2024 Churches souvenir sheet

Churches of the Isle of Man

Issue date: 24th October 2024

Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to present this selection of six stamps sharing some of our Island’s most historic and beautiful churches. 

Jurby Church, 85p

The Jurby Chalice is an ancient artefact dating back to the Viking age likely discovered in the grounds of Jurby Church in the north of the Isle of Man. The chalice is decorated with intricate designs including Christian motifs such as crosses and interlacing patterns. Jurby Church, dedicated to St. Patrick, has ancient origins, possibly dating back to the early Christian period in the Isle of Man. The exact date of its establishment is uncertain, but it likely originated in the medieval period. The church has undergone numerous renovations and alterations over the centuries, but parts of the building still retain its original Norman architecture.

Original Stamp Issue Specifications: 15th February 2006

Designer: Icon Imaging • Printer: Enschede • Stamp Size: 28.45mm x 42.58mm • Set Size: 6 • Sheet Format: 25

Maughold Church, £1

The origins of Maughold Church trace back to the early Christian period on the Isle of Man. It is named after St. Maughold (also known as MacCuil), an early Christian missionary and bishop who is said to have lived in the 5th or 6th century. Legend has it that St. Maughold was a former Irish brigand who was converted to Christianity and later became a prominent figure in spreading the faith in the Isle of Man. The present Kirk Maughold parish church has some walls dating back to the early 12th century. The 14th century standing cross, the sole remaining monument of its type in the Isle of Man, was moved in 1837 to a position inside the churchyard. Lieutenant-General Sir Mark Cubbon, a prominent 18th century army officer was born in Maughold vicarage, his father was the Vicar of the parish.

Original Stamp Issue Specifications: 2nd October 1985

Designer: A.D Theobald. • Printer: Questa • Stamp Size: 28.45mm x 42.58mm • Set Size: 3 • Sheet Format: 40

The New Methodist Church at Douglas, £1.28

The Promenade Methodist Church enjoys a prominent position on the Douglas sea front, in the middle of Loch Promenade. The present building opened in 1976, replacing the old Loch Promenade church and the Victoria Street church. Methodism first gained a foothold in Douglas during the 18th century when it was brought to the Isle of Man by itinerant preachers associated with the Methodist movement founded by John Wesley in England. These preachers travelled the Island, holding outdoor meetings and preaching in homes. This stamp is taken from a collection issued in 1977 marking the bicentenary of the first visit of John Wesley to the Isle of Man.

Original Stamp Issue Specifications: 19th October 1977

Designer: Courvoisier • Printer: Courvoisier • Stamp Size: 28mm x 33.4mm • Set Size: 4 • Sheet Format: 50

St German’s Cathedral, £1.60

Sited within the walls of Peel Castle on St. Patrick’s Isle, the gothic cathedral is dedicated to St. Germanus, a nephew of St. Patrick. It formed the cathedral of the isles as well as that of Mann and even as late as the sixteenth century, was regarded by the Hebrideans as their rightful cathedral. The earliest part is the chancel, said to have been built by Bishop Simon around 1230 on the site of the original chapel built by St. German. The cathedral, as it stands today, primarily dates to the 13th and 14th centuries. It underwent various construction phases, with significant additions and alterations over the centuries. The architecture of St. German's Cathedral reflects the styles prevalent during the medieval period, including Romanesque and Gothic elements.

Original Stamp Issue Specifications: 28th February 1978

Designer: J H Nicholson • Printer: Questa • Stamp Size: 26mm x 34mm • Set Size: 4 • Sheet Format: 50

St Marks Church, £1.82

A small village situated in the parish Malew, St Marks Church serves as a place of worship for Anglicans. It is named after St. Mark, one of the four evangelists of the New Testament. Consecrated in 1772, the church intended to provide a more convenient chapel of ease together with a parish school for those from the outlying mountainous districts. This depiction of the church was painted by Norman Sayle R.I.

Original Stamp Issue Specifications: 12th April 2007

Designer: EDL • Printer: Lowe-Martin • Stamp Size: 40mm x 27.5mm • Set Size: 6 • Sheet Format: 25

Sulby Methodist Church, £2

First erected in 1794 and enlarged to accommodate 200 people, in 1844 as the Methodist community in Sulby grew, so too did the need for a dedicated place of worship. Sulby Methodist Church is situated on the TT course opposite the Sulby Glen Hotel. The present chapel was built during 1912 – 1914 and replaced two earlier chapels. The bell tower is purely ornamental with no bell inside. The church also has stained glass windows which is unusual for a Methodist Church. Stamp artwork pictures a wintery scene by artist Julia Ashby Smyth.

Original Stamp Issue Specifications: 2nd November 2022

Designer: Isle of Man Advertising. • Printer: bpost • Stamp Size: 31mm x 25.96mm • Set Size: 6 • Sheet Format: 20

Collectors Sheetlet Technical Details

Issue date: 24th October 2024

Design: Isle of Man Advertising

Printer: bpost

Stamp size: 40mm x 30mm

Sheetlet format: 6

Print edition: 3,000