Churches steeped in tradition
Historic places of worship inspire devotion
Maura Curley
You don't need to be religious to appreciate the houses of worship in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Architectural gems punctuate busy streets and quaint villages from St.Thomas to Tortola. In St. Thomas, overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor, the synagogue is one of the most impressive structures in the U.S. Virgins.
The Jewish congregation, traceable to the late 17th century, finished the synagogue in 1833. The membership continues to carefully maintain its interior, including the ionic columns and the mahogany benches.
In St. Croix Christiansted's Steeple Building is the first church constructed by the Danes after their colonization of the island in the latter part of the 18th century. Formerly the first site of the Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church, the Steeple Building includes many details that convey the architectural conventions used by the Danish colony.
St. John's Anglican Church, also located in Christiansted, is another sacred building of historic distinction. An eleven-year project to enlarge the church was completed in 1860, which resulted in the present-day Gothic Revival structure. The huge stained glass window, and its 4,600 pound bronze bell will let you know you're there. In St. John's Coral Bay Emmaus Moravian Church has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as one of the least-altered Moravian structures in the West Indies.
The variety of historic churches and religious buildings in the Virgins offers both residents and travelers an insight into the islands' history of religious practices and architectural styles. And it provides the opportunity for modern day refuge and rejuvenation too.
Maura Curley is publisher of virginvoices.com
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Click Here to Add a Comment"The Cathedral Church of All Saints on Garden Street in St. Thomas was built in 1848 as a memorial to the freeing of the slaves in the Caribbean. A drought cause the mortar for the rubble work to be made of molasses and straw. The interior of this restored cathedral can be viewed during Sunday morning eucharist at 6:30, 8:00 and 11:00. A lively and intellectually stimulating Bible Study is held every Monday at 5 pm in the Parish Hall. The following Sunday's scripture readings are explored, lead by Rev. Wesley Williams." - Dena Langdon (2010-05-07)