Webb Memorial Baptist Church, Stewart Town

Webb Memorial Baptist Church, originally called the Stewart Town Baptist Church, was founded during the last years of slavery in Jamaica by Rev. John James Mann. As one of the first Baptist missionaries in the region, Mann aimed to establish a religious institution that would foster both the spiritual and educational development of the enslaved population.

The original building was destroyed by the 1831-32 Baptist War by the Colonial Church Union. However, the church was rebuilt in 1902.

The church’s most prominent leader, Rev William Webb, led the church from 1862 until he died in 1912. He has made a great impact in his community, as he founded Westwood High School for Girls as well as served on both the Legislative Council and Trelawny’s Parochial Board. In honour of his legacy, the church is named after him.