Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charlotte Amalie
The Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church, established in 1666, coincided with the formal possession of Saint Thomas under the Danish West Indies Company. As the Danish state religion, Lutheranism was integral to the colony鈥檚 development, mandated under the Danish West Indies Company's charter. When Saint Thomas became a crown colony in 1754, the church expanded its community role, operating schools for both Lutheran and enslaved children.
Frederick church freed its enslaved workers in 1845, preceding the general emancipation in 1848. Worship services evolved linguistically over time, transitioning from Danish and Creole to English, with Danish services ceasing in the 1930s.
The church鈥檚 present building, constructed between 1789 and 1793, was financed through donations, government contributions, and loans. After a fire in 1826 and hurricane damage in 1870, it was rebuilt and remodeled, adding a tower and church bell in 1871. Further renovations in the 20th century included a vestry and sacristy, with local mahogany used in the chancel and pulpit. Major anniversaries were celebrated in 1993 and 2001, marking the building's 200th and the congregation's 335th anniversaries, respectively.
The Bethania Mission Hall, inaugurated in 1908, served as a Sunday school, parish hall, and briefly, a home for elderly parishioners. The historic parsonage at 23 Kongens Gade, over 250 years old, is one of the island's oldest structures. Built with Danish bricks and stones, it retains historical features, including chimneys and a slave cell in the courtyard. The church's enduring legacy reflects its central role in Saint Thomas鈥檚 religious, educational, and cultural history.
Frederick church freed its enslaved workers in 1845, preceding the general emancipation in 1848. Worship services evolved linguistically over time, transitioning from Danish and Creole to English, with Danish services ceasing in the 1930s.
The church鈥檚 present building, constructed between 1789 and 1793, was financed through donations, government contributions, and loans. After a fire in 1826 and hurricane damage in 1870, it was rebuilt and remodeled, adding a tower and church bell in 1871. Further renovations in the 20th century included a vestry and sacristy, with local mahogany used in the chancel and pulpit. Major anniversaries were celebrated in 1993 and 2001, marking the building's 200th and the congregation's 335th anniversaries, respectively.
The Bethania Mission Hall, inaugurated in 1908, served as a Sunday school, parish hall, and briefly, a home for elderly parishioners. The historic parsonage at 23 Kongens Gade, over 250 years old, is one of the island's oldest structures. Built with Danish bricks and stones, it retains historical features, including chimneys and a slave cell in the courtyard. The church's enduring legacy reflects its central role in Saint Thomas鈥檚 religious, educational, and cultural history.
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Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church on Map
Sight Name: Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church
Sight Location: Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Island (See walking tours in Charlotte Amalie)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Island (See walking tours in Charlotte Amalie)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Island
Create Your Own Walk in Charlotte Amalie
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Charlotte Amalie Introduction Walking Tour
Once a haven for pirates, the capital city of the United States Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, is now one of the busiest ports of call for cruise ships in the Caribbean, receiving annually almost 1.5 million visitors.
This area has been inhabited for centuries. When Christopher Columbus arrived here in 1493, it was populated by Caribs, Arawaks, Ciboney, and Ta铆no native tribes. The town... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
This area has been inhabited for centuries. When Christopher Columbus arrived here in 1493, it was populated by Caribs, Arawaks, Ciboney, and Ta铆no native tribes. The town... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles