St Matthew’s in need of repair work to restore its 200-year-old structure

The congregation of an historic church which is the cornerstone of several St. Michael communities, is seeking help to raise funds in order to preserve the nearly two centuries-old structure in which they worship.

For about 193 years the St. Matthew Anglican Church has played a vital role in service to the community of Jackmans, where it is based, as well as surrounding districts such as Hothersal Turning and Bibby’s Lane. Now, the aging structure is badly in need of repair and the church needs assistance in the effort. One event being held as part of its fund-raising efforts is a unique gospel calypso show.

At the media launch for the show over the weekend, co-chair of the effort, Wendy Cox, dubbed it a celebration in praise and worship Caribbean-style. 

The event, which will be held August 13 at the church, will see some of Barbados’ best entertainers grace the stage. These include: Cultural Ambassador the most Honourable Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire, former Minister of Culture John King, past calypso kings Adrian Clarke and Mr. Blood; reigning monarch Quon, regular finalist Donella; Mary Weekes, Mistah Dale, Lady Virtue and Jamal Slocombe.

Chairperson of the fund-raising committee Catherine Harper pointed out the areas where the remedial work had begun thus far on the nearly 200-year-old structure.

St. Matthew Anglican Church’s very own Shelly-Ann Harper will also perform along with Ryan Rayside from the Faith Wesleyan Holiness Church and Tenileya Spratt from Bibby’s Lane Church of God. Members of the Diocesan Youth Choir will provide backup vocals, while the Barbados Defence Force Band will provide musical accompaniment and will arrange the traditional hymns as calypso. The event will also be punctuated by storytelling by the likes of Janine White and Patrick Craigwell, who will both host the evening’s proceedings. 

It is estimated that each window will cost about $3,000 to be repaired.

Reverend Michael Squires revealed that the work on the church is estimated to cost in excess of $100 000. It has already started on the northern side of the building with the walls being resurfaced and the windows repaired at a cost of $3,000 each.

There are signs of deterioration to the interior walls, with some of the soft stone crumbling and the roof is also in need of repairs.

“This is our stewardship. What we have here is what our ancestors did for us and it falls upon us to continue the life of this building,” said Rev Squires. “What we are doing is to make sure that it remains steady, safe and beautiful. It’s just like your home, every now and again you touch it at Christmas. This time we have to do major work because we don’t do this work every year basically because of finances,” he explained.

Some walls inside the building are also in urgent need of repair.

While there are other fundraising initiatives planned, Cox contended that this one during the Season of Emancipation was special as it is a celebration of heritage. 

Cox said: “I think it is very relevant for the church, and I mean, the church as the communion of churches, all of us. . . In this time that we’re living when there are so many distractions, when church is no longer seen to be the prominent place in the lives of people, we need to use mechanisms to capture the attention of young people. And this is good because we’re not changing the content, we’re not changing our messaging, but we are changing the medium – the way to get their attention.

“It is appropriate and I think it is good for the church in general to adopt these measures because it will redound to our benefit in terms of engaging and being a part of the community and not seeing ourselves as outside of it.”

In addition to hosting a breakfast programme for the nearby school, and other social outreach programmes and assisting its constituents, the church also serves as a category two hurricane shelter. (KC) ]]>