Overview:

is a historic Anglican Church and graveyard located in St John, Barbados. It was built between 1724 and 1745 by Nicholas Cutteridge, who served as the first church warden. The church was originally intended to only accommodate five hundred persons, but its popularity soon necessitated an enlargement which created the present structure. It features beautiful stained-glass windows, a gothic style pulpit, and an impressive domed ceiling. The graveyard is the resting place of many generations of Barbadian families. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic architecture: One of the most striking features of St. John's Parish Church is its imposing Gothic architecture. The church is an impressive example of neo-Gothic design, with its pointed arches, lancet windows, and crenelated turrets. 2. Bell tower: The church is also known for its impressive bell tower, which stands 86 feet high. The bell tower has four bells that are rung at regular intervals during special occasions and religious holidays. 3. Perfectly symmetrical: The church is perfectly symmetrical in design with two large towers framing the entrance and a main aisle leading down the middle. The organ and choir seats are arranged on either side of the aisle, and the pulpit is placed in the middle of the church. 4. Spire: The most iconic feature of the church is its tall, elegant spire, which stands 124 feet high and rises above the entire building. This is the tallest spire in the Caribbean and a striking sight against the blue sky. 5. Ornate stone work: The stone walls around the church are adorned with decorative stonework, sculpted images, and ornate carvings. The main entrance of the church features an ornate and intricately carved wooden door. 6. Historic chapel: The church complex also includes a small chapel, which is believed to be one of the oldest structures in the city. It dates back to the 1600s and has been preserved almost unchanged over the centuries. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

St John's Parish Church is an Anglican parish church located in the Garrison Historic Area of Barbados. St John's was the first parish church on the island of Barbados, and is one of the oldest churches in the Americas. The foundation stone of St John's was laid by George Smith, the Bishop of London, in 1627. The church was consecrated on the 5th August 1641 by the Bishop of London, Nathaniel Abbot. The original stone structure of St John’s was destroyed by a hurricane in 1780 and had to be rebuilt. St John’s Church was restored and refurbished in 1893, and was declared a national monument along with the other churches in the Garrison Historic Area. Today, St John's is an active parish within the Diocese of Barbados. It serves the local community, hosting monthly services including Holy Communion and Morning prayer. St John's also welcomes visitors daily for prayer, exploration and contemplation. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. John's Parish Church is the oldest Anglican church still in use in the Western Hemisphere. 2. It was originally built in 1645 for white English colonists who had just arrived to Barbados from England. 3. The church is now used as a parish church for the Anglican Diocese of Barbados. 4. It is the final resting place of many prominent Barbadians including Prime Minister Sir Grantley Adams, as well as his two sons. 5. The church is home to an ancient crypt containing sarcophagi and graves of previous churchgoers. 6. It is a living memorial to the early English colonists, with some of the tombs dating back to the 1650s. 7. The Church is also renowned for its historic carved organ, which is the oldest functioning chamber organ in the Caribbean. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era