St Mary's Church built in 1843 in Georgetown, Ascension Island
Ascension Island is an extremely isolated and relatively young oceanic island. It lies about 8 degrees south of the Equator and is approximately mid way across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America. The island is Km from north to south and 14 Km from west to east and has an area of 97 square Km with extremely rugged volcanic terrain. St Mary's is the only church on Ascension Island. The main body of the church was completed in 1846, making it the second oldest existing Anglican church in the Diocese of St Helena, second only to St James church on St. Helena. The first Naval chaplain came to the island in 1844, but it was not until 1861 that the church was actually consecrated. Divine Service had until this time been held on the verandah of the Marine Barracks. The cornerstone of the Church was laid in 1843 by Mrs. Dwyer, the wife of the Commandant. The main body of the Church was completed in 1847, and the consecration in 1861 was performed by the first Bishop of St Helena, with the graveyards being consecrated at the same time. The building was modernised in 1879/80, a chancel was added, and the altar placed on its present platform. There are a number of additions to the fittings of the church right up to 1905, when the Naval Chaplain was withdrawn. From 1905 services were taken by lay readers, but improvements continued to be made. Electric light was installed in 1924, and also in that year, the first choir was formed.
Size: 7148px × 4770px
Location: Georgetown, Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean
Photo credit: © Robert Kennett / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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