The Black Rock Moravian Church located in Black Rock, Tobago was built in 1858 by missionaries. Initially the Moravian missionaries arrived in Tobago in 1784. Missionaries were extended an invitation to Tobago by estate owner John Hamilton to minister to the enslaved population. Within Tobago there were some churches, however these solely accommodated planters and their families. The idea of ministering to the enslaved was not popularly practiced however, the missionaries pushed on amidst reluctance at the hands of the enslaved themselves.

The Black Rock Moravian Church was built using wooden shingles, popularly used during this time as it was easily available. The church was used as a chapel school where it facilitated teaching of basic skills during the week, such as reading, writing, mathematics, and assumed religious services on the weekend. The church was a hub for the community where persons congregated to celebrate and practice their faith. Churches and schools were eventually established throughout Tobago, first in Montgomery (1790), then Moriah (1840), Spring Gardens (1851), Bon Accord (1861), Back Bay (1858), Black Rock (1869) Bethesda (1874) Evangel 1!989) and Buccoo (1996).[1]

Hailing from the Protestant religion, the Moravian church possesses similarities to other Protestant Christian churches for Christmas traditions. The season of advent includes all four Sundays before Christmas and focuses on the expectation and celebration of Christ’s Birth. Families volunteer to make an Advent wreath to decorate. The wreath is usually green with four beeswax candles to represent the four Sundays. Each Sunday that passes a candle is lit by a child of the congregation.

The Herrnhuter Star formally known as the Moravian star, was first created by a German Teacher in a Moravian School. The star has 17 quadrangular and 8 triangular points and the star was used to explain Geometry until it was adopted by the Moravian Church Commonly hung in hallways or porches of homes until the end of the Christmas season, the star symbolises the Star of Bethlehem which led the Three Wise Men to the manger in which in Jesus was born.

[1] “Moravian Church a Home for All.” Guardian.co.tt, 23 Apr. 2013, https://www.guardian.co.tt/article-6.2.399792.97b7d14116.

Address:

Town/City: Black Rock

Region: Tobago

Site Type: Cultural Heritage

Ownership:

Public Accessibility:

Cultural Community:

Site Features: Places of Worship