Work stated in 1834 on a new parish church for Maynooth. In 1840 the new parish church of St. Mary's was consecrated. The Freeman's journal described the 'beautiful edifice... of the purest style of Gothic architecture, built in the usual form of a cross, with a handsome belfry over the principal entrance.' The high alter carved in Gothic design in Austrian oak, was imported from Munich by Archdeacon John O'Rourke, who was parish priest from 1869 to 1887.