Sun, sea and stained glass in The Bahamas. Churches of Nassau are worth exploring.
WELCOME BAHAMAS NASSAU - 2005 EDITION
To get an idea of how many churches there are in New Providence, flip through the phone book – the listings seem endless.
So too is the number of denominations represented in The Bahamas – a nation of only 325,000 people. According to the Department of Statistics there are at least 18 different faiths observed, from Anglican to Rastafarian. Figures from the 2000 census show that the denominations with the highest following include Baptist (107,354), Anglican/Episcopalian (45,993) and Roman Catholic (41,077).
Needless to say, The Bahamas is a religious country, but it is also a nation with a culture rich in history. In fact, some churches in New Providence are among the oldest buildings in The Bahamas.
One church built four times
While sun, sea and sand are the main draws for tourists in The Bahamas, some visitors take the time to explore historical churches. Many are surprised to discover the history of Christ Church Cathedral, a massive Gothic Revival building on the corner of King and George Streets.
The present church stands on the site of the first Christ Church Cathedral, which was built in 1670. It was destroyed by fire in 1684 by invading Spanish. A second church was built on the site in 1695, however, the Spanish invaded again eight years later, destroying the church and a nearby fishing village.
In 1721, a third church was constructed of wood, under the leadership of The Bahamas’ first royal governor, Woodes Rogers. The fourth church, of stone, was later constructed on the site in 1754.
The foundation stone of today’s church was laid in 1837. The church opened for public worship in 1840 and was consecrated in 1845.
In the following decades, the cathedral was battered by hurricanes, especially during the 1920s, and extensive repairs were made. The church was again damaged in the Bay Street fire of 1942. However, Christ Church Cathedral still stands as an impressive structure and has hosted services attended by Queen Elizabeth II and other visiting heads of state.
The cathedral features an extensive collection of stained-glass windows. The main window, located over the altar, depicts the crucifixion of Christ. Plaques on the cathedral’s walls memorialize some of New Providence’s notable citizens.
Oldest church in Nassau
Although Christ Church Cathedral represents a long history, it is by no means the oldest church. Off Shirley Street and considerably smaller than the cathedral is St Matthew’s Church. Built in 1800, it is the oldest remaining church building in The Bahamas.
It is an attractive, quaint stone building with a mix of neo-classical and Gothic architecture, complete with octagonal steeple, vestry room, organ chamber and chancel.
Surrounding the church is an extensive burial ground where two of the country’s national heroes – Sir Milo Butler, first Bahamian Governor General, and Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield, former leader of the Free National Movement political party – are buried.
The second oldest church in New Providence is St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk. The "Kirk," a Scottish term for "church," was founded by the St Andrew’s Society in 1798, however, its foundation stone wasn’t laid until 1810.
A belfry was erected in 1844 and a spire was added in 1847, long since destroyed by a hurricane in 1866.
According to minister Rev Alastair Gray, St Andrew’s has undergone very little change since the last renovations took place in the 1940s and 50s.
"The front porch where the arches are, is an addition," says Gray. "The front tower (built in 1864) is the original."
This large, white landmark contains enough interesting features to make it worth a trek up the hill to Princes Street.
"We get a number of tourists here," says Gray. "When they come up, they enjoy a look around. There’s people of all nationalities who visit here.
"They appreciate that it’s such a very old building," he adds. "They can see memorials to founding Scottish families and the plain white walls make the stained glass windows really stand out."
Gray notes that normally the Kirk is closed during the day, but if an attendant is present, visitors can go in and have a look.
Mother Nature’s wrecker
Down the hill from St Andrew’s Kirk, on Frederick Street, is another of Nassau’s historical landmarks. Trinity Methodist Church, beside The Central Bank of The Bahamas, has undergone substantial rebuilding thanks to hurricanes.
The original Trinity Church was constructed between 1861 to 1865 but was completely destroyed by a hurricane in 1866. After being rebuilt in 1869, the church stood for almost 60 years without incident before it was again badly damaged by another hurricane in 1928.
Today’s Trinity Methodist Church has weathered many hurricanes and is a fine example of Gothic architecture.
Tucked away on Virginia Street is the Parish of St Mary the Virgin, also known as St Mary’s Church. This impressive Anglican church features a beautiful outdoor garden with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Old, polished, wooden pews line the inside of the nave which holds an elaborate altar.
Today’s St Mary’s Church is a result of several renovations and additions following its construction in 1868.
Near St Mary’s, on the corner of West and West Hill Streets opposite the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, is St Francis Xavier Cathedral – the first Roman Catholic church built in The Bahamas.
The foundation stone was laid in 1885 and in 1887 it was consecrated by the Archbishop of New York, Michael A Corrigan.
Today’s St Francis Xavier Cathedral features a blend of two buildings, the original church and a new addition which was completed in late 2003.
Churches everywhere
From old to new, churches of all kinds are dotted throughout New Providence. You’ll even come across some temporary churches – tents set up in empty lots and fields – where people gather to worship.
Visitors are welcome in New Providence churches – to join in worship services or just to look around. Pick up a free copy of What-to-do magazine for a selection of church listings and service times.
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