Submitted by Taylor Straub on the 2017 winter session program in Barbados sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies…
St. John’s Parish Church is the second oldest church in Barbados and one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. The outside of the church has continuously been restored to keep its original architectural appearance. It gave me the feeling that I was part of a historic time of Barbados. The trees surrounding the building also made me feel like I was in more of a colder climate rather than the tropical island of Barbados. Overall, the exterior of the church gave me a mysterious and nostalgic vibe and I could not wait to see what the interior of the parish had to offer.
Once I opened the door and saw the inside of the church, my jaw dropped. The paintings were intricately filled with detail and encompassed every window in the building. The pews were made with old wood and seemed as if they had been used for people for many generations. I don’t consider myself to be a very religious person, but this church gave me a sensation to want to sit down and pray for everything that is currently occurring in my life as well as future endeavors. I felt a sense of peacefulness and wanted to stop time so that positive feeling would stay with me forever. I was given a new perspective of religion. I hope to continue to see the importance and passion people have for their path of faith.