St James’ Parish Church
Seventeenth-century coral stone
Also of historical interest is St James’ Parish Church, which stands amid fragrant frangipani, casuarina and mahogany trees at the entrance of Folkestone Marine Reserve, north of town. Situated on the oldest consecrated land in Barbados, it is one of the most attractive churches. Initially a wooden structure built in 1628, it was later rebuilt in coral stone in 1660.
Two devastating hurricanes later (in 1780, and 1831), and very little remained of the original stone church – possibly the south portico, the font and the large bell on display. Most of the rest of this immaculately maintained church dates from post-hurricane construction in the late nineteenth century, though some interesting pieces of modern art are also on display.
Daily 7am–5.30pm.
Donations welcome.
Transport – see Holetown