Overview:

St. Lucy Parish Church, Saint Lucy In Barbados is considered to be one of the oldest and most iconic churches in Barbados. Located in the untouched north of the island, the church has served as a place of worship and comfort for many generations, beginning when the first settlers arrived and the British ruled the island. Because of its historic importance, St. Lucy Parish Church has earned its place on the UNESCO World heritage list alongside other historically important sites in Barbados. The gorgeous and ornately decorated building dates back to 1630 and offers an original view into what life was like during those early days. Tourists are welcome to explore the building and its grounds which include a graveyard with the remains of some of the first settlers. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

- stone walls and wrought ironwork fence - whitewashed walls of the church surrounded by colorful tropical landscaping and flowering plants - tall bell tower with distinctive arched window pattern on it - main entrance with a large wooden door and latticed windows - Stained glass windows and a grand altar with artfully designed woodwork - stunning eight-foot bronze statue of Saint Lucy standing in the front of the church - spacious interior with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and colorful hand-painted murals - several chapels dedicated to various Catholic saints and martyrs such as Saint Patrick and Saint Helena - functional rotunda at the back of the church with access to the bell tower and office area You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

The Parish Church of St. Lucy is one of the oldest churches in Barbados. It is also the sole Protestant church in the parish of St. Lucy and a major landmark in the small fishing village of St. Lucy. The church's origins can be traced back to 1628, when Governor William Tufton assigned the first Anglican minister to St. Lucy. The local proprietor at the time, Thomas Daniel, donated the land upon which St. Lucy Parish Church was built. The first church was made of brick, and its construction was completed in 1640. The original church was destroyed by a hurricane in 1780 and was rebuilt in its current form the following year. During the mid-1800s, the Church underwent some minor modifications, such as the installation of stained glass windows and improved seating. The Church is now a major tourist attraction in Barbados and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and the religious heritage it embodies. It is still home to its original organ installed more than two centuries ago, and visitors can attend a service on Sundays. The current vicar is Rev. Dr. Jim Johnson, who has been minister at St. Lucy since 2011. In 2015, the church underwent extensive restoration and repair work to preserve its historical value. This work included the replacement of the existing windows, the restoration of the organ and the addition of a museum near the church grounds. The restoration project was made possible by generous donations from both private individuals and organizations such as the Barbados National Trust and the Barbados Tourism Authority. The Parish Church of St. Lucy is a symbol of Barbadian culture and history and remains a prominent landmark in the parish of St. Lucy. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The St. Lucy Parish Church in Barbados is the oldest Anglican church in the Caribbean, built in 1629. 2. The church was originally built in the British colonial style, with the altar facing east, and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 3. The original church was destroyed in the hurricane of 1780 and a new one was built around the same time as the other Anglican parish churches of Barbados. 4. The bell tower of the church is said to be the oldest standing structure in the Caribbean. 5. The church was built by the British settler, Governor Penniston, who arrived in Barbados in 1627. 6. The famous actor, Sir Derek Jacobi, was married in this church in 2005. 7. It is the parish church of the Anglican Parish of St. Lucy, and serves as the parish seat for the parish. 8. The church is home to the St. Lucy Bells, the oldest church bells to survive in the Caribbean, cast in 1717 and still in use today. 9. The church is open to the public every day for prayer and meditation, and a small museum at the back of the church houses many artifacts of the church's colonial history. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era