By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste
This month we take a dive into the beautiful parish of St. John, Barbados’ ruggedly beautiful east coast gem and the island’s seventh largest parish. With its sweeping limestone cliffs, breathtaking coastal views and rich layers of history, St. John is a parish with a story etched into the landscape.
A Parish with Deep Roots
Named after the Apostle St. John “the Divine”, this community began as an offshoot of St. Michael and became one of Barbados’ most vital plantation parishes, boasting nearly 8,600 acres of fertile land. Home to the iconic St. John Parish Church, its Gothic architecture and cliffside perch offer a lovely panoramic view of the eastern coastline, from Ragged Point to Pico Tenerife.
Water, Wind and Wonder
St. John is part of the Scotland District, known for its dramatic cliffs and fertile clay soils. It is also a hidden hydrological treasure, hosting the largest number of natural springs in Barbados. From Bowmanston to Ben’s Spring, this parish is a lifeline for the island’s freshwater supply.
Historic Wealth and Cultural Depth
The story of St. John is steeped in sugar, spirituality, and service and is home to some of the oldest plantations such as Bath, Clifton Hall and Kendal. This parish was once the cornerstone of the island’s plantocracy. The Codrington College was founded in 1745 and stands as the oldest Anglican theological college in the Western Hemisphere and is considered an enduring symbol of religious and educational advancement.
The Birthplace of Prominent Barbadians
St. John stands as a proud cradle of legacy doubling as the birthplace and final resting place for some of Barbados’ most influential figures. From the historic tomb of Ferdinando Paleologus, a descendant of Byzantine emperors, to the final resting place of the late Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon. David Thompson, the parish holds deep national significance. It has also given rise to outstanding Barbadians such as Archbishop Dr. John Holder, nuclear physicist Herbert Skeete, and global research scientist Dr. Ken Harewood.
Cultural Heartbeat
With the rhythmic spirit of the St. John Folk Group, the sweet sounds of Wendy Alleyne and the visual storytelling of artist Ras Ishi Butcher, this parish pulses with artistic energy.
A Parish with Soul
St. John is the soul of the east. Here, heritage is more than a relic of the past and considered a living force that shapes the present and inspires the future. Whether you stand in awe beneath the gothic arches of the Parish Church, trace your fingers along the pages of history at Codrington College, or soak in the sun-dappled serenity of Bath Beach, you will feel the quiet enduring spirit that sets St. John apart. The parish is rooted in tradition, rich in culture and wrapped in natural wonder. St. John is a parish with soul.
