There has been an Anglican Church in the parish of Donagheady since the early 17th century, when a church at Church Hill was built during the plantation of Ulster. All that remains of this church is one gable wall and a small graveyard. Around 1790 a new church, St. Michael’s, was constructed in what is now know as St. Michael’s cemetery and again a portion of the gable wall remains standing to this day.
In the late 19th century urgent repairs to St. Michael’s were needed and an approach was made to Mr. Claud Ogliby of Altnacrea Castle to request financial assistance. Mr. Ogiliby refused this request but instead offered £500.00 towards the building of a new church. On 28th November 1879, St. James, Donemana was consecrated by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt. Rev.William Alexander.
Since then the church has had a number of rectors and there is a gallery of them in the vestry. About 30 years ago a new rectory was constructed and the old rectory sold into private ownership. In 2006 the interior of the church was reordered. The current rector, Revd. Dr. Robin Stockitt was licensed on May 6th 2014.
St.James Donagheady 