In 1670, the Bahamas was granted to six of the Lord Proprietors of Carolina by King Charles II and a church was soon built on New Providence. This church, the first in the Bahamas, is now Christ Church.
The first church was destroyed by the Spaniards in 1684 and a second one rebuilt in 1695 by Governor Trott. This was also destroyed by the Spaniards in the joint French and Spanish invasion of 1703. A third church of wood began in 1721 under Woodes Rodgers, first Royal Governor, the frame being imported from Carolina. The fourth church made of stone was completed between 1753 and 1754; a steeple was added in 1774 but removed in 1827. The Church tower was constructed in 1830.
The foundation stone of the present Christ Church was laid by Governor Sir Francis Cockburn in 1837, occupying the site of four smaller churches.
The present church, consecrated in 1845 by Bishop Spenser was enlarged between 1864-1865. Stained glass windows were installed in 1868 and replaced in 1945 after being damaged. In 1861 the Diocese of Nassau was created and Christ Church designated “The Cathedral Church of the Bahamas” thus making the town “the City of Nassau.”
Stamp Releases
1962 City of Nassau Centenary (1861-1961) – 8d Christ Church Cathedral
Postcard
1956 – Curt Teich (6C-H Series)
1962 – Lofthouse Agency Ltd (P30400 Series – Type EA)
1965 – Calypso Distributors Ltd (P30400 Series – Type A)
1970 – Calypso Distributors Ltd (10×111300 Series)
