Throughout the long line of ministers to officiate in Kilcluney Parish Church, all have had an impact on the church and the spiritual life of the congregation. Within that rich tradition, one name stands out as having carved his legacy into the very fabric of the church. That man was the Rev.Henry Hutchings.

The son of Robert Hutchings of County Wexford Henry was born on September 17th 1818. Educated at Trinity College Dublin Henry Hutchings attained his BA degree in 1844. Finding his vocation within the church the young Henry Hutchings acquired his Divinity Testimonium in 1845 and completed his MA degree in 1874.

Having completed his education, Rev.Hutchings was appointed as Curate of Skerry and Racavan in Ballymena. He remained there until 1875 when he became Perpetual Curate of Charlemont. Two years later Hutchings became Rector of Kilcluney Parish and there found his home.

In establishing himself as Rector of the Parish Rev.Hutchings sought to lead by personality. Desiring to promote greater freedom of worship Rev.Hutchings asked the vestry to allow the participation of a robed choir in the services. Owing to the traditional stance of the Established Church the vestry refused his request. Displaying characteristic individuality Rev.Hutchings set about designing and constructing a separate church building. 'The Abbey', as it became known, was described in the Irish Ecclesiastical Gazette as "the most elaborate and intricate wooden building in the kingdom". The Rev. W. P. Magee, the Rector of Kilmore, opened it in November 1890. In this building, worship was conducted free from the restrictions of the prayer book and with the aid of a robed choir.

By the initial design, the building was divided into three bays by elaborate carved screens. The central feature of the building was a hiberno-romanesque arch and the blue chancel roof adorned with silver stars. Also on the ceiling were placed two rows of heraldic crests, representing the dioceses of Ireland. The minister with the aid of his youngest daughter performed all the carving.
'The Abbey' was used for worship until the 1960's but is now home to the Parish Bowling Club. In 1994 the building was carefully dismantled and brought to rest within the new church hall beside the church. The building was dedicated on September 16th 1995.

Rev. Hutchings' influence is evident also within the parish church. The pulpit and communion rails of the church were handcarved by the minister and commemorate the crucifixion of Christ. The fine fretwork lends an historical aspect to the building and focuses the minds of the congregation on the central pillar of the Christian faith.

The life of Henry Hutchings is commemorated in the stained glass windows to the front of the church, representing nativity, resurrection and ascension. They were dedicated to Rev.Hutchings' memory in 1896, the year of his retirement. The inscription reads,

"In grateful and affectionate remembrance of Rev.Henry Hurchings, MA, for twenty years rector of Kilcluney. Erected by the parishioners and friends. 1896".

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"Primer of Religious Points and Counterpoints"
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"Your sorrow can scarcely be greater than that which I feel when saying Good-bye to those who have so steadfastly led the public worship of God with me. Yes! the bright faces and sweet voices of the white-robed choristers of Kilcluney will ever be cherished among my choicest memories".