THE Barbados National Trust is pleased to announce that the historic Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels is the venue for Open House on Saturday, February 4, from 2.30 to 5.30 pm.
“Saturday openings were introduced this year to allow those who cannot come on a weekday to attend these enjoyable and illuminating events,” said Miguel Pena, General Manager of the Trust. “It’s a chance for Barbadians to learn more about their heritage and to meet people who share their curiosity in a sociable setting.”
Erected in 1789 and partially refurbished recently, this venerable cathedral was once the largest church this side of the Atlantic. Its history reflects the Church’s role in Barbados’ development. The cathedral’s interior is quite stately, with galleries on three sides and the English tre-foil in the clerestory windows. There are sculptures and monumental tablets, and a number of very old grave slabs laid in the flooring of the nave, all with a story to tell.
The eastern end is embraced by beautiful stained glass windows. Here, and over the Sanctuary, the ceiling is in the shape of an upturned boat and is covered in wallaba shingles. The Bishop’s Throne, canons’ stalls and the pulpit are masterpieces of carved mahogany.
Refurbishment of the entire Chancel with its stained glass windows and Lady Chapel has been in progress for the past several years. The soaring, intricately carved reredos behind the high altar is particularly stunning now, with its artistic restoration commissioned to heraldic artist, Ann Rudder.
Its new coat of brilliant colours was painstakingly applied by Rudder with assistance from Martina Pile and Terrence Mascoll.
This Open House is no normal church-peeping experience. The artists will be on hand at Open House to share their experience, knowledge of the symbolism and photos of the reredos restoration process. Project supervisor Sam Maxwell will speak about the carving. At 3.15 there is the Lively Lecture by Sir Henry Fraser, who co-authored the book, “Historic Churches of Barbados”, and in addition, there will be tours of the graveyard.
Topping it off at five pm, the choir will sing evensong, accompanied by the organ, which is reputed to be one of the finest in the West Indies.
Refreshments will be served in the churchyard. Patrons are invited to contribute to the church restoration fund.
St. Michael’s Cathedral is located on St. Michael’s Row in Bridgetown, near the Central Bank. Parking will be available at Harrison College, with a shuttle bus available. Watch for Open House signs.
The Barbados National Trust’s 2017 Open House season is sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Product Authority. For further information, please call 426-2421.
The history:
The first Church of St. Michael on this site was dedicated in 1665 and destroyed in the terrible hurricane of 1780. It was rebuilt in 1789 out of coralstone in a simple classical style, with Gothic arches and a barrel vaulted ceiling.
The huge roof span posed problems, and buttresses had to be built to support it. These buttresses may have helped it survive the Great Hurricane of 1831. Though damaged, the church was left standing, and was used as a hospital for those wounded in the catastrophe. It was repaired and remains much the same today.
Rev. Dr. William Hart Coleridge’s monument is here at the cathedral. In 1824, he was appointed first Bishop of the Diocese of Barbados, and St. Michael’s Church became its Cathedral. Coleridge contributed greatly to the development of education, and expanded opportunities for the enslaved to benefit. When Emancipation occurred, his generosity of spirit helped smooth the transition. He also organised a training establishment for the clergy at what is now known as Codrington College.
