Overview:

St. Philip Parish Church is a historical Anglican church located in the parish of St. Philip in Barbados. Founded in the 17th century, the church is one of the oldest churches in Barbados and is a symbol of English colonial heritage in the area. The church was originally located in a small hamlet called St. Philip town, which no longer exists. The church today stands at the corner of two of the oldest roads in Barbados. The church is made of gray coral stone and features traditional West Indian design and construction with a wide range of sacred features and touches. Inside the church, a magnificent mural depicting St. Philip's life is located on the walls. The church is known for its stunning stained-glass windows and beautiful churchyard. It is a popular spot for weddings and special ceremonies. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

• Built in 1783: St. Philip Parish Church, which is located in the town of Saint Philip in Barbados, was built in 1783 and is one of the oldest churches on the island. • Gothic Revival Style: The church was built in the Gothic Revival style, with its tall, slender windows and frame. • Historical Significance: The church is significant to the area of St. Philip as it is a place that was greatly affected by the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Many of the church’s parishioners were from plantations that held enslaved Africans. • Marble Font: Inside the building, there is a marble font which dates back to 1670, and is believed to have been brought from England. • Paintings and Plaques: The church also contains various plaques and paintings, including a painting of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, and a plaque dedicated to Sir John Gay Alleyne, who was a slave-owner and a friend of the church. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

St. Philip Parish Church is the oldest Anglican church in Barbados. It was founded in 1628, by indentured servants who had come to the island from England. The first church was built out of wood but later destroyed in a hurricane. The church was rebuilt in 1720 out of stone. The church continued to serve the community for over 200 years until the original stone building had to be rebuilt due to structural damage caused by a severe hurricane in 1831. The restoration was completed in 1847. In 1906, the church was extended to accommodate a larger congregation. A new bell tower was also added. In 2019, after more than four hundred years, St. Philip Parish Church continues to stand as an important symbol of the history and faith of Barbadians. Today, the church still serves as a community landmark, and remains a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The grounds of the church also contain a memorial to the Barbadian soldiers who served in the Great War. St Philip's continues to be a vibrant center of worship with various programs and services offered, such as weekly prayers, Bible studies, charity work, and Sunday school classes. The parish is also home to an active branch of the Mothers’ Union, an international Christian organization of women whose mission is to advance the Christian faith within families. The St Philip’s Parish Church is a reminder of the long and proud Anglican history in Barbados and has stood as a testament to the faith in the Caribbean for centuries. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Philip Parish Church is the oldest standing church in Barbados and was built in 1628. 2. The church is built in a distinctive wooden-frame style and is one of the few remaining examples of wooden-frame colonial architecture in the Caribbean. 3. St. Philip Parish Church is an Anglican church and was previously known as a Parish of Thee Church of England in Barbados. 4. The church's original building was destroyed by a hurricane in 1643, but was reconstructed a few years later. 5. In 1702, a new chancel was built, and is still standing today. 6. The church underwent major renovations in 2004 and 2005, which included adding a soup kitchen for the local community, and an education center for religious groups. 7. In 1955, St. Philip Parish Church was the first church in Barbados to utilize public address systems during services. 8. The Church is part of the Anglican Diocese of Barbados, and a member of the Anglican Communion across the world. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era