At 12 noon on 17th October, 1875, the parishioners of Kilmore Quay congregated for Solemn High Mass in their new church, celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Furlong, Bishop of Ferns. His Lordship was assisted by nine priests from neighbouring parishes. The sermon was preached by Fr. Bannon, S.J.

The new church of St. Peter was a long life dream of the villagers, because of the inconvenience prior to the new church being built of finding their way to Kilmore Parish church, three miles away. This was of considerable hardship to some of the old, who had to make the journey on foot. The design of the new church by George C. Ashlin, Dublin, prescribed a sing roofed, ornamental gothic structure; length, including chancel, 81 feet; width, 28 feet; elevation to the top of the bell tower six-and-a-half feet.

It was intended to accommodate some 700 parishioners from Kilmore Quay and Neamestown areas who had suffered considerable inconvenience due to the need for a church of their own. The site of the church commands a sea view extending from Hook Head to Tuskar lighthouse, embracing the Saltee Islands, Coninbeg Lightship, the quay and pier of Kilmore and a find country inland view.

Planning for construction of the new church began many years before, when the appropriate site was donated by Johnny Power, who resided at the time in a small thatched house nearby. The site, although very small, was suitable because of its rocky nature, which would withstand the great weight of the church.

The church itself was constructed by local tradesmen. The very large slates for the church were drawn from Wexford by horse and cart, which were on loan from local farmers.

Financial contributions to help pay for the new church came from many sources. There were many generous donations and families contributed for the use of the church seats. One of the most interesting donations was the terms of admission to the first Mass: family tickets to admit three persons to front seats £1, single for front seat 10/-, second seats 5/-, third seats 2/6. Amount received at dedication was £150, which was a considerable sum of money at that time.
The church, although well constructed when built, was without a gallery until 1910. It was built by Jim Moore? using pitch pine. The gallery stretched the full width of the west end of the church. The timber was imported and landed at the harbour by the schooner "Ocean Pearl." It is surprising, but the present bell was not fitted until 1902.

The church, over the years, had to withstand many violent storms. The one most remembered by the very old of the Quay to have done the most damage was on 15th March, 1905, when a large number of slates from the east end of the roof were ripped off.

The first baptism took place on 18th November, 1875, when Rev. W. Fortune, C.C., baptised Richard King in the presence of his parents.

The first marriage took place on 27th Feb., 1876, between James Rochford and Bessy Walsh, both of the Quay. The witnesses were William Hagan and Mary Furlong. The ceremony was performed by Rev. T. Hill, C.C.

One of the most outstanding events to take place in the church was on 13th Aug., 1972, when the bishop of Ferns, Most Rev. Dr. Donal J. Herlihy, ordained Rev. Anthony Haycock to the priesthood. This was the first and only ordination to take place in the church.

Presbytery in Kilmore Quay

There was no resident curate in Kilmore Quay for a number of years after the completion of the church. It was served from Kilmore village until finally Fr. Thomas Cloney took up residence in the Quay in 1891. Extensive renovation of the church was carried out by Fr Felix Byrne in 1973. A new roof was put on, the walls were replastered, the old gallery was removed and the altar modified. The grounds were also altered to facilitate cars.

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