Barry Rattray, Contributor

Wesley Methodist Church, Tower Streeet, Kingston. - Contributed photo

Did you know that church buildings have played a very significantrole in the history of architecture? Up to the 18th century, all that was ambitious and progressive went into these houses of worship.

When we lose a historic place, we lose a part of who we are! As a nation, we can ill-afford the loss of the Wesley Methodist Church on Tower Street to future generations.

It all began in 1817 with the purchase of a large house which was named Wesley Chapel. A year later, the membership outgrew the space, and foundations were laid on July 18, 1822, for a new edifice. The building was officially opened on December 21, 1823, at a cost of £9,000, with a capacity for 2,000 worshippers.

The Wesley Methodist Church stands impressively with four columns of chalkstone, highlighted with balustrade and cornice, and also out of chalkstone. Tall, arched, moulded windows and doors add to its regal bearing.

Covering some 6,000 square feet, the interior exposed a spacious gallery with railings. The pulpit, with mahogany spiral staircase leading to it, deserved much attention.

It comes as no surprise when we learn that at that time Wesley Methodist Church was the noblest chapel in the entire British West Indies.

On the August 25, 1843, fire raged through Kingston, but good fortune would spare it with the help of concerned citizens.

In 1907, the great earthquake which demolished Kingston severely damaged the structure. Subsequently, it was redesigned in part and restored, it lowered, some of its gallery removed and a columned porch added. It would still be considered grand at the time.

Over the years, this national monument began to deteriorate to such an alarming extent that a restoration and fund-raising committee was formed in 1987 to rehabilitate the structure.

Restoration took place in 1988, with the interior being fully gutted and a steel frame support introduced, with the cedar Corinthian columns giving way to new steel columns. Oh God! Wat have they done to the architecture?

Superintendent Minister of the Eastern Methodist circuit, Dr. Wilfred B. Alexander, grieves forwhat has become of the building. I share his pain.

Today, the church building is again crying out for urgent physical attention. Decay and neglect manifest throughout, much of its past interior decor has vanished.

Where is the affluent and influential congregation which once prayed here? Their financial help is needed. Is the church reaching out enough to the poor community which surrounds it? These residents could help with their labour during renovation.

The truth is, the church has been abandoned by most of its membership who have retreated to safer and more socially acceptable Methodist places of worship uptown. Membership that once stood at 2,000 has dwindled to a mere 32. The average age: 65 years.

A once upper middle-class church, with its shining traditional architecture, has now taken its cue from the part deterioration of downtown, blending with the demise of the area, ever so seamlessly. Lord, help us!

Email Barry Rattray, architectural designer/builder at barryrattray@yahoo.com