Church of the Redeemer, Jamaica 🇯🇲

When you explore Kingston, Jamaica, you can step into history at the Church of the Redeemer, the oldest Moravian Church building in the city. Located at the corner of North Street and Duke Street, this active house of worship serves a congregation of the Jamaican province of the Moravian Church. The original 1893 Hanover Street location was destroyed in the 1907 earthquake, leading to the construction of this present sanctuary, which was consecrated by Bishop Westphal on May 8, 1918.

When you visit, you will appreciate its unique naming history: builder Jonathan Reinke bestowed the name "Church of the Redeemer"—an unusual choice for a Moravian church—specifically so locals would not call it "Reinke's church." As you take in the property, you are looking at a location that has weathered resilience and rebirth. Over the decades, the site expanded to include a manse and a church hall, the latter originally opened in 1930 by Lady Stubbs and later rebuilt in 1962 after being destroyed by a hurricane in 1951. Inside, you will find a replacement pipe organ installed in 1953, following the destruction of the original 1932 instrument in that same storm.

It stands today as a historic spiritual cornerstone in Kingston.

What to see at Church of the Redeemer, Jamaica

• The oldest Moravian Church building in Kingston, consecrated in 1918
• Unusually named by builder Jonathan Reinke to avoid being called 'Reinke's church'
• Historic location positioned at the corner of North Street and Duke Street
• Features a replacement pipe organ installed in 1953 following the 1951 hurricane
• Includes a church hall rebuilt in 1962 after storm damage

Visiting tips

When visiting the corner of North Street and Duke Street, take time to appreciate the building's resilience through major natural disasters.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Church of the Redeemer, Jamaica is easy to reach on Kingston’s public transport, and pairs naturally with National Heroes Park and Shaare Shalom Synagogue. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kingston travel guide.