and following his death in 1873, a memorial was erected to the greyhound in the grounds of the House where it remained until it was removed to England by the 3^rd Lord Lurgan.

Today, a statue of Master McGrath stands on Lurgan’s main street.

All present greatly enjoyed the fellowship together and appreciated a most informative tour of an atmospheric and imposing building.

Report by the Rev Clifford Skillen 

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