Did you know that the Methodist Church in St John’s Antigua has a history stretching back over 250 years? It’s a story woven with threads of divine providence unexpected twists and remarkable individuals. Right here before you stands a testament to faith resilience and the enduring power of the human spirit. This very spot has witnessed centuries of worship joy sorrow and unwavering dedication.
The Methodist Church in St John’s wasn’t built overnight. Its story begins not in grand architectural plans but in the heart of a man named Nathaniel Gilbert. A lawyer a slave owner and Speaker of the House of Representatives in Antigua he was also a man touched by the transformative power of John Wesley’s teachings. His conversion in 1757 marked a pivotal moment. The stone steps of his plantation house became the first pulpit in the Caribbean. There Nathaniel preached regularly to his enslaved people a remarkable act of faith and defiance in its time.
Nathaniel’s unwavering commitment coupled with the equally steadfast devotion of his wife and three enslaved women Bessie Sophia Campbell and Mary Alley laid the foundation for the Methodist Church in Antigua. These women kept the faith alive even after Nathaniel’s death in 1774. Their contributions are often overlooked yet they were crucial in establishing Methodism’s presence in the West Indies.
The first Methodist Chapel a wooden structure built in 1783 is a direct result of the expanding congregation. John Baxter a shipwright and local preacher played a crucial role in this expansion. He was instrumental in building the chapel capable of seating 2000 people. This remarkable expansion in membership further cemented the Methodist faith’s significance in Antigua. He’s known for his tireless efforts his powerful sermons and the deep affection he earned from the enslaved community who called him Daddy Baxter.
The arrival of Dr Thomas Coke on Christmas Day 1786 was another profound event. Forced off course by a storm he found himself in Antigua just in time to preside over a packed Christmas service. This marked the official establishment of Methodism in the Caribbean. The Methodist Church you see today is the second Ebenezer. It was built in 1839 following the success of the first one. It has been repeatedly damaged by earthquakes requiring significant renovations but always rising again.
The Methodist Church in St John’s isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith perseverance and community. Its enduring legacy is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of belief and the remarkable individuals who shaped its history. It’s a place where history and faith intertwine inspiring generations of worshippers. This remarkable story continues to unfold right here within these walls.