St. Peter’s Anglican Church, located on Leguan Island in the Essequibo River, Guyana, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The church was originally established in 1827 by Reverend John Tucker. Before its construction, services were held under a clump of bamboo trees near the site.
The first church building was completed on December 9, 1827, but by the late 1840s, it had fallen into disrepair. A new structure was commissioned, and the foundation stone for the current church was laid on August 1, 1853, by Lieutenant-Governor William Walker. The church was designed by Colonial Civil Engineer J.F. Bourne and constructed at a cost of £2,500, with funding from the Colonial Legislature, private individuals, and the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge.
The church features unique architectural elements, including a detached bell tower with an octagonal brick spire, pointed arch-stained glass windows, and an apse illustrating the life of St. Peter. It was consecrated on June 29, 1855, by Anglican Bishop William Piercy Austin.
Today, St. Peter’s Anglican Church stands as a historical and architectural landmark in Guyana, reflecting the artistry and craftsmanship of its time.
