Overview:

is a historic Anglican church located in the town of Speightstown, in the parish of St. James, Barbados. It was built in 1721-1724 by James Bathurst and is a National Monument of Barbados. The church is one of the earliest surviving examples of a Presbyterian-style church in the Caribbean. It is still in use as a church today and is known for its ornate interior, with its towering ceiling and intricately carved wooden pews. The building also serves as a place of worship for other denominations in the parish. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

• Built in 1836 and is one of the oldest Anglican churches in Barbados • Located in a rural area of the island, the St. James Parish Church is a beautiful white building with cast ironwork on three sides • Inside, the church features a wonderfully restored wooden interior, including a rare set of pews and a carved altar • The church also has a separate bell tower that is still used to chime the hours. • The St. James Parish Church also boasts a glorious view of Sunbury Plantation House which is the oldest house in Barbados standing today. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

St. James is a parish church located in the island of Barbados. It was established in 1628 when the first Anglican missionaries arrived from England. The church was originally built in the 17th century, and it was extensively restored in the 19th century. The earliest records of the church state that it was built under the orders of the Bishop of London, and it was consecrated in 1633. The first rector was appointed in 1637, and initially the church served as a parish church for the island’s English settlers. The church was renovated during the 18th century and it is still known for its several historical monuments, including the memorial pillar which was erected in 1786 to commemorate the visit of British Admiral, Francis Drake, to the island in 1586. The parish church of St. James is the oldest church in Barbados and it also remains one of the oldest functioning parishes in the Anglican communion. It is still used for regular Sunday services and weddings. The churchyard is also the burial site for some of the island’s prominent members of society, including the author Anthony Walrond. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

: 1. St. James Parish Church is the oldest parish church in Barbados, having been established in the 1640s. 2. The church is a Grade I listed building and is today known as one of the island’s most important historical landmarks. 3. The church was largely destroyed by a hurricane in 1780, but it was rebuilt in 1805 to the current Georgian design. 4. St. James Parish Church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and its steeple rises to a height of 52 feet. 5. The church is known to Barbadians as The “White Church” due to its distinctive white paint and stone façade. 6. On the church grounds, there was an old well, which was believed to have healing powers and is today no longer visible due to the growth of vegetation. 7. The original servants quarters for the Church were located beneath the church’s vestry, and are believed to be the oldest slave dwelling in Barbados. 8. Among the members of the church have included the poet and playwright George Lamming and the independence advocate Emancipation Brown. 9. Today, the church is used for weddings, confirmations, baptisms, and other special services. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era