Jamaica VS Hurricane Dean – Phillippo Baptist Church
The present structure of the Phillippo Baptist Church was erected in 1827. This magnificent brick building is located in Spanish Town, St. Catherine Jamaica. I have a weakness for old brick buildings.
Phillippo Baptist is listed among the Jamaica Baptist Union’s historic churches, and also registered as a Jamaica heritage site by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.
Phillippo Baptist before Dean‘s rampage.
Phillippo Baptist without roof after Dean
Close up of destroyed roof.
Phillippo is dear to me. Although not my home church, it holds fond memories of youth involvement (and rivalry) in St. Catherine Baptist Association Youth Arm (SACABAYA). What exciting days we had. Those days lie at the foundation of where I am today.
Thanks to friend and regular reader Derri-Ann who shared her photos with me. Follow Derri’s interesting (and amusing) life tales at her Blog Life As God Pickney. A full set of these photos is available in her Picassa album.
I pray God’s blessings on the Phillippo Baptist congregation’s efforts to raise funds to repair or replace the roof.
Peace,
Marvia
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August 29th, 2007 at 8:33 am
AAAh such a beautiful old building. Like you I can truly appreciate the beauty of an old red brick building. This one just spells history right there. I do hope and pray that Phillipo can get their roof on quickly especially in this hurricane season .
August 29th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
Im still in shock, seeing these photos. Not only is it hard to accept the damages done to this building which i admire so much, but this is first i’m hearing about the damages to it. This is an historic building and one of the most revered sanctuaries in Jamaica. I pray this doesn’t dampen the activities of the church much and that repair activities will be quick and effective.
August 30th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
@Roots
We continue to pray that the fundraising efforts meet with success.
@PastorD – Sorry that you had to find out this way. Yes, Phillippo is truly a magnificent structure.
Did you hear about Mt. Nebo? They lost their roof too. Incidentally, Mt. Nebo another of JBU historic churches is also listed as a National Heritage site.
If you know anyone who has photos, ask them to share.
Thanks,
Marvia
August 31st, 2007 at 12:49 am
I did hear about Mt.Nebo, that church has been through a lot, from being burnt down once to now losing its roof. I hope the manse which is just some meters away from it is ok.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:35 am
Pastor D,
Oops!
I double-checked the update I got from JBU. The roof of the manse at Mt. Nebo and Old Harbour was badly damaged. Here I go giving more bad news.
September 9th, 2007 at 1:42 am
An update on some churches i heard that received damage during Dean. The following are in St. Catherine – along with Phillippo and Mt Nebo there’s Kentish, Wheelers Mount, Jericho, Reynolds in Point Hill. All have completed their repairs with the exception of Reynolds, i hear they need a new building, and Phillippo and Jericho which still need repairs to their roof.
Though the Old Harbour Bay Baptist church wasnt affected by Dean it is currently being used as a shelter for those who were devastated on the coast and all manner of food and other supplies are needed.
Bless
Derri
September 9th, 2007 at 1:45 am
Oh and the Phillippo photos in my album were taken by Marvin Tinglin a member of the Phillippo Baptist Church. (the ones i took sucked, not through with the camera yet though
)
Bless
Derri
September 10th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Thanks Marvin!!
Great photos. You may send me more anytime