A historic Catholic church in County Tyrone will reopen its doors this weekend after a major restoration project lasting two years.

St Eugene's Church at Glenock, on the outskirts of Newtownstewart, will hold a Mass at 3pm on Sunday, September 27, to mark its return to worship. The Grade B+ listed building, which first opened in 1785, is the fourth-oldest church in the Diocese of Derry and is a familiar landmark on the A5.

The restoration, which included conservation work, heritage events, guided tours, visitor interpretation and walking guides, received more than £1 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The parish community raised additional funds, with its parish draw making a significant contribution.

The church's bell tower was added in 1834, making St Eugene's the first Catholic church in the diocese to ring its bell following Catholic Emancipation in 1829. Christian worship in the ancient parish of Ardstraw can be traced back around 1,500 years.

Ardstraw East priest Father Roland Colhoun said the project had been a labour of love and that the reopening would be an occasion of immense joy for the community. He said the restoration was much more than the conservation of a historic building, describing it as a tribute to generations of parishioners who came together to create a place of worship and community that has endured for more than two centuries.

The restoration provided educational opportunities for students from South-West College and local schools, who attended site visits and expert talks. Heritage specialists worked to ensure the work met the requirements of the Department for Communities' built heritage status.

The restored church will feature interpretation panels telling the story of St Eugene's, while a programme of activities will encourage local people, visitors and researchers to explore the heritage of the Newtownstewart area.

The reopening Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Michael Router, the new Bishop of Derry, assisted by parish clergy Father Brian Donnelly and Father Roland Colhoun. The Mass will be followed by refreshments and entertainment at St Eugene's Community Hall in Newtownstewart. All are welcome to attend.