Overview:

St. John’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere and the third oldest cathedral in the region. The church is located on Long Street in St. John’s, the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda. It was built by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1681. The original building was destroyed by an earthquake, but was rebuilt in 1762. Today it stands as a majestic reminder of the colonial past and is a popular tourist attraction. The cathedral is home to a throng of historical artifacts including a 17th century bell tower, Victorian stained-glass windows, and a reproduction of the Last Supper. A courtyard outside of the cathedral contains four tombs that are said to be the resting place of four bishops. The surrounding area is picturesque, with old buildings and cobblestone streets. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

1. Tower: Situated at one end of the cathedral, the distinctive tower contains a fine-sounding carillon of bells that ring out across the city each hour. 2. Historic Colonial Architecture: The cathedral is an excellent example of colonial architecture, featuring white-washed walls, arched windows, thick stone walls, and towering Corinthian columns. 3. Courtyard: Enjoy a stroll through the peaceful courtyard, surrounded by lush green lawns. 4. Interior: Step inside to admire the original wood furnishings and colourful frescoes. 5. History: St. Johns is the oldest Anglican Cathedral in the Western Hemisphere and was built in 1681. 6. Monument: Located in the main entrance of the cathedral is a Carrara marble monument to Admiral Nelson, featuring a relief of his death at the Battle of Trafalgar. 7. Paintings: Also displayed in the cathedral are paintings by local artist Gavin Gibson and works by European masters, including Rubens and Van Dyck. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

St. John's Cathedral in Antigua-and-Barbuda is the oldest Anglican church in the Caribbean region, having been constructed in 1683. Located in St. John's, the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, the cathedral is the principal place of worship for the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Antigua. The cathedral has a long and colorful history, with its original structure being built by colonists from England with the intention of providing a place of worship for the early settlers of the island. The original church was a simple wooden structure and over the course of two centuries, the structure went through many modifications, alterations, and renovations. In 1725, the original wooden structure was replaced with a larger church capable of accommodating a larger number of worshippers. A major renovation in 1735 saw the addition of two spires and clerestory windows. Throughout the 18th century, the cathedral was the central site of Anglican worship and evangelism in the Caribbean, and it has served as the mother church for other Anglican churches in the region. In 1841, a fire destroyed most of the cathedral, including its steeple. The building was restored and renovated and the steeple was replaced by a new one, built from limestone. In 1961, this steeple was replaced with the current one, which is a replica of the original. Inside the cathedral, visitors can find a variety of art from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as a number of interesting memorials. Notable among them is the monument to Major-General Sir Robert Prescott. Today, St. John's Cathedral is part of a vibrant community and a vibrant history of the Antigua-and-Barbuda region. The cathedral remains largely unchanged today, still serving as an important house of worship and the spiritual home for religious celebrations in the country. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. John’s Cathedral in Antigua and Barbuda is the oldest Anglican cathedral in the Americas, having been founded in 1683. 2. The Cathedral is located at the junction of St. John’s and Friar’s Hill Road, close to the harbor. 3. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1745 but was rebuilt the following year. 4. It has a singular style of wooden roof, the earliest of its kind in the Caribbean. 5. St. John’s Cathedral is an important site for remembering those who were enslaved and taken away from the islands during the height of the slave trade. 6. In 2018, during the 400th anniversary of the first African slaves being transported to the Americas, the stained glass window at St. John’s Cathedral was dedicated to the memory of the thousands of slaves whose lives were taken. 7. There is also a permanently lit beacon of hope at the entrance of the cathedral to remember those who were enslaved. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era