Christiansted in St. Croix, Virgin Islands — The Caribbean (The West Indies)
Steeple Building
Photographed By Don Morfe, January 27, 2012
1. Steeple Building Marker
Inscription.
Steeple Building. . This building was the first Danish Lutheran church on the island, one of the few government buildings not directly involved in international trade. From 1754 to 1831 the Steeple Building was the embodiment of the Danish state religion. All government administrators as well as the fort’s garrison were required to worship there. Official proclamations, such as the abolition of the Danish slave trade, were read from the pulpit.
Like the Scale House and Guinea Company Warehouse, the Steeple building evolved. Rather than undertake mostly repairs, in 1831 the Lutherans bought the Dutch Reformed church on King Street. There you can see original furnishings from the Steeple Building: the altar, pulpit, chandeliers, baptismal font, and governor’s box.
The Church of our Lord God of Sabato (the Steeple Building’s official name) has been restored to its ca. 1800 appearance. The yard behind the church was the cemetery for the congregation
This building was the first Danish Lutheran church on the island—one of the few government buildings not directly involved in international trade. From 1754 to 1831 the Steeple Building was the embodiment of the Danish state religion. All government administrators as well as the fort’s garrison were required to worship there. Official proclamations, such as the abolition of the Danish slave trade, were read from the pulpit.
Like the Scale House and Guinea Company Warehouse, the Steeple building evolved. Rather than undertake mostly repairs, in 1831 the Lutherans bought the Dutch Reformed church on King Street. There you can see original furnishings from the Steeple Building: the altar, pulpit, chandeliers, baptismal font, and governor’s box.
The Church of our Lord God of Sabato (the Steeple Building’s official name) has been restored to its ca. 1800 appearance. The yard behind the church was the cemetery for the congregation
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1754.
Location. 17° 44.79′ N, 64° 42.144′ W. Marker is in Christiansted in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Marker is on King Street. This marker is on the ground of the Christiansted National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Christiansted VI 00820, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 595 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.