Phillippo Baptist Church
| Phillippo Baptist Church | |
|---|---|
 Phillippo Baptist Church | |
  Phillippo Baptist Church | |
| 17°59′53″N 76°57′30″W / 17.9980°N 76.9584°WCoordinates: 17°59′53″N 76°57′30″W / 17.9980°N 76.9584°W | |
| Location | Spanish Town |
| Country | Jamaica |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| History | |
| Founded | 1827 |
| Founder(s) | James Phillippo |
| Architecture | |
| Status | Church |
| Functional status | Active |
Phillippo Baptist Church , built 1827, is named after its founder and first minister, Reverend James Phillippo, a Baptist missionary who arrived in Jamaica in 1823. He campaigned for the abolition of slavery[1][2] and for the establishment of "Free Villages" for emancipated slaves.[3] The church is located on the corner of William and French Streets, in Spanish Town, Jamaica.[1][3]
History
Rev. Phllippo built the Church in 1827[2][3] to replace an earlier one which he had built which was burned to the ground by plantation owners (planters), who were vehemently opposed to the preaching of religion to slaves.[3] Phillippo died in 1879 and is buried, with his wife and son, in the churchyard.[2] There are two tablets in the Church building dedicated to his memory.
Also located on the Church grounds is a stone slab which marks where some of the shackles of slavery are buried. The slab is inscribed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Church.
The Church was damaged during Hurricane Dean in 2007, which ripped the roof off the building,[4] and required $25m ($300,000 USD) in repairs.[4] The Church was closed for 20 months and underwent significant restoration, reopening in June, 2009.[4] At the official reopening ceremonies of the Church, Prime Minister Bruce Golding's representative (Olivia Grange, then culture minister) said that "Phillippo Baptist Church represents a great part of the nation's history, therefore, we need for all to be aware of the pride and joy it gives to see the restoration done. James Phillipo was even denied permission to preach to slaves several times, but this did not stop him from setting up the church".[5] Golding's representative also noted that the church played a major role in the fight for the abolition of slavery, and that even by today's standards is still an impressive architectural creation.[5]
References
- 1 2 Morris, Margaret (1986). "Discover Jamaica - Highlight on Kingston". The Gleaner Company Limited. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
- 1 2 3 "Jamaica National Heritage Trust". Jamaica National Heritage Trust. 2005. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 Thomas, Polly; Vaitilingam, Adam; Brown, Polly Rodger (2003-11-27). The rough guide to Jamaica. Rough Guides. pp. 122–. ISBN 978-1-84353-111-1. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
- 1 2 3 Turner, Rasbert (19 June 2009). "Jamaica Gleaner News - Phillipo Baptist Church completes $25m restoration - News - Friday". The Gleaner. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
- 1 2 http://www.candoo.com/surnames/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=1743 Phillippo Challenges Authority