Trinity Moravian Church, Kingston

Trinity Moravian Church in Kingston stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Moravian Church in Jamaica, established as part of the denomination’s bicentenary celebrations on the island. Founded in 1954, the church was formally dedicated on January 18, 1956, during a ceremony attended by several key figures in Jamaica’s civic and religious life.

The Moravian Church itself traces its roots to the teachings of John Hus, a 15th-century reformer who opposed the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church. After Hus was martyred in 1415, his followers fled from Bohemia and Moravia, eventually finding refuge on the estate of Count Nicholas Ludwig Von Zinzendorf in Germany. From there, the Moravian movement grew and sent missionaries worldwide, including to Jamaica, where the first three missionaries arrived on December 9, 1754.

Two hundred years later, the Trinity congregation was founded in Richmond Park, a new residential area of mainly professionals. The land was donated by a Roman Catholic family, including Sam Carter, who later became a Catholic bishop. Positioned between wealthier and poorer neighborhoods, the church soon became a meeting place for people from varied social and economic backgrounds.

During its early days, services were held in a nearby home until the church building was completed. Even before the church doors officially opened, the congregation had 61 communicant members, a number that grew to over 400 by 1966. A strong Sunday School and active youth groups helped lay a vibrant foundation for spiritual growth and community involvement.

Alongside worship and fellowship groups, Trinity Moravian Church offers key outreach programs-a Skills Training Centre for practical learning and a weekly feeding program for about 40 people-reflecting its strong commitment to service and community care.