St. Anne’s Church

History

The parish was established in 1994, having until then formed part of the parish of Derriaghy. Derriaghy covered a large area taking in Lambeg, Dunmurry, Finaghy, Kilwee, Killeaton, Twinbrook, Poleglass and Lagmore. Belfast was separated from it as a parish in 1812, and Derriaghy itself was divided into four parishes in 1955, with further divisions in 1976, 1980, 1994, 1996 and 2000.

An oratory dedicated to St Anne was opened at Rathmore on 19 December 1948, in a building that had been used during the Second World War as an army meat store. It remained in use until it was replaced by the present church, which was blessed and dedicated on 5 December 1982. The church was substantially rebuilt and solemnly re-opened on 2 March 2008, when a new altar was dedicated.