Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, St. John`s

The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist holds a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1699. The cathedral is affiliated with the Anglican parish in the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, and its origins are rooted in a petition submitted by the Anglican townsfolk of Saint John's to Henry Compton, the Bishop of London.

The people of Saint John's sought assistance from Bishop Compton not only in the reconstruction of their church but also in response to the destruction caused by the French under the command of Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville in 1696. At the time, the city of Saint John's, along with its church, fell victim to the ravages of war. The petition served as a plea for aid in rebuilding their place of worship and symbol of community.

Over the centuries, the site of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist has seen the rise and fall of several wooden churches. Unfortunately, each structure met its demise due to military actions during the conflicts between the French and the British. The ongoing struggles for control over eastern North America resulted in the repeated destruction of these churches, leaving the faithful to rebuild time and time again.

However, despite the hardships and challenges faced, the British eventually emerged victorious and gained control over eastern North America. This marked a turning point for the establishment of a more permanent presence of the Anglican faith in Saint John's. The endurance and resilience of the Anglican community laid the foundation for the cathedral we know today.