The ((Round of Ireland have been for years subjects of study and discussion. There exist in Ireland, in whole or in part, about 100 of those towers; 18 are in a perfect condition. Many claim that the Round Towers are of pre-Christian origin, and cite the simi lar towers, two in Scotland, seven on islands off the coast, one on the Isle of Man and a few on the Continent as examples of pagan architecture. Their average size is 100 feet in height, circumference at base, 50 feet, walls at door lintel, feet. The interior is divided into from four to eight stories. Petrie, who has studied the subject with care, claims that the towers are of Christian origin and were used both as bell towers and as safes or places in which to deposit the Church treasures. The Irish name for the towers, Cloigtheach, which means "house of a supports the theory of Petrie and others. Petrie advances other and strong arguments in support of this theory. The (Annals of the Four Masters) mentions the bells in some of the towers. One of the finest examples of a Romanesque doorway in a Round Tower is at Kildare. Some of the ancient pottery shows skill and artistic merit. In designing and coloring the ornamentation of the old Celtic manuscripts show great artistic power. The initial letters are most beautiful, especially in the 'Book of Kells,) a copy of the four Gospels in Latin, and in of the Four Masters.) The symbolism used by other early nations is not found in the works of the ancient Irish. The designs are geomet rical patterns, interlaced ribbon work, diagonal and spiral lines, strange animals, peculiar birds and the key pattern. The ancient metal work shows unique and beautiful designs; the bell shrines, the brooch of Tara and many pieces of old metal work may be seen in museums. The laces of Ireland, revived the last of the 19th century, show most intricate and charming pat terns. Sculpture and oil painting are modern arts in Ireland, and in both many of Irish birth have excelled.
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The first authentic account of the introduction of Christianity into Ireland was in the 5th century, when Pope Celestine sent Germanus, bishop of Auxerre, and later, in 431, Palladius as bishop. Both Germanus and Palladius found on the island believers in Chris tianity, but no organized body of Christians. However, the chief work of conversion and organization was accomplished by Saint Patrick, who, good authorities state, was sent to Ireland by the same Pope. Killpatrick, a town of Scot land, is said to have been Patrick's birthplace, but some authorities claim that he was a native of France. He had been consecrated bishop before coming to Ireland as a missionary, and he selected Armagh as his see. A large number of converts were made, so many that even be fore Patrick died he had other bishops and a number of priests to assist him. The Roman Catholic Church in Ireland has four archdio ceses and 23 dioceses. The archdioceses are Armagh, Dublin, Cashel and Tuam. The Ro man Catholic clergy and churches are all sup ported by voluntary contributions. The col
lege at Maynooth, for the education of those studying to become priests, was founded in 1795. There are several other Roman Catholic ecclesiastical seminaries and colleges. See The Reformation never made much progress in Ireland, and though the Church of Ireland (Protestant) was established by law, it was only the church of a small minority. In 1869 it was disestablished. Previous to this time the clergy were supported by a tithe rent-charge, the pro ceeds of the church lands, etc., the total annual income of the Church, including the value of houses and lands in occupation, being about $3,068,920, while its entire capital was estimated at $70,000,000. By the above act, taking effect from 1 Jan. 1871, the position of the Church and clergy was entirely changed, though those holding benefices at the time of its passing have not suffered loss. All real and other property formerly belonging to the Church are now vested in commissioners, who pay to all de prived of income by the act, so long as they continue to discharge the duties of their offices, such an annual sum of money as they would otherwise have received, deduction being made of curates' salaries and other outgoings to which the parties would have been liable, and regard being paid to the prospective increase of incomes by the falling in or cessation of such charges; or instead of an annual sum, an equiv alent single payment has been paid to such as have commuted their claims in that manner. The Church of Ireland accordingly is no longer a state church, and none of its bishops have now a seat in Parliament. It is still a vigorous and flourishing institution, how ever, and possesses funds amounting to over $47,000,000. Of this, upward of $30, 000,000 have been voluntarily contributed friends of the Church since it was disestablished. While disestablishing the Irish Church, the act at the same time declared the cessation of the Maynooth grant and the Regium Donum. Maynooth College received $1,900m0 compensation for loss of the grant. The affairs of the Church of Ireland are now managed by the diocesan synods and by the general synod in conjunction with the representative body. The supreme legislative powers reside in the gen eral synod, which meets in Dublin, and is com posed of the archbishops of Armagh and Dub lin and the 11 bishops, and of lay clerical representatives from the different dioceses; the lay representatives being more than twice as numerous as the clerical. The represen tative body incorporated in 1870 consists of the archbishops and bishops ex officio, 39 lay and clerical elected members (three for each dio cese), and 13 co-opted members elected by the other two classes conjointly. This body is em powered by its charter to hold church property, subject to the regulations of the general synod. The Church uses the Book of Common Prayer, as revised in accordance with statutes passed by the general synod, and furnished with a preface containing an exposition of its formu laries in the sense in which they are understood by the Church.