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 and copies the Gothic architectural design of Westminster Abbey in London, England. It is constructed of ashlar limestone blocks and had wooden beams of the ceiling, which have been replaced with metal due to termite infestation. The building, however, rests on its original frame. The concrete porches seen are not a part of the original structure but were added over the years.

The church’s most prominent leader, Rev William Webb, led the church from 1862 until he died in 1912. He 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.