Carmel Moravian Church

Carmel Moravian Church is a church building located on a hilltop in Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica. The structure combines stone and mortar construction with a prominent masonry belfry topped by a wooden cupola that houses a bell, while the complex extends to include a manse with rainwater collection systems and an adjacent primary school.

Established in 1826, the church received its first minister John Scholefield the following year. An expansion occurred in 1859 to provide larger capacity for growing numbers of worshippers.

The burial ground called God's Acre holds graves of early missionaries from Europe, reflecting the church's roots in continental Christianity. Walking through this sacred space shows how the community honors those who brought their faith to the island.

The site sits about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) west of Newmarket and is straightforward to reach. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light and quieter conditions for exploring the grounds.

Inside the building stands a German pipe organ from 1895, a rare example of European craftsmanship that made the journey across the Atlantic. This instrument has maintained its original sound over more than a century, serving as a tangible link to the community's continental roots.

Location: Westmoreland Parish

Inception: 1826

GPS coordinates: 18.16420,-77.93790

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:11