Contributions of the Anglican Church to Jamaica’s Heritage

It all began in the parish of St. Thomas-in-the-East, (now known as St. Thomas) at the small Anglican Church nestled amid the sugarcane fields. Within its humble walls, the spirit of change was quietly brewing—a change that would strive to redefine the dynamics of faith and community in Jamaica during the tumultuous 19th century.

Despite the pervasive criticism regarding the scarcity of black clergymen in the Anglican Church, a beacon of hope emerged under the stewardship of Scottish Mathematician and priest, Reverend John West. As he navigated the complexities of his parish, West recognised a formidable barrier in the realm of evangelisation, the linguistic divide between the white clergy and the enslaved Africans yearning for spiritual nourishment. In a poignant report addressed to Governor Lord Mansfield shortly before his death in 1817, West articulated his vision for a path forward, a vision rooted in empowerment.

He proposed the establishment of public schools where young Creole slaves could learn to read and comprehend the foundational tenets of Christianity. “Let them communicate what instruction they have received in their own way to their African brethren,” he urged, acknowledging the limitations faced by white clergymen. This was a method that West himself found to be successful and gave to these faithful baptised members Holy Communion, although they were not confirmed by a bishop.

Interestingly 207 years later, the descendants of the enslaved as head of Jamaica’s educational institutions, continue to reject the principle of teaching English as a second language through the use of Jameiken (patwa).

Yet, while Lord Mansfield might have viewed West’s observations merely as fodder for embellishing his reports to the Colonial Office, it was the next steward of St. Thomas-in-the-East, Reverend Trew, who grasped the gravity of this mission. Where others saw obstacles, Trew perceived an opportunity—the possibility of cultivating local catechists who could bridge the gap between the Church and the enslaved population.

TOOK THE MANTLE

With unwavering commitment, Trew took the mantle of West’s vision, transforming it from a proposal into a tangible reality. He pioneered the first systematic training of local catechists, breathing life into West’s dream at The Grove, a site located near Papine, that would witness the blossoming of faith and leadership among Jamaica’s black population. Among those motivated to take on this new role was Eugene Kesler, who in December 1826 received his licence as catechist from Bishop Christopher Lipscomb. Kesler embodied the very transformation that Trew envisioned—a symbol of change, empowered to instruct and inspire.

The initiative marked a turning point, forging a legacy that would reverberate through the ages. By harnessing the voices of the community and fostering a sense of ownership over their spiritual journey, the Reverend John McCammon Trew not only enriched the Anglican Church in Jamaica (1815-28), and later agent for the Mico Trust from 1835, as well as archdeacon of the Bahamas (1843-56), but also contributed to the gradual unravelling of social barriers entrenched within colonial society.

Through Reverend West’s foresight and Reverend Trew’s resolute action, sermons, letters and reports condemning slavery and the mistreatment of slaves, a new chapter was written in the annals of Jamaica’s spiritual history—one that celebrated the resilience and potential of its people to reshape their spiritual destiny.

LIFE AND JOURNEY OF ROBERT LOVE

Joseph Robert Love, The Bahamas-born physician, Anglican priest and politician laid the groundwork for future black conscious leaders. Today, scholars recognise Love as a pivotal figure of the late 19th century, whose influence reached far and wide, inspiring the likes of Marcus Mosiah Garvey—a man who would come to embody the very essence of black nationalism.

Dr. Love came from New Providence, in The Bahamas, in October 1839, his passion ignited by the plight of the black population under colonial rule. In Jamaica, he established the Jamaica Advocate in 1894, a groundbreaking publication that sought not just to inform, but to awaken a race consciousness among its readership. The journal’s pages echoed the struggles and aspirations of black communities, urging them to embrace their heritage and strive for dignity amidst systemic oppression.

Garvey, who would later emerge as one of the leading lights of the Pan-African movement, acknowledged Love’s profound impact on his own ideology. In his writings, Garvey asserted, “One cannot read his Jamaica Advocate without getting race consciousness.” This sentiment encapsulates the foundation that Love laid for the principles Garvey would later amplify through the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). With vibrant oratory and comprehensive outreach, Garvey expanded on Love’s teachings, helping to galvanise the global black community toward pride, self-reliance, and collective uplifting.

The assertion made by P. J. Patterson, Jamaica’s sixth and longest-serving prime minister, further solidifies Love’s place in the tapestry of black nationalism. Patterson notes in his reflective work, My Political Journey, the transcendental power of Love’s philosophy, which sparked a revolution in thought and identity for black individuals worldwide.

Garvey’s establishment of the UNIA from Harlem was no isolated effort; it was a continuation of the work initiated by Love. With branches propagating a message of unity in communities worldwide, Garvey acted as a modern torchbearer of Love’s vision, enshrining the belief that knowledge of one’s identity was essential for liberation.

As such, while Love’s physical presence may have faded, his spirit and ideals resonate through Garvey’s work and beyond. The paths of these two visionaries intertwined, shaping a narrative that would inspire countless others to confront colonialism’s vestiges and strive for human dignity. Dr. Joseph Robert Love remains an unsung hero, an unwavering advocate for his people, whose teachings ignited a movement that continues to influence contemporary discussions of race and identity.

In this lens, we see not just the connection between two powerful figures, but a broader legacy that is rooted in the work and influence of Anglican clergymen West and Trew. Today, as we reflect on Love’s contributions, we are reminded of the transformative power of knowledge — the very seed of consciousness that can pave the way for future generations to aspire toward greater heights of achievement and solidarity. This is our heritage.

Dudley McLean II is from Mandeville, and a graduate of Codrington College, UWI, Cave Hill, Barbados. Send feedback to dm15094@gmail.com