Lititz Moravian Church

Statement of Significance
Lititz Moravian Church was established in 1838. The Moravian Church at Lititz has played an instrumental role in the development of primary education in Jamaica. Interestingly, the school was created prior to the establishment of the congregation at Lititz. The church at Lititz was also pivotal in building the first public water supply system in Jamaica. The importance of this mission in creating an independent black working class is also of paramount significance. In 2004, the original structure was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The present edifice was reconstructed in 2007 using the original floor layout. The original stone wall enclosure remains. The Lititz Moravian church is therefore of historic and social significance.

Historical Significance
The Moravian Church originated in Germany in 1457, but it was introduced to Jamaica at the behest of absentee plantation owners William Foster and Joseph Foster-Barham. They applied to the governing board of the Moravian Church in Britain for a mission to be sent to Jamaica. This mission arrived on December 7, 1754. Zacharias Caries and Thomas Shallcross were the first missionaries to arrive; their arrival represented a continuation of the Caribbean mission that started in 1732. Though religious instruction was essential to the objective of the Moravian church in Jamaica, education also formed a focal aspect of the mission.

The Moravian church at Lititz began after the school, which was transferred from Rowe’s Corner in 1826, was established. By 1838, the Lititz church in the plains of St. Elizabeth began its ministry to a small congregation composed mainly of fisherfolk and informal settlers. The church was also instrumental in establishing the first public water supply system in Jamaica.
As time progressed, sports would become quite vital to social life in Lititz. Sporting activities often involved the church and the school at Lititz. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lititz was more than a church. It functioned as an environment where community members could socialise, acquire financial assistance and mentorship. This was a time when one expected the Church to play a large role in socialising young men and women to become decent and God-fearing citizens. For example, the school at Lititz benefited from two distinguished headmasters - A. E. Fraser and A. Washington Vanhorn; both were Christian gentlemen who saw the young people in Lititz as their children. The latter especially was a great mentor to the young men of Lititz.

Though rarely stated, the Church at Lititz, through its African Association, promoted cross-cultural linkages between Jamaicans and Africans. In the late 19th century, an African Association was formed at Lititz. The aim of this organisation was to send missionaries to Africa. Moravians were
quite adept at integrating blacks into the leadership of the Church and providing them with an opportunity to build new missions. For example, Archibald Monteith, a black West African who was sold into slavery, served at many Moravian churches, including Lititz.

Inherent Features
The original structure, which dates from around 1838, was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The edifice was rebuilt on the original floor plan in 2007. Two of the original wooden columns on the interior have survived and have the following engraved above: “Lest We Forget”. The ceiling, ridge beam, rafters and sarking were reconstructed using timber which has been sanded and varnished. The Lititz church is enclosed by stone walling, sections of which, with the passing of time, have been rendered with mortar (sand/cement) and whitewashed/painted. Access to the property is through a metal-framed gate.

Identity- National, Regional and Local
The Moravian Church at Lititz is a symbol of black empowerment and community development. Even today, the Church is actively involved in community projects, and individual members like stalwart Vincent White are willing to give their time and money to advance the Church and Lititz.

Integrity/Sustainability
The present Lititz Moravian Church building is in relatively good condition; however, it was rebuilt in 2007 after being destroyed during Hurricane Ivan in 2004.