Overview:

is located in the parish of Saint James. It is a historic structural church located in the rural community of Gibbes, St. James off the main highway and it has a small chapel with a seating capacity of about 100 people. The church has many stained glass windows which depict Bible scenes and other religious motifs and there is also a bronze plaque which commemorates three members of the congregation who lost their lives in the two world wars. This church offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, allowing people to come together in worship and contemplation. The grounds of the church also include an extensive cemetery which is the resting place for many members of Barbadian society. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic Revival Architecture: St. Silas Anglican Church is a traditional Gothic Revival style church with its stone walls, pointed roof, tall spires, and round arches. 2. Turret Clocks: While the architecture of the church is impressive, the addition of the two clock towers makes the building even more impressive. The clocks are synched to make sure they always display the same time and can be heard throughout the parish. 3. Historic Oak Pulpit: The historic oak pulpit is believed to have been taken from a nearby church and installed at St. Silas Anglican Church centuries ago. It has been intricately carved, and is a wonderful piece of architectural and religious history. 4. Beautiful Interior Stained-Glass Windows: One of the church’s most impressive features are its beautiful interior stained-glass windows, which are illustrative of some of the achievements of the British Empire. 5. Ornate Altar Table: The ornate wooden altar table was crafted in the 19th century by some of the country’s best carpenters. This unique piece is truly a work of art and strongly reflects the religious beliefs of the parish. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

St. Silas Anglican Church, Saint James (formerly known as St. John’s) is a traditional Barbadian Parish Church situated along the eastern coast of the island, near the town of Holetown. The origins of St. Silas can be traced back to the 1700s, when the Anglican Church first established roots in the region. By 1799, an official “churchwarden” had been appointed in the area, and the Reverend Thomas Riggs was recorded as its “Doorkeeper”. Over the next century, the Parish of St. John’s, Barbados saw the construction of several additional churches, including St. Silas in 1850. The Church of St. Silas is situated atop a hill, with an enjoyable view of the Caribbean Sea. Its spire rises above the tree line just beyond Holetown, making it a noticeable and beloved feature for many visitors and locals who travel that stretch of the island’s east coast. The original structure of St. Silas was built in the Gothic Revival style and its design closely follows the English architectural model of the period. It is a simple, single-storey, white-washed building capped by a slate-shingled roof. St. Silas is a vibrant and active community, with regular services including weddings, baptisms, commemorations, and other joyful occassions. Headed by the outgoing and welcoming Vicar, The Rev. Keith and his wife, the churchgoers and parishioners of St. Silas enjoy a solid sense of community and fellowship with the support and companionship of other like-minded individuals. St. Silas is also an active member of the wider Barbados and Anglican Church community and it plays an important role in such initiatives as a sponsor of the annual “Faith and Family Retreat”. In recent years, a number of construction projects have been undertaken in order to make the Church more accessible and comfortable for its congregation. These projects have included the installation of air conditioning, new carpeting, an upgraded organ and sound system, and the extension of the sanctuary. St. Silas continues to carry on its mission of spreading the good news of Christianity to the people of Barbados and beyond. More than two centuries old, this historic and beautiful church is living testimony to the enduring spirit of faith and commitment in this part of the Caribbean. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Silas Anglican Church is the oldest church in Barbados, originally built in the 1650s when the island was first colonized by the British. 2. The church was built in the traditional Barbadian style of architecture, with its white-washed walls and thickly thatched roof. 3. The church was named after Silas, an early Barbadian convert to Christianity. 4. The church is still in use today, with Sunday morning services often held in English and Creole. 5. During the 20th-century, many famous figures, including a former Prime Minister of Barbados, have been baptized in the church. 6. The church is a popular tourist attraction in Barbados, drawing visitors from around the world. 7. The church is home to a large Pipe Organ, which was donated by the government of Germany in the 1990s. 8. The church is home to a small number of antique artifacts, including a silver baptismal font that dates to the 17th century. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era