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ParishIn Jamaica, a parish is a unique blend of community, culture, and history. Each of the 14 parishes serves as a local gov...: HanoverHanover is a parish located in the western part of Jamaica, known for its scenic landscapes and historic sites. It offer...
Hanover Parish Church, also known as St. Mary’s Anglican, is one of the oldest churches in JamaicaJamaica, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, has a unique position in the global real estate market. The i..., with its constructionConstruction is the dynamic process of designing and erecting buildings and infrastructure, crucial for shaping modern l... believed to date back to around 1725. Historical records show that the first baptism occurred in 1725, the first burial in 1727, and the first marriage in 1749. The church’s early designDesign is the art and science of creating plans and specifications for the construction of objects, structures, and syst... featured a small altar, which was later replaced by a larger one, a gift from the Savanna-la-MarSavanna-la-Mar, often called Sav, is the capital of Westmoreland Parish in Jamaica. This coastal town has a rich history... Church.
One of the church’s most notable features is its pipe organ, which dates back to 1891. Remarkably, it is still functional today, although it requires periodic cleaning and occasional overhauling due to damage caused by heavy rains. The church also houses several monuments and graves, adding to its rich historical significance.
Throughout its long history, two priests stand out for their courageous stance on justice. D. W. Rose, who served as pastor from 1806 to 1824, was imprisoned and fined £100 for preaching on the rights of enslaved Africans. John Stainsby, who served from 1833 to 1853, faced criticism in the KingstonKingston, the capital city of Jamaica, embodies a dynamic fusion of historical depth and contemporary vitality. Establis... Chronicle for being “worse than the Baptists,” a reference to his progressive views.
The churchyardA churchyard is an area of land adjacent to a church, often encompassing the surrounding grounds and sometimes including... is home to many old graves, some with interesting memorial tablets. The yardIn Jamaican Patois, the term "yard" carries a special significance beyond its literal meaning of a plot of land. Traditi... was closed to general burial in 1889, though special permission could still be granted for family members already interred there. Originally, Hanover Parish Church was built in a “T” shape and constructed from brick, though much of the church has since been rendered over the years. The addition of offices at the western end of the church altered the original layout.
A standout feature of the church is its square battlemented tower at the western end, which was originally topped by a spire. However, the spire was damaged during the 1957 earthquake and has since been restored. In 1837, a North Transept was added to the church building. At the northeastern side of this transept, there is evidence of an archway that is believed to be the remains of an underground tunnel connecting the church to the nearby Fort CharlotteFort Charlotte is a historic British fort located in Lucea, Hanover Parish, Jamaica. Constructed in the mid-18th century..., another important historical site in Hanover.
In 2002, the church underwent a major refurbishment, including the installation of a new roof and ceiling, as well as the construction of new office spaces. These updates helped preserve the church while also ensuring it continues to serve as a focal point for worship and communityIn Jamaica, "community" refers to more than just a geographic area; it embodies a collective identity rooted in shared e... activities in the parish.
