Belize City, Belize

Saint John's Anglican Cathedral

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 28, 2018

1. Saint John's Anglican Cathedral Marker

The marker was made of a type of foam, probably originally painted, that did not withstand the salty air of Belize City.

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Originally built in 1812 by slaves and from bricks brought across from Europe. It is known also as the first church in the settlement of Belize. It served as a Parish Church until the first Anglican Bishop was consecrated in 1886. In the … behind the altar is the grave of Archbishop Dunn and at the northeast corner of the churchyard lie Bishop Anthony Sylvester and wife Sonia and also Bishop Desmond Smith. St. John’s Cathedral will always be important to the history of Belize, not only for being the oldest church in the country, but also for being the oldest in Central America.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 17° 29.328′ N, 88° 11.286′ W. Marker is in Belize City, Belize. Marker is on Albert Street just south of Berkley Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Belize City, Belize 7MHVZ KWF9F, Belize. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Death of William Hart Bennett (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Antonio Soberanis Gomez

Saint John's Anglican Cathedral sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 28, 2018

2. Saint John's Anglican Cathedral sign

Diocese of Belize
“Hoy, No Manana”
St. John’s Cathedral
Foundation stone laid 1812 – Consecrated 1826
Anglican/Episcopal
Schedule of services and contact information

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Mule Park (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Belize National World War I Cenotaph (approx. 0.9 kilometers away); British Honduras Territorial Force Memorial (approx. 0.9 kilometers away); The Belize Defence Force Fallen (approx. 13.7 kilometers away).

Saint John's Anglican Cathedral and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 28, 2018

3. Saint John's Anglican Cathedral and Marker

Saint John's Anglican Cathedral reverse, seen towards the west image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 28, 2018

4. Saint John's Anglican Cathedral reverse, seen towards the west

The graves of Bishop Anthony Sylvester and his wife Sonia image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 28, 2018

5. The graves of Bishop Anthony Sylvester and his wife Sonia

These graves are in the northeast corner of the churchyard as mentioned in the marker text.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God” 1 John, 3:7

Bishop Desmond Smith's grave, mentioned in the marker text image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 28, 2018

6. Bishop Desmond Smith's grave, mentioned in the marker text

Entrance door to Saint John's Anglican Cathedral image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 28, 2018

7. Entrance door to Saint John's Anglican Cathedral

The image on the door refers to the church being the site of the coronation of three Kings of the Miskitos in 1816, 1825 and 1845. Local lore says that this is the only Anglican church outside of England where the crowning of kings has taken place.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 190 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 14, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.