“Did you know there’s a church here in Trinidad and Tobago where the steel pan, our national instrument, was first welcomed into a house of worship?” Just up this road, you’ll find the Rosehill Moravian Church. It’s not just a place of worship but a testament to the resilience and cultural fusion of the people of Laventille. The Rosehill Moravian Church story begins in 1890, drawing its name from the Rose Hill estate that once graced this area in the 1820s. The church first found its home in a Presbyterian school before moving to a room on Duke Street. Finally, in 1892, it settled right here. After emancipation, many freed slaves sought solace in these Laventille hills. Soon, they were joined by other African ethnic groups like the Mandingo, Ibo, Yoruba, and Krumen, adding their unique threads to the cultural tapestry. As Port of Spain prospered, even more Africans, some Moravians themselves, found their way to Laventille. This vibrant mix of people gave birth to a unique cultural identity, eventually giving rise to the steel pan. It’s only fitting that the Rosehill Moravian Church, a beacon in this community, became the first to embrace this iconic instrument.
National Museum & Art Gallery
Ever wondered what stories lie within those Victorian walls? Welcome to the National Museum and Art Gallery. This building is