Overview:

The Church of St. Mary (Barbuda) is a 17th-century stone church located in Codrington, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda. It was built in 1667 by the Codrington family and has served as a place of worship for the locals on the island of Barbuda since that time. The church is considered a historical landmark of Barbuda, and the structure and layout of the building has remained largely unchanged over the past four centuries, making it a unique example of West Indian colonial architecture. In 2017, the building was damaged in the passing of a major hurricane, but it has recently undergone extensive restoration. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

The Church of St. Mary is a popular tourist attraction in the Caribbean island of Barbuda. It is located in the city of Codrington which is the capital of Barbuda. The Church of St. Mary was originally built in 1735 and is the oldest surviving church in the Caribbean. Church of St. Mary features a white, painted stucco exterior typical of early Georgian period architecture. The two-story building features a traditional cruciform shaped plan with a central nave leading up to a transept and a bell tower. The bell tower contains four bells, which are still rung to this day. Other features include ornately decorated windows and a carved wooden altar. The Church of St. Mary is open to the public from April through October and visitors can explore the interior and take photographs of the exterior. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

The Church of St. Mary is a parish church located on the Caribbean island of Barbuda in Antigua-and-Barbuda. It is one of the oldest churches in Barbuda and is used for many special events including baptisms and weddings. The Church of St. Mary was established in 1651 when the first permanent residents of Barbuda, Dutch settlers, arrived on the island. Since then, the church has been an important part of the Barbuda community serving as a spiritual home for islanders and visitors alike. The church was refurbished in 1822 and is still in use today. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus and is the only Catholic church on the island. St. Mary’s serves as a place of worship for the island’s small Catholic community, which is made up of Brimstone Hill Missionaries and Barbudan converts. The church’s services are conducted in English. The Church of St. Mary is a cornerstone of Barbuda’s culture. It is a place of refuge to the island’s inhabitants, providing spiritual solace and camaraderie. It has been a gathering place for traditional island gatherings and festivals and is used as a backdrop for important ceremonies and occasions. The Bells of St. Mary are rung for weddings and funerals and to mark the end of the day. The Church of St. Mary is a popular spot for visitors to Barbuda, as it is centrally located and has beautiful gardens and architecture. The church is open daily from 8:30am – 6pm and has a gift shop which sells religious items, books, CDs and more. The Church of St. Mary is one of the most important institutions in Barbuda. It is not only a place of worship, but an important part of the history, culture and identity of the island. The Church of St. Mary is a symbol of faith, hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of St. Mary is a 17th-century Anglican Church located in the city of Codrington, on the island of Barbuda in Antigua and Barbuda. 2. The Church is the oldest surviving building on Barbuda, having survived earthquakes and hurricanes for over 300 years. 3. During the French invasion of Barbuda in 1712, the Church was lightly damaged but soon repaired. 4. After its restoration, the Church was renamed after the Virgin Mary and became an official Anglican Church. 5. The Church of St. Mary is notable for its tall steeple, which is composed of a wooden frame and covered in brick. 6. It is believed that the Church of St. Mary once served as a lighthouse, as it was built on the highest point of the island. 7. The Church is also home to an interesting collection of artefacts, including an 18th-century chandelier, two ancient memorial tablets and a pulley system used in the original steeple restoration. 8. Today, the Church of St. Mary still serves as an active place of worship and is the spiritual centre of Barbuda. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era