Overview:

St. Mary’s Church, Saint Andrew in Barbados is a parish of the Church of Barbados (Anglican). This church was built in 1648 and it has been serving the Saint Andrew parish since then. It is a beautiful and traditional building with a wooden roof, a stained-glass window, and a collection of interesting artifacts. The original building underwent significant expansion in the late 18th century, and a significant renovation was completed in 2015. St. Mary’s Church is noted for its simple and peaceful atmosphere, and this is a good place to contemplate and reflect on your faith. It is an active church that holds various services and events, including day liturgies, Sunday worship services, and even baptisms. The church is also a popular venue for music events throughout the year. It is open to visitors and visitors are welcome to take photographs. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

The main features of St. Mary's Church, St. Andrew, Barbados include its gleaming white bell tower, pointed arches, and Dutch-style roof. The bell tower is two stories high and the arches on the second floor feature beautiful Venetian-made glass windows. The church was built in 1690 and is an example of exquisite colonial-era architecture. Inside, the church contains a number of elaborate religious sculptures and paintings. The Dutch-style roof, combined with the Venetian-made glass windows, create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for prayer and reflection. The church grounds also contain a beautiful garden and memorial dedicated to those who have served in the Barbados Armed Forces. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

St. Mary's Church, Saint Andrew, Barbados, is a Christian church located in the Parish of St. Andrew in the northwest corner of the island. The original building was constructed in the 17th century, prior to the great hurricane of 1692. It was constructed on a Roman Catholic site, overlooking Carlisle Bay, with the intention that it would serve the Catholic population of the area. The church was destroyed during the hurricane and was replaced with one in a different style and design. Today, St. Mary's is an Anglican parish church, part of the Diocese of Barbados and the Caribbean. It is a delightful example of classical Caribbean architecture with its Georgian-style barrel-vaulted roof, arches and columns, and the tall bell tower. Within the church, there are several notable features, including a carved wooden reredos and a pulpit of green jasper with Christ's life inscribed in Latin on it. Outside, the cemetery holds many notable gravestones of prominent Barbadians from its early days. The church remains an important part of the cultural life of St. Andrew. Through the years, many significant historical events have taken place in and around the church. For example, in the late 19th century, St. Mary's was the site of a major disturbance when a mob tried to prevent an African-American pastor from preaching from the pulpit. The episode highlighted the complex relationship between race and religion in Barbados at the time. In the 21st century, the church continues to serve as the spiritual and physical center of community life in St. Andrew. The church regularly hosts services, gatherings, and meetings. St. Mary's is also a beloved tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the religious history of the region. As such, it stands as one of the most significant and beautiful churches in Barbados. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Mary's Church in Saint Andrew, Barbados is the oldest Anglican church in the Caribbean, having been built in 1645. 2. The church was restored four times throughout its history – in 1759, 1789, 1842, and again in 1940. 3. It is the final resting place of a number of historic figures including several of the island's former governors, members of the royal family, and General Samuel Hood. 4. The church's bell has been ringing since 1697 and is sounded twice each morning and once at lunchtime as it had been for many centuries. 5. The church has a 19th-century organ which is still operational and is used for special occasions. 6. There have been religious services held at the church continuously since its construction in 1645. 7. In addition to the main church, the grounds of St. Mary's also include a cemetery, a lych gate and a memorial garden. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era