The Isle of Man was divided into seventeen parishes in the C12th, each with its parish church. Each parish covered an area of disperse settlement and the parish church was usually built in the centre of the parish.
With the improvement of roads in the C19th and especially the main road between Douglas and Peel, a series of settlements grew up along the road. The “Old Church oif St Runius”:https://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/review/attraction/201105 was very isolated and a long walk for the parishioners. It was also too small for the rapidly growing congregation. Philip Killey, owner of a brewery in Douglas and local landowner, gave land from his estate to build a new church. Tynwald approved the scheme and building began in 1849. The church was consecrated in 1859, having cost £1.130 to build. It is also dedicated to St Runius.
It is a large cruciform stone building with a small bell cot adjacent to the A1 at the western end of Glen Vine.
It is a large church but in need of some TLC as there are problems with damp and peeling paint. The unusual ‘scissor ‘ vaulting of the roof is unique on the island. Walls are whitewashed with colourful banners. The south transept was turned into a meeting room but now looks to be used as a storage area.
The cancel is very simple with panelling below the east windows. Christ in Glory is at the centre with St Patrick and St Runius on either side.The pulpit and font are modern.
The church is open daily but gets few visitors. Compared with other churches on the island, there isn’t a lot to encourage people to visit, but is still worth a quick stop if passing. There is car parking and a bus stop near by. The nearest post code is IM4 4BG and the grid reference is SC 331 790.
