FROM CAVE TO CATHEDRAL
In 1840, the Catholic community purchased a 1 1/6 acre plot of land on Jemmott’s Lane for £1500. The foundation stone was laid for what would be named St. Edward’s Church in honour of St. Edward the Confessor, patron saint of England. However, through lack of funds there was no progress for seven years, until the project was restarted in November 1847. Due to the substantial financial assistance rendered by the officers and men of the 88th Regiment, the Irish Connaught Rangers, the decision was made to dedicate the Church to Ireland’s Patron Saint, St. Patrick, instead of the English Patron Saint, St. Edward. TWO CRUCIFIX
The first St. Patrick’s Church was built and solemnly blessed on March 17th, 1848 by Bishop Patrick Smith, the Vicar Apostolic who resided in Trinidad. The newly built St. Patrick’s Church was consecrated on Sunday March 10th 1850. At that time the Catholic population numbered 360 persons comprising 40 civilians and 320 soldiers from the British and Irish Regiments.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
On entering the main door of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, one views the majestic hammer-beam ceiling and huge pointed arches to the left and right, reflective of the Gothic architectural style. The arches, which overlook the nave of the church, are adorned with various Coats of Arms, as it was through its military connection that the church was built, and given its name. Above the Coats of Arms on both the left and right sides are shamrock-shaped stained glass windows. The outer arms of the church pews contain the shamrock design, synonymous with the Green Leaf. The walls on the east and west of the church are not without a story represented by actual artifacts. These include the Stations of the Cross which span both the east and west walls of the church.
Further down the aisle are various mosaic tiles each representing an aspect of the Catholic faith.
The Gothic hammer beam ceiling
St Patrick’s Cathedral was built in the Gothic style, with two feet thick outer walls all made from local limestone. The main inside columns are made of limestone while those in the apse are of red granite. The magnificent hammer beam ceiling standing 52 feet high is crafted from seasoned pitch pine.
To the west of the chapel is an antique wrought- iron staircase spiralling to the choir loft. The loft features a heavily carved wooden railing and exquisite stained glass rose windows.
The Altar is a magnificent ivory architectural structure that exudes peace and serenity. Flanking the altar are two Angels and three steeples which point upwards to three shamrock-shaped stained glass rose windows depicting the Assumption of Our Lady, the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus, and The Pieta. The window representations embrace the entire altar inducing a deep inner peace. The dome above the sanctuary represents the gateway to Heaven with arrows pointing towards the three steeples, a reminder to recognize God the Almighty. Two side altars flank the main altar. On the left is the Sacred Heart altar that houses the current tabernacle and on the right is the altar of Our Lady Mary with the Infant Jesus holding the Universe in His hands.
St. Patrick’s Stained Glass Windows
Over the years the beautiful stained-glass windows suffered from wear and tear to the point where they were badly in need of repair.
The Restoration Project was a significant undertaking both in cost and logistics. Thankfully a team led by Mr Kip Thompson undertook the task and with their generous contribution of time, talent and treasure the stained-glass windows were all wonderfully repaired. The refurbished windows were installed in time for the 120th Anniversary Mass on March 17th, 2019.
Treasures of the Cathedral
On the east wall of the main entrance to the Cathedral is a framed representation of the Risen Lord embracing the twenty-two Ugandan martyrs. Also housed and secluded in this area is a chapel with Our Lady of Coromoto, where patrons make devotions.
On the West wall of the main entrance to the Cathedral, is a Pieta statue that survived the eruption of Mount Pelée in Martinique in 1902. This was a donation by the Parravicino family to the Cathedral in memory of their daughter who perished in the volcano.
In 1964 the original wooden floor of the Cathedral was replaced with terrazzo, inlaid with 6 mosaics (overleaf). These represent early symbols of the Catholic Church and what it means to be a Catholic.
The Mosaics
In this mosaic, the winged creatures represent Noah’s search for hope in a world drowned by sin.
This mosaic depicts the Dominican crest. The Latin words surrounding the crest have specific meanings. Laudare means “ to praise”; benedicere means “to bless” and praedicare means “to preach”.
This mosaic depicts the Jewish words ‘King of the Jews’ and the nails signify those of the crucifixion.
This mosaic represents evangelization. The gospel is being preached and all humanity is drawn to the “Good News”.
This mosaic represents a sign of hope and new life for the world.
The 10th of fourteen Stations of the Cross on the East and West walls. These were purchased from the firm Mayer (of Munich, Germany), and installed in 1902.
This mosaic signifies Adam and Eve, the imprisonment of sin and the breaking of the chain of death by Jesus.
THE CATHEDRAL CEMETERY
The cemetery at St. Patrick’s is located to the western side of the Church building. Here lie many of the early Catholics including soldiers from the British and Irish regiments as well as several clergy members, some of whom served at St. Patrick’s Church. Also interred here is Fr. Henry Beauclerk S.J. (1909) a descendent of Charles I, King of England.
THE EARLY PRIESTS
The Jesuits at St. Patrick’s Mission: 1858 – 1958 by Monsignor Harcourt Vincent Blackett
PARKINSON S.J., Vicar General of Barbados with two of his fellow Jesuits: Frs. Sharrock in white suit, Morrison in black suit and two Dominicans as they are about to take over responsibility for St. Patrick’s in 1958. Fr. Parkinson remained for a short period before mov- ing to Verdun, St.John, as chaplain to the Presentation Brothers.
THOMAS PEARSON S.J. was one of the most well known Jesuits to work in Barbados. He came to St. Patrick’s in 1956 and he took the Catholic faith up the West Coast. He opened the Ignatius Mission at Black Rock, along with St. Francis Xavier, in the Garden, St. James, and was responsible for the Holy Family Centre In Speightstown, St. Peter. He opened the Sacred Heart Mission in Foul Bay, St. Philip and the Holy Rosary in St. John.
Fr. Pearson started the Bridge club of Barbados and was responsible for the opening of a school for labour relations at Canefield House, St. Thomas. He pushed the Catholic Faith right across the island and went on to the Bahamas for a short while before returning to England where he ended his days.
SHARROCK S.J. came to the St. Patrick’s Mission, Barbados from British Guiana where he taught and exercised his priestly ministry. In Barbados he assisted at St. Patrick’s along with Fr. Parkinson, Fr. Morrison and Fr. Pearson. When the changeover came about he went to St. Francis Xavier which became St. Francis of Assisi with Fr. Pearson and with Fr. Prime.
In his own right, Fr. Sharrock was a historian, and wrote on the Catholic Church in Barbados. Fr. Sharrock was a very pleasant person and was always ready to engage in conversation. I learnt much about the Catholic Church in Barbados from him.
GUILLY S.J., the last Jesuit bishop, seated in the centre surrounded by his four fellow soldiers who protected and spread the Catholic Faith in Barbados. We have not seen the kind of witness that these men of God had. They truly taught us what Religious life is about.
SAINT PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL AND THE MILITARY CONNECTION
Few buildings in Barbados have more intimate links with the British soldiers than this Church. Among our earliest parishioners were the British and Irish Regiments stationed in Barbados. In fact, several soldiers are interred in the cemetery. St. Patrick’s has also been home to: clergy from across the world, who contributed tirelessly to the wider society. With the establishment of the British Garrison here, the Catholic community grew significantly and in 1839 Fr. William Rogers was brought in as the Roman Catholic Chaplain to the Forces.
Major Richard Hart of the 81st Regiment drew the plans for a Church on this site.By 1837 sufficient funds had been obtained to start the building, a generous sum having been contributed by the NCO’s and Riflemen of the 88th Regiment, the Connaught Rangers.
Through this military connection, the church was given the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. St. Patrick’s Church was blessed on St. Patrick’s Day 1848 and consecrated two years later. Members of another Irish regiment, the Leinster, donated £150 towards the Stations of the Cross displayed on the walls.
St. Patrick’s has also been home to clergy from across the world, who contributed tirelessly to the wider society; the dedicated Ursuline Sisters who have continued to provide quality educational facilities for Barbadian children since 1894; pioneers of the local Credit Union Movement and The St. Vincent de Paul Society which continues to assist families in need.
The British soldiers of the Catholic faith have worshipped in this building since 1848. Mounted on the walls and columns are shields commemorating twenty of their regiments. Also mounted above the main entrance of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral are the shields of the Barbados Volunteer Force, the Barbados Regiment and of the island’s post-independence regular unit, the Barbados Defence Force.
Mention should be made of the contribution of Major General John Graham, a retired officer of the British Army. While living in Barbados during his retirement, he recognized many of the badges of the Irish and British regiments who were stationed in Barbados over 120 years ago and realized they were badly in need of restoration. With the help of Major Lawrence Quintyne of the Barbados Defence Force and Ann Rudder, a heraldic artist, Major General Graham organized and facilitated the complete restoration of the military flags and shields.
THE REGIMENTS
- The North Staffordshire Regiment
- The King’s Liverpool Regiment
- The Royal Scots
- The East Yorkshire Regiment
- The Leicestershire Regiment
- The Bedfordshire Regiment
- The Leinster Regiment
- The Royal Irish Regiment
- The Royal Berkshire Regiment
- The Lancashire Fusiliers
- The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
- The Worcestershire Regiment
- The York and Lancaster Regiment
- The King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
- The Connaught Rangers
- The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
- The Royal Scots Fusiliers
- The Royal Sussex Regiment
- The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)
- The King’s Regiment
- The West India Regiments
ST. PATRICK’S ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
In 1850 a Bill was passed by the Barbados Government to make aid available to any elementary school provided it had an attendance of at least 50 children, and the Authorised Version of the Bible was both read and taught. This was meant to exclude Catholics who did not read and teach this version of the Bible. As such, the struggle to get funding for a Catholic School continued.
In 1886, Rev. Fr. Strickland finally got a school started for poor children. One Catholic lady – aged 60 and of moderate means – volunteered her services. But some weeks later she became ill and with the exception of two members of the congregation, who gave a little financial help, no other Catholic came forward to help financially or otherwise contribute to the only Catholic school in Barbados. Fr. Strickland had to employ non- Catholic teachers who eventually became converts as a result of teaching Catechism.
On February 2, 1932 Mother Angela Woods O.S.U. opened the present St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School, with Mother Alphonsus O.S.U as Headmistress, and a mere seven students. By the mid-1950’s over 900 students were registered at St Patrick’s School, which at that time provided both a primary and secondary level education. There was still no financial aid from Government to assist either with the upkeep of the school or the maintenance of its free School Meals Programme.
Today, St. Patrick’s School, which provides education at the primary level only, has a role of 150 students, and employs eight full-time teachers. However, it is still largely dependent upon funds raised by its annual Bazaar, private donations and by its annual Tag Day in March.
THE URSULINE SISTERS
In 1894, the St. Patrick’s community raised funds and a Convent of the Sisters of Mercy was built on the grounds of St. Patrick’s Church. Shortly thereafter the Sisters of Mercy were recalled to British Guiana and four Ursuline Sisters arrived at St. Patrick’s to replace them. With the arrival of the Ursuline Sisters the pastoral care for the children of Catholics and non-Catholics was placed firmly in their hands. The Convent School of the Sisters of Mercy was renamed the Ursuline Convent and was administered by Rev. Mother Stanislaus O.S.U. and later Mother Angela Daly O.S.U.. The school offered both primary and secondary education. In 1908, the Convent outgrew the grounds of St. Patrick’s Church and moved to its current location on Collymore Rock.
At the time of publication The Ursuline Convent, under the administration of the Ursuline Sisters, comprised St. Angela’s Infants, St. Francis (boys’ secondary) and St. Ursula’s Seniors. The year 2019 marked the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the Ursuline Convent School. The Convent remained one of the leading educational institutions in Barbados and the Caribbean.
THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
An important social care ministry at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, is the St. Vincent de Paul Society (“The SVP”). Founded in 1901 by Fr Clement Barraud, The SVP was started to provide assistance including medical aid to the poor and indigent of all faiths. In 1902 the Society had 10 members helping 43 families. The SVP has assisted many families in the one hundred and eighteen years since it began. At present, the St. Patrick’s Conference of the SVP comprises 18 members and, in spite of challenges, continues to meet the needs of 22 needy families. Today, There is an SVP conference in each of the seven Catholic parishes.
CREDIT UNION PIONEERS
In 1947 a Savings Union was formed in St. Patrick’s parish by 20 parishioners. This led to the formation of the first credit union in Barbados in 1948 named the Shamrock Credit Union. This was in recognition of St. Patrick’s Church whose symbol was the shamrock. Though this credit union was not a church institution, it was the first credit union on the island and was seen as leading the way for the successful credit union movement in Barbados.
BISHOPS WHO SERVED AT ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
Bishop Anthony Hampden Dickson — Bishop Emeritus of Bridgetown
Bishop Anthony Hampden Dickson was born on November 3, 1935 in Jamaica. He attended St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, USA, from 1957 to 1962, where he studied philosophy and theology.
On completion of his studies he was ordained to the priesthood in Kingston, Jamaica on February 11, 1962. From 1962 to 1971, he performed priestly ministry in two parishes and was subsequently appointed rector of the Cathedral, and secretary to the Archbishop of Kingston.
He was ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown–Kingstown (Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) on January 27, 1971. Bishop Dickson retired from the office of Bishop in 1995 due to poor health.
Footnote: On Bishop Dickson demitting office in May 1995, Cardinal Kelvin Felix, then Archbishop of Castries, St Lucia, was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Bridgetown until the ordination of Bishop Malcolm Galt in July 1995. Cardinal Felix appointed Fr Clement Paul to be his delegate as the Cardinal lived in St Lucia.
Bishop Malcolm Patrick Galt
Bishop Galt was born on July 9, 1929 in Trinidad and Tobago. He completed his seminary work in philosophy at Marian University in Montreal and theology at the Holy Ghost Missionary College in Ireland.
He was ordained a priest on July 10, 1955 as a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, a Catholic religious order also known as the Holy Ghost Fathers. He served as a missionary in Nigeria, where he taught and helped to provide food for refugees during the civil war.
He returned to Trinidad and Tobago in December 1968 and was made provincial of the Holy Ghost Fathers in September 1969, the first local provincial. He was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown in 1995, a position he held until his retirement in 2005.
Archbishop Robert Rivas O.P. — Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Bridgetown (2005–2011)
The Most Reverend Archbishop Robert Rivas O.P. was born on June 7, 1946 in Trinidad and Tobago and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He attended the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome, where he obtained the Licence in Theology.
He was consecrated Bishop of Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines on January 22, 1990, the first Caribbean-born Dominican to become a bishop in the West Indies. He was appointed Archbishop of the Diocese of Castries in 2007.
Archbishop Rivas was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Bridgetown in 2005 where he served until 2011.
Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon — Archbishop of Port of Spain
The Most Rev. Dr. Charles Jason Gordon was born on March 17, 1959 in Trinidad and Tobago, where he attended Fatima College.
He entered the Living Water Community, a lay ecclesial community in Trinidad, in 1981 and began his seminary formation at the Seminary of St. John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs. He pursued graduate studies at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium (1986–1988), completing a Masters in Theology (Magna cum Laude) and a BA in Philosophy. He was ordained a priest in 1991 and completed his PhD at Heythrop, the Jesuit College in the University of London (1996–2000).
On September 21, 2011, Rev. Dr. Charles Jason Gordon was ordained the Bishop of Bridgetown. He was appointed Archbishop of Port of Spain, Trinidad in October 2017, and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Bridgetown.
PRIESTS WHO SERVED AT ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH AND CATHEDRAL
- Fr. William Rogers — 1839–1845
- Fr. Peter MacParlan (Administrator) — 1846 (Jan.–Dec.)
- Fr. John O’Donnelly — 1847–1852
- Various priests at intervals — 1853–1857
- Fr. Henry Segrave, S.J. — 1857–1861
- Very Rev. Fr. James Jones, S.J. (Administrator) — 1861–1862
- Fr. John Young, S.J. — 1862–1869
- Fr. Richard Corr, S.J. — 1869–1875
- Fr. George Tickell, S.J. — 1876–1880
- Fr. James Maguire, S.J. — 1880–1883
- Fr. William Strickland, S.J. — 1883–1895
- Fr. Thomas Barker, S.J. — 1895–1897
- Fr. Patrick Hogan, S.J. — 1897–1899
- Fr. Thomas Rigby, S.J. (Administrator) — 1900 (Jan.–Jun.)
- Fr. Francis O’Donnell, S.J. (Administrator) — 1900 (Jul.–Dec.)
- Fr. Clement Barraud, S.J. — 1901–1908
- Fr. John McCormick, S.J. — 1908–1914
- Fr. Francis O’Donnell, S.J. — 1914–1917
- Fr. John Besant, S.J. — 1917–1928
- Fr. Francis & Fr. Henry
- Fr. Aloysius Parkinson, S.J. (Vicar General) — 1947–1958
- Fr. Wilfred Ardagh, O.P. — 1958–1961
- Fr. John Cowling, O.P. — 1961–1962
- Fr. Mungo McGibbon, O.P. — 1962–1963
- Fr. Donald Proudman, O.P. — 1963–1964
- Fr. Kieran Mulvey, O.P. — 1964–1965
- Fr. Bruno Quail, O.P. — 1965–1969
- Fr. Raphael Gallagher, O.P. — 1969 (Apr.–Sept.)
- Fr. Theodore Taylor, O.P. — 1969–1970
- Fr. Theodore Taylor, O.P. (Administrator) — 1970–1972
- Fr. Anthony Burns (Administrator) — 1972–1973
- Fr. George Bardowell (Administrator) — 1973–1979
- Fr. Raphael Gallagher, O.P. (Administrator) — 1979–1981
- Fr. Harcourt Blackett (Co-Administrator) — 1981–2000
- Fr. Clement Paul, O.P. (Co-Administrator) — 1981–2000
- Msgr. Harcourt Blackett (Administrator) — 2001–2016
- Fr. Charles Dominique, O.P. (Administrator) — 2016–2018
- Fr. Vibert Stephens (Co-Administrator) — 2018–
- Fr. Andrew Rosiak, S.A.C. (Co-Administrator) — 2018–
- Fr. Charles Dominique (Administrator) — Present
CLERGY, RELIGIOUS SISTERS AND PARISHIONERS SPEAK
“My thoughts on St Patrick’s Cathedral”
Bishop Emeritus Anthony Dickson: “Easter 1970 was the first time I entered St. Patrick’s Church. There was a conference of priests and I came to Barbados to attend it. While I was here Fr. Taylor asked me to celebrate a (broadcast) Mass at St. Patrick’s Church with him which I did. My second contact with St. Patrick’s Church was on January 27, 1971 when I was ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown-Kingstown. The Ordination was held outside the Cathedral due to limited seating; over 2000 persons attended the ordination.”
Joan Gonzague: “I’ve been here at the Cathedral for over 25 years. People come from overseas to worship here. I worship here every Sunday and weekdays. The priests and everybody unite as one family: the Body of Christ. This Cathedral is a home for me. When I come to communicate with my Christ I feel I am in the right place in this Cathedral.”
Pam Rudder: “My family has worshipped at St Patrick’s Cathedral for many years. I help provide music and lead the choir for worship at the 6 pm Mass every Saturday evening. Over the years, this church has allowed John, our children and me an environment in which to grow spiritually.”
Jackie Wilson: “I was brought up in this Cathedral. It means everything to me. That’s why I spend so much time with the Confirmation candidates and young people. I want to see the Church become even more vibrant.”
Yvonne Straughn: “St. Patrick’s Cathedral means a lot to me. I made my First Communion and Confirmation there. Got married there. All my children and my granddaughter were baptised and attend Mass on a regular basis. I attended St. Patrick’s School. I am a member of the St. Patrick’s R.C. Old Scholars Association and the Family Life Team.”
Volney Brothers
Luke Volney: “From the time I was a baby I grew up at St Patrick’s. I was baptized here and made my First Communion and Confirmation here. It’s a really nice church and I enjoy the way the priests preach.”
Daniel Volney: “I attended St Patrick’s since I was a baby. I like Sunday school and how the priests talk. St Patrick’s is a beautiful church.”
Jacinta Alexander: “I came to Barbados in 1969 and have been attending St Patrick’s since. I became involved in secondary school helping to teach catechism classes. St Patrick’s is a place of worship where we gather as a family. I’m involved in many ministries at St Patrick’s. I pray to God we continue doing the great work we’ve been doing for the last 120 years.”
Sr. Sheila George: “St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Mother Church, has always attracted me since it is the first Catholic Church where I attended Mass in 1951 (68 years ago), when my family migrated from St Lucia to Barbados. The 6 pm Mass in particular is beautiful! The Choir makes a tremendous effort to teach the congregation new and meaningful hymns to enhance the Liturgy. I look forward to attending the Saturday evening Mass.”
Arriana Rosemond: “St Patrick’s is special because of the history. I like how nice the people are; how they respect other people and how we come to church and learn about God.”
Ursula Hinds: “I was baptized at St Patrick’s and made my First Communion and Confirmation there by Fr. Parkinson. The Mass was in Latin back then. This Cathedral is very special to me and I would not change for the world.”
Henderson Rudder: “St. Patrick’s Cathedral means a lot to me. I was in the darkness and finding myself at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with friends has helped to bring me from darkness to light. I try to contribute to the Cathedral in any way I can.”
Cecily Chandler: “I have been going to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for 55 years and I love it very much. I was married here 53 years ago; I have three children who were all baptized, confirmed and married here at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I love it, I really do.”
Michael Hunte: “I’ve been here for the last 55 years. Went to school here, played here, did everything here. I was baptized here 18 days after birth by Fr Parkinson and confirmed by Bishop Justin Fields in 1969. I worked with Fr. George, Fr. Taylor, Fr. Bruno Quail, Fr. Malachi Clune, Fr. Leander Clarke, Fr. Paul going way back to the early 1960s. There was a wooden floor in the Cathedral which was removed in the early 1960s and replaced by a terrazzo floor inlaid with mosaics. There was a screen at the back of the Church that was moved for funerals and weddings because the Blessed Sacrament was in the middle of the Church.”
HISTORICAL RECORDS OF ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
Of the few known works documenting the history of St Patrick’s Cathedral, two have provided some of the content of this book. We recognize the authors and these works which were invaluable for this 120th Anniversary Commemorative Book.
Alleyne, Warren. The History of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Barbados. 1983.
St Patrick’s Cathedral. St Patrick’s Cathedral Centenary Pamphlet, 1899–1999. 1999.