Stewart Town Methodist Church

In 1829, the Methodists arrived in Stewart Town, with leadership being offered by a parishioner called Mr. Box. This mission sought to uplift all members, irrespective of race, and provided an outlet where blacks could attain literacy in the community. Due to strong leadership, the Church grew, and by 1833 had a membership of over 300.

Despite the progress, the Church endured challenges. One common feature of the Methodist Church was its radical and outright criticism of slavery, making it an ardent opponent of the Colonial Government. Hence, in 1833, the Colonial Church Union destroyed the Stewart Town Methodist in avenging the destruction caused by the Emancipation War 1831-32 (Bleby, 1853).

A new church building was erected in 1876. But in 1844, a hurricane did major damage to the building, with the roof being completely removed. Again in 1904, lightning struck the building, killing several members while Sunday service was in progress. Today, the Church, made of cut stone walls, has a small congregation and remains a shadow of its former self.