Discover Father Jerome Hawes' Architectural Legacy in Long Island, Bahamas
INTRODUCTION
Few individuals have left a more distinctive architectural legacy in The Bahamas than Father Jerome Hawes, also known as Monsignor John Cyril Hawes. His work in Clarence Town on Long Island produced two of the country's most recognizable churches, creating a landmark skyline that has become synonymous with the island itself. Although Hawes' life took him from England to The Bahamas, Rome, and Australia, his connection with Long Island resulted in buildings that continue to attract historians, architects, photographers, and travelers interested in Bahamian heritage.
Today, visitors exploring Long Island often stop in Clarence Town to admire the famous twin churches overlooking the harbor. These remarkable structures combine European ecclesiastical design with practical hurricane-resistant construction adapted for the Bahamian environment. This guide focuses specifically on Father Jerome Hawes' contribution to Long Island and complements the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide, which explores the island's beaches, natural attractions, accommodations, and outdoor experiences.
WHO WAS FATHER JEROME HAWES?
Father Jerome Hawes (1876–1956), born John Cyril Hawes, was a British-trained architect who initially served as an Anglican priest before converting to Roman Catholicism in 1911. His unique career combined architecture, engineering, craftsmanship, and religious service across several countries.
His first assignment in The Bahamas came after destructive hurricanes damaged several churches on Long Island. Rather than rebuilding with traditional timber construction, Hawes believed stone and vaulted roofs would better withstand the islands' harsh weather conditions. This philosophy influenced many of his later works.
HOW FATHER JEROME HAWES CAME TO LONG ISLAND
Hawes first arrived on Long Island around 1909–1910 to assist the Anglican community following the devastation caused by the 1908 hurricane. During this period, he designed and helped oversee the rebuilding of St. Paul's Anglican Church in Clarence Town.
After converting to Catholicism, Hawes left The Bahamas to continue his religious and architectural work abroad. Nearly three decades later, he returned to design another church for Clarence Town—this time for the Roman Catholic community.
This unusual chapter resulted in two churches designed by the same architect but for different denominations.
THE ICONIC TWIN CHURCHES OF CLARENCE TOWN
ST. PAUL'S ANGLICAN CHURCH
Perched prominently above Clarence Town Harbour, St. Paul's Anglican Church was Hawes' first major project on Long Island.
Notable architectural features include:
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Twin towers
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Stone construction
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Vaulted architectural elements
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Elevated hilltop location
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Harbor-facing orientation
The church remains one of the island's best-known landmarks and demonstrates Hawes' early experimentation with hurricane-resistant design.
ST. PETER & ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
More than thirty years later, Hawes returned to Long Island and designed St. Peter & St. Paul's Catholic Church, completed in the mid-1940s.
The church is notable for:
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White stone exterior
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Twin 40-foot towers
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Elevated panoramic setting
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Large central sanctuary
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Distinctive stone roof construction
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Views overlooking Clarence Town Harbour and nearby cays
Visitors may climb the towers, where permitted, for sweeping views across Clarence Town, the harbor, and surrounding coastline. The church frequently appears in tourism photography representing Long Island.
WHY THE CHURCHES ARE ARCHITECTURALLY IMPORTANT
The churches are significant not simply because of their appearance, but because they illustrate Hawes' belief that Bahamian churches should be designed to withstand hurricanes.
His designs incorporated:
These construction methods represented a major departure from many earlier wooden church buildings that had suffered repeated hurricane damage.
A UNIQUE STORY OF TWO DENOMINATIONS
One of the most fascinating aspects of Hawes' legacy is that he designed landmark churches for both the Anglican and Roman Catholic communities.
After helping build St. Paul's Anglican Church, Hawes converted to Catholicism and later returned to design St. Peter & St. Paul's Catholic Church almost directly opposite his earlier work.
Together, the buildings create one of the most distinctive architectural pairings in The Bahamas and symbolize an unusual chapter in both religious and architectural history.
VISITING THE CHURCHES TODAY
The churches remain among the top cultural attractions on Long Island.
Visitors typically explore:
The elevated location above Clarence Town Harbour provides some of the island's finest panoramic views, making the churches popular with photographers as well as history enthusiasts.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS TO COMBINE WITH YOUR VISIT
A visit to Father Jerome Hawes' churches pairs well with several nearby attractions, including:
These nearby experiences make Clarence Town an ideal stop during a broader Long Island road trip.
TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION
Location
Clarence Town, Long Island, The Bahamas.
Best Time to Visit
The churches can be visited year-round. Morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photography.
Accessibility
Both churches are accessible by road via Queen's Highway. Parking is available nearby.
Admission
Visitors should check locally regarding opening hours, tower access, and whether services are taking place before entering.
Ideal For
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History enthusiasts
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Architecture lovers
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Cultural travelers
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Photographers
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Heritage tourism
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Self-drive visitors
FAQ SECTION
Who was Father Jerome Hawes?
Father Jerome Hawes (Monsignor John Cyril Hawes) was a British-born architect and clergyman who designed several significant churches in The Bahamas, including Clarence Town's famous twin churches.
Where are Father Jerome Hawes' churches located?
Both landmark churches are located in Clarence Town on Long Island, overlooking the harbor.
What are the twin churches in Clarence Town?
They are St. Paul's Anglican Church and St. Peter & St. Paul's Catholic Church, both designed by Father Jerome Hawes during different stages of his life.
Can visitors enter the churches?
Yes, visitors may generally enter when the churches are open and religious services are not in progress. Tower access may vary.
Why are the churches famous?
They are celebrated for their distinctive architecture, panoramic setting, hurricane-resistant design, and the remarkable story of one architect designing major churches for two Christian denominations.
Are the churches still active today?
Yes. Both continue to serve their respective congregations while also welcoming visitors interested in architecture and local history.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow approximately 45–90 minutes to explore both churches, enjoy the viewpoints, and photograph Clarence Town Harbour.
EXPLORE MORE LONG ISLAND GUIDES
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Father Jerome Hawes' architectural legacy is deeply connected to Clarence Town, one of Long Island's principal settlements. Visitors exploring these historic churches often continue to nearby attractions such as Dean's Blue Hole, Hamilton's Cave, Cape Santa Maria, and the island's scenic western coastline. Together, these cultural landmarks and natural attractions reinforce Long Island's importance as a destination where Bahamian history, architecture, and outdoor experiences come together within the wider archipelago of The Bahamas.
CONCLUSION
The legacy of Father Jerome Hawes extends far beyond church architecture. His innovative approach to hurricane-resistant design and his remarkable contribution to two different Christian traditions created a pair of landmarks that continue to define the skyline of Clarence Town more than a century later. Whether you are interested in architecture, religious history, photography, or Bahamian heritage, the twin churches remain an essential stop during any visit to Long Island.
For a broader look at beaches, outdoor adventures, accommodations, and travel planning, continue exploring the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide.
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