The Old Baptist Manse

THIS DOUBLE-hipped roof building is an elegant three-bay, two-storey structure constructed from limestone blocks. The stone masonry work is one of the most elegantly finished in Falmouth, and epitomises the expertise of Jamaican craftsmanship of the 19th century. The style of building is a combination of neoclassical and neo-Gothic architectural trends. The front is graced by a single-storey, pedimented portico which extends the entrance to the street’s edge.

Built of stone like many early Falmouth buildings, the Old Baptist Manse stands tall and strong. The building is clearly marked by signs telling of the building’s history. Over the years, the Old Baptist Manse has served many functions. It served as the private home of William Knibb, the great emancipator of Jamaica and Baptist minister. In 1961, the residence was converted to the William Knibb Memorial High School.

The historical Old Baptist Manse, one of the prominent landmarks in the Georgian town of Falmouth, Trelawny, was used as the headquarters of the University of Technology’s western campus for the period 2013-2015.

Today, it is used mainly as a historical site.

Rev Devere Nugent, JP Deacon Grantley Moseley Deaconess Sybil Smith Deacon Vernon Blackwood Deaconess Lois Bryce Deacon Edson Simms Deaconess Lorna Jackson Deaconess Leslie Blake Deacon Novelette Anderson Deacon Millard Tracey JP Deaconess Paulette Scarlett Deacon Horace McKellop Deaconess Elaine Stewart

AUXILIARIES OF THE CHURCH

Brotherhood – President: Brother Keith Sterling

Women’s Federation – President: Sister Daisy Walker

Young Adults Fellowship – Chairman: Delvean Reid-Scott

Youth Fellowship – President: Bro Oberie Reid

Ushers Board – Chairman: Sister Rose Hamilton-Reeves

DEPARTMENTS OF THE CHURCH

Administration Buildings and grounds Christian Education Evangelism Finance and Treasury Healing and Counselling Hospitality Music Spiritual Growth Sunday School Technology and Sound Welfare and Family Life

CLASS LEADERS COUNCIL

Class 1: Sister Millicent Poyser-Walker

Class 2: Sister Brigette Evans-Stewart

Class 3: Sister Jenulee Hibbert

Class 4: Sister Merle Blackwood Class 5: Sister Nellie Brown Class 6: Sister Aunsby Dell Class 7: Brother Keith Sterling Class 8: Brother Leon Jackson Class 9: Sister Olivene Hawkins Class 10: Deaconess Elaine Stewart Class 11: Sister Bobette Colquhoun Class 12: Sister Lilly Hall Class 13: Sister Zenna Clarke

The rear of the William Knibb Baptist Church.

Old Baptist Manse.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Forty years-plus members (back row, from left): Sister J. Brown, Brother L. Jackson, Sister D. Evans and Sister S. Smith. Middle row (from left): Sister L. Hall and Sister P. Greene. Front row (from left): Sister E. Kelly, Sister V. Messado, Deaconess...

Forty-year member and class leader, Sister Nellie Brown.

Ushers board.

Plaque in the sanctuary in memory of the Rev R.A.L. Knight.

An inside view of the 190-year-old William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church.