tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20 2012-04-01T15:48:03Z Movable Type 3.35 tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3637 2012-04-01T15:42:51Z 2012-04-01T15:48:03Z

Five years ago, it would have been difficult to find a "greathouse" for sale. Today, there are a myriad. In fact, the opportunities to own historic properties are incredible, with options ranging from greathouses to in-town houses to large...

Five years ago, it would have been difficult to find a "greathouse" for sale. Today, there are a myriad. In fact, the opportunities to own historic properties are incredible, with options ranging from greathouses to in-town houses to large acreage with old sugar mills, factory and village ruins, all in varying states of preservation and all unique! Many of the homes were built with the old yellow Danish brick which was abundant (leftover ballast from the ships) and also with cut coral stone, also in good supply and very solid to provide hurricane resistance. Some great houses were built along the coastline and others nestled in the hills. The in-town houses were built by wealthy, European merchants, often in the neo-classical style, with arches, quoins, and galleries, or small shingle-sided hip roof cottages built by Africans and their descendants. The properties are numerous but here are a few to start. ]]> On the West End, the greathouse at Estate Butler Bay, built in the 1700s, has a beautiful arched gallery with a stunning view, looking down across a beautiful grassy field with large old trees (Mahogany, Baobab, Saman, Tibet) and out to the brilliant blue water and sunsets. In addition to the greathouse, the property includes ten acres, ruins, several cottages, a separate cookhouse, and an impressive variety of plants. The adjacent estate at Mt. Washington is also on the market. Originally a 1700's Danish cotton plantation later converted to a sugar plantation, it features a greathouse built in the 1800s, reclaimed from the forest and totally rebuilt to near original details. It includes factory ruins, an animal mill, and 12+ acres. The house is in immaculate condition and has a wonderful view overlooking the ruins and a nature sanctuary. Continuing toward Frederiksted, Estate Prosperity greathouse has just arrived on the market after many years in probate. The greathouse was once one of the finest on island but has been abandoned for many years and is due for a major restoration. The property includes an additional 80+ acres. The Estate La Grange greathouse is also available. Not quite as old as the first three, the greathouse was built in the late 1800s from coral stone. Many of the original details are intact, with interesting proportions - thick walls, deep windowsills, crown dentil moulding, tray ceilings, and tile floors. Visting the location is like discovering a secret garden. With an ample supply of water, La Grange is lush and green, with magnificent Mahogany and Saman trees. It also includes some acreage. Even in Frederiksted town, many historic properties are for sale, ranging from formal town houses to several more Victorian detailed, modest and uniquely crafted mortise and tenon wood frames. The Totten house sits on the waterfront; Liberty Hall, with beautiful coral stone walls, sits on the hilltop, Apothecary Hall and three houses are in the same block of Queen Street. Thankfully, Frederiksted has seen several beautiful historic restorations the past several years, as appreciation for these wonderful structures is renewed. Christiansted, likewise, has dozens of historic buildings for sale, ranging from stately commercial buildings near the waterfront, to elegant residences and quaint vernacular homes. Around the island, there are many more - Estate Grange (Alexander Hamilton's family home), Estate Pearl (original structure quite possibly dating to the Knights of Malta), Estate Beeston Hill (overlooking Christiansted) - greathouses with provenance available for the right price. The list goes on and on. Please contact us for more detailed information about these special properties. Their histories are fascinating, offering remarkable stories of the whims of fortune. We are hopeful that preservationists will be inspired. ]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3636 2012-04-01T15:36:06Z 2012-04-01T15:41:56Z

Clean, fresh, and uplifting...Tamarind Spa is a lovely tranquil place to pamper yourself or a loved one. The minute you walk in you smile . . . the spa is bright and airy with a spectacular ocean view. The...

Clean, fresh, and uplifting...Tamarind Spa is a lovely tranquil place to pamper yourself or a loved one. The minute you walk in you smile . . . the spa is bright and airy with a spectacular ocean view. The staff is equally cheerful with excellent skills and top notch products. According to Julie Streetman, the spa's coordinator; "the spa is all about details - it's about being attentive and making clients feel relaxed and special." Tamarind Spa recently opened in suite #9 of Tamarind Reef Resort. It offers a variety of massages, skin and nail care treatments with an enviable view of the Caribbean Sea. It's a great place to unwind and get pampered while watching the rolling waves, swaying palms and sailboats. All you need is a cocktail while you relax remarked a recent guest . . . and yes . . . you can do that. The Deep End Bar and Restaurant is just steps down the path.]]> www.TamarindReefResort.com Massage: Aromatherapy * Therapeutic Sports using Swedish cross-fiber friction, pressure point and joint mobilization * Beachside * Hot Stone * Exfoliating / Hydrating Body Scrub * Detoxifying Body Wrap. Skin Care: Sweet Milk & Lavender Facial with organic products * Anti-aging Peptide Facial using high-tech vital ingredient technologies * Express Enzyme Facial * Microdermabrasion * Hair Removal. Nail Care: Manicure & Pedicure with soak, scrub and massage or with choice of seaweed masque or warm paraffin * Shellac Gel Manicure & Pedicure with premium 14-day finish. Packages: 2.5 to 6-hour Spa Packages feature above treatments plus an array of citrus sugar scrubs, mud wraps, almond body polishes, deep-heat foot treatments, relaxation massages and more. Gift Certificates are available. "Feel good when you give . . . Feel great when you receive!" For reservations and information, call 340-718-3782 or visit: www.TamarindReefResort.com]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3635 2012-04-01T15:29:48Z 2012-04-01T15:35:23Z

As a former Professor at the College of the Virgin Islands (CVI) for twenty years, I was more than ready to celebrate the 50-Year Golden Jubilee on January 27! Visitors and residents who "discovered" St. Croix in the 50s,...

As a former Professor at the College of the Virgin Islands (CVI) for twenty years, I was more than ready to celebrate the 50-Year Golden Jubilee on January 27! Visitors and residents who "discovered" St. Croix in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, watched St. Croix grow from 2,000 to 62,000 people. I came to St. Croix in 1960 and watched this growth from 1962 to 1986 when the VI Legislature voted to open a 2-year Community College in the Territory. This was the beginning of CVI on St. Croix and St. Thomas with campus development proving to be quite a challenge.]]> Both campuses opened in 1964 but the St. Croix "campus" consisted of classrooms scattered around the island. The two-story Golden Grove Greathouse, on the grounds of the current University of the Virgin Islands (U.V.I.) campus, was purchased in 1969 and was where the first 25 students were taught the opening semester. Registration increased to 1000 in the next ten years. All classes were held in the evenings since most students held full-time jobs. I remember attending the first graduation at the campus in 1965 with guest speaker, First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson! By 1970, I was a full-time member of the faculty teaching shorthand, typing, and helping recruit new students. In the 1980s, I began teaching computer classes instead of typing--my first class having 12 students and 3 computers! In the mid-70s, a library was built with classrooms and administrative offices and named the Melvin Evans Learning Center in 1976. The Golden Grove Greathouse served the campus for at least 24 years until it became the University of the Virgin Islands in 1986. It is still used for the administrative offices and the President's and Provost's offices. It was exciting working with the first President of CVI, Lawrence C. Wanlass (1963-1981) who laid the groundwork and, with his staff, established and selected administrative and teaching personnel to guide the growth on both islands. The College was funded by the VI Legislature and it was his task to have salaries and maintenance costs approved by them on a regular basis. I remember many men and women who also pioneered this growth: Aimery Caron, Administrative Officer and Professor, Arthur A. Richards, Provost and Dean, Vitalia Wallace, Associate Dean, Harry Gerecke, Business Manager, Burt Dunmire, Dean of Continuing Education, William Thomas, Dean of Students, Edward Towle, Caribbean Research Institute, Bryce Perkins, St. Croix Director, Ernest Wagner, Librarian, Mario Watlington, Registrar, and James Ready, Public Information Officer. I retired in 1986, the same year the college was renamed the University of the Virgin Islands, but was proud to have played an integral role in those early years. When I met the new president of the University of the Virgin Islands David Hall, in 2009, it inspired me to write my new book, "Memories of the Founding and Early Years of the College of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix (1960-1986) and I gave him the first copy! ]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3634 2012-04-01T15:16:29Z 2012-04-01T15:18:52Z

Enduring monuments of former days, the historic buildings of Christiansted and Frederiksted, exemplifying Danish tropical town architecture characterized by arched walkways, or displayed in a handful of great houses scattered outside the towns, contribute to the very special atmosphere...

Enduring monuments of former days, the historic buildings of Christiansted and Frederiksted, exemplifying Danish tropical town architecture characterized by arched walkways, or displayed in a handful of great houses scattered outside the towns, contribute to the very special atmosphere found on this island. While the glory brought about by the riches garnered from the lucrative cane sugar cultivation is no longer a part of our economy, the fact that we still possess so many handsome structures as legacy of those times is worthy of celebration. Over the years, numerous hurricanes and an earthquake with tsunami, fires and the impact of the tropical climate have all been major challenges to preserving this legacy, yet we can observe a substantial number of buildings, public and private, that have successfully weathered all these hazards.]]> The original workmanship that went into these buildings, a testimony to the skills of slaves put to work in their construction, used traditional methods that proved resistant to many of the above-mentioned dangers. Sturdy materials were used, such as imported Danish brick carried as ballast on the vessels calling here to return with their cargoes of sugar and rum. Still, regular maintenance dictated by weather conditions is required. This can be costly, and while we are fortunate to see certain public buildings, e.g. the handsome ensemble of the Christiansted National Historic Site structures administered by the National Park Service - currently celebrating the site's 60th anniversary - as well as our impressive Government House in beautiful shape, we also see houses as ruins or severely decayed. Many of the latter structures were victims of the severe hurricane Hugo that hit this island in September 1989. Many insurance companies failed due to the massive number of claims, leaving property owners unable to restore the buildings to usable condition. Low property taxes and living off-island have caused some owners to keep these distressed properties, creating a blight in areas of the towns. Considerable effort, often using a public/private partnership, has, however, been made to restore many buildings, especially in Frederiksted. There are several initiatives being taken on an international basis to successfully rehabilitate blighted areas of the town in time for the 100th anniversary of the Transfer of the Danish West Indies to the U.S. to become the U.S. Virgin Islands. The date of March 31, 2017, will undoubtedly be one of celebration of not only 100 years of progress under the American flag, but also of maintaining a warm friendship between Denmark and her former colonies. The increased Danish visitation to the islands, particularly thanks to the direct charter flights from Denmark to St. Croix, has brought greater awareness of our part in Denmark's history, once having contributed great wealth to Danish government coffers as well as to individual property owners of sugar plantations in this distant location. tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3633 2012-04-01T15:13:38Z 2012-04-01T15:15:57Z

Do you have a constant yearning to be out on the crystal blue Caribbean water? From those looking for picturesque scenery, to those who want to cruise fast, jump some waves, and feel the wind on their face, West...

Do you have a constant yearning to be out on the crystal blue Caribbean water? From those looking for picturesque scenery, to those who want to cruise fast, jump some waves, and feel the wind on their face, West End Water Sports is the place to be on St. Croix. Located on Rainbow Beach, 1 mile north of the Frederiksted Pier, West End Water Sports caters to all ages and experience levels and provides a new fleet of top-of-the line jet-ski's for you to rent year round. Jet-Skiing is a great time for people of ALL ages and experience with the modern "Jet-Ski" being much sturdier and easier to ride than its predecessors of years ago. Brian and Scott, the friendly owner/ operators, explain how easy it is by telling new riders simply to "hop on, press start and squeeze the trigger (after the safety briefing of course!)."]]> www.westendwatersports.net ]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3632 2012-04-01T11:50:55Z 2012-04-01T11:53:51Z

For many couples, planning a wedding is like stepping into a scene from Lord of the Rings. It is a journey, arduous at times, smooth at others, that begins with a ring and (hopefully!) ends in a joyous celebration...

For many couples, planning a wedding is like stepping into a scene from Lord of the Rings. It is a journey, arduous at times, smooth at others, that begins with a ring and (hopefully!) ends in a joyous celebration where you are the honored guest. Remember that there will be challenges along with the triumphs. As you embark on your journey, you must be careful to avoid one of the main pitfalls along the way--indecisiveness. As you go through the gauntlet of budgets, families, dresses, seating arrangements, etc. you will be tested. The one thing that will get you through, your shield, your armor, your tour de force is not only your ability to make decisions, but to stick to them, execute them, and move on. ]]> For more info, planning tips, and resources visit www.vibridalguide.com Quiana L. Adams, Managing Editor
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by Niarus Gillian Benjamin "My name is Niarus Gillian Benjamin. I am married to Jason Walker. I have two daughters Keren, 3 and Rayna, 2 and two dogs Mortimer and Pepper. I was born in Dominica, West Indies and...

by Niarus Gillian Benjamin "My name is Niarus Gillian Benjamin. I am married to Jason Walker. I have two daughters Keren, 3 and Rayna, 2 and two dogs Mortimer and Pepper. I was born in Dominica, West Indies and came to St. Croix when I was 9. I attended Evelyn Williams Elementary School, Arthur A. Richards Jr. High, and Central High School, graduating in 1989. I went to Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia (1989-1994), graduated in 1993 Suma Cum Laude, with a major in Fashion Design and Construction, but did an extra year in painting and drawing. I interned at Anne Klein in New York and, with a scholarship to Indonesia to study batik, I worked there with Twila Wilson who is still my friend. I do freelance 3-D interior drawings for her design business.]]> I came home to St. Croix in 1994 and taught Art at Arthur Richards for 10 years. Went to Florida State University to get a Masters of Science in Art Education. Got accepted to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago but went to Florida for family reasons. Loved the things I learned there and still use some of the strategies for teaching. I am now at Central High School teaching Visual arts. As a teacher, my focus is to foster an eye for and an understanding of the visual arts in hopes of developing a value system in our students and thus our community. To that effect, I volunteer as the Youth Art Month coordinator for the Virgin Islands as an advocate for Art in Education. It is a national program sponsored by the Council for Art in Education (CFAE) and supported by the National Art Education Association (NAEA). In March, we try to hold an exhibit with as many schools as will participate. I have difficulty including St. Thomas and St. John because I have no contact there and I can't travel there since there really is no funding for this program. Sometimes I'll write a grant, but a good chunk of money comes from my pocket. As an artist, I strive for technical excellence in my craft. I work in oils and watercolor mostly--sometimes, acrylic and pastels. I can use most dry and wet media pretty proficiently. Because I am an art teacher I feel that I should have knowledge of the use of the different media because not all students can use or will like every medium. Since our schools' environment does not allow for the use of oil paint, I don't teach the use of it. Previously in my paintings, I would focus on light and reflections especially in a still-life. And while that is still going to always show up as a technical aspect, I want to now focus on the ethereal nature of life by doing Vanitas based on the old concept of the word. Iam also working on a similar concept of melding the past with the present looking at how things pass away and the ghost of memories and past events. I love to draw people. In my sketchbooks (I always keep a sketch book), you will find numerous sketches of people and faces. Some get turned into paintings. I draw my students, my colleagues, people at the airport, wherever. I paint landscapes but a still-life to me is more challenging to paint. The right composition and juxtaposition of elements can be tricky. Being able to use the medium of choice, to show the desired surface textures, are sometimes daunting. I get scared each time I do a painting. It could be because I don't do it often enough, but....I love art, but painting in general. I've tried to quit several times to no avail. But it's not a bad addiction, I don't think."]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3630 2012-04-01T11:41:45Z 2012-04-01T11:43:38Z

Nestled in the lush vegetation of the old Queen Quarter Hotel is the newly renovated and recently opened Reminisce Restaurant. Run by long-time locals, Win Welsh and Nicole Bogel, they love listening to the stories brought to them by...

Nestled in the lush vegetation of the old Queen Quarter Hotel is the newly renovated and recently opened Reminisce Restaurant. Run by long-time locals, Win Welsh and Nicole Bogel, they love listening to the stories brought to them by guests each week of what life was like at one of their favorite places back in the 60s and 70s. Win will be at your service during the day and Nicole at night.]]> www.reminiscevi.com]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3629 2012-04-01T11:37:56Z 2012-04-01T11:40:50Z

By Karylyn Parsons - The Prestige Wine Group We are so thrilled to have Jim Bernau joining us this year for the Food & Wine Experience! 2011 was an amazing year for WVV, winning both Oregon Winery of the Year...

By Karylyn Parsons - The Prestige Wine Group We are so thrilled to have Jim Bernau joining us this year for the Food & Wine Experience! 2011 was an amazing year for WVV, winning both Oregon Winery of the Year AND Wine & Spirits magazine Winery of the Year! What better way to celebrate than to hit the beach in the beautiful VI. Like Sauternes and foie gras, oysters and Champagne, the pairing of Pinot Noir and salmon is legendary. WVV makes wonderful Pinot Noirs and protects that pairing by practicing ecological sustainability. "Salmon Safe" is a program that strives for clean watersheds for native salmon to spawn and thrive. This year, Jim was awarded the first ever "Hero of Salmon" for his efforts and now Willamette Valley Vineyards will be one of the first wineries in Oregon to become carbon neutral.]]> Oregon wines have been rocking the world since 1979 when one was the highest rated Pinot Noir at the Gault-Milau French Wine Olympiad in France, beating all the Burgundies. In 1985, The Wine Spectator first mentioned Oregon Pinot Noir and they have been off and running since! Don't wait to try these wines! We like to say," if you have doubt about a food and wine pairing, pick Pinot Noir. Taste these wines during the St. Croix Food and Wine Experience with Jim as he hosts the annual Galleon Winemakers Dinner! Cheers!
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Excerpts from Shards from the Past by Chris Goodier Small objects rise to the surface of the earth sometimes and place themselves in our paths as mememtos of the past. On St. Croix, strollers find chaney--shards remaining from fine...

Excerpts from Shards from the Past by Chris Goodier Small objects rise to the surface of the earth sometimes and place themselves in our paths as mememtos of the past. On St. Croix, strollers find chaney--shards remaining from fine china imported in the 18th and 19th centuries when the island was covered with sugar cane. Greathouses were outfitted lavishly with the finest mahogany furniture, porcelains, glassware, silver and linens, but these luxury trappings eventually fell by the wayside. Contents of the greathouses were swept away by hurricanes, earthquakes, and a massive fire burn. A way of life was gone, but shattered porcelain, left behind in the ruins, reappeared on the soil all over the island especially after great rains.]]> Island children picked up the shards and honed them into rounds to use for games and play money. Initially called china money, or chiney money, it became 'officially' chaney when it was rounded. No two pieces of chaney are alike and, even though they come in several colors, most common on St. Croix are blue and white bits. Chaney-spotting is a casual hobby for some island residents who fill glass bowls and wicker baskets with the found objects to display in their homes. Chaney shards, standing alone or set into 'wearable art' jewelry, are precious talismans to their owners as silent witnesses of the island's past history - they seem to want to tell their story. Find beautiful hand-crafted earings, rings, bracelets, and pendants at the following stores: Crucian Gold, Franklin's, ib designs, and Tropical Bracelet Factory Outlet. tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3625 2012-04-01T10:29:46Z 2012-04-01T10:32:45Z

For the fast, St. Croix is one of the very few races in the world that offers qualifying slots for the two major World Championships of Ironman, the big Kahuna in Hawaii and the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in...

For the fast, St. Croix is one of the very few races in the world that offers qualifying slots for the two major World Championships of Ironman, the big Kahuna in Hawaii and the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas. This elite endurance event has welcomed most of the legends of the professional triathlete ranks and remains a race that is an essential line in any successful resume. The St. Croix Ironman 70.3 Triathlon is held annually, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, on the first Sunday in May and begins with a 1.2 mile swim that leaves from the beach in front of Hotel on the Cay, in the middle of the Harbor, and exits near the Christiansted Fort. It is with the bike leg, however, where the race really starts. This 56-mile circumnavigation of St. Croix includes massive climbs, treacherous technical turns, and unrivaled scenic beauty that tests an athlete's concentration. At the 20-mile mark is the race's very own signature...The Beast. With an assent of only .7 of a mile long, imagine riding a bicycle up the stairs of the Washington Monument! Upon arriving back in Christiansted, the bikers morph into runners and head out on a 13.1 mile run finishing back at the Fort. Come out to the race on May 6 and see for yourself what has kept these athletes coming back to St. Croix for almost a quarter century.]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3624 2012-04-01T10:17:16Z 2012-04-01T10:23:27Z

See listing in our Events & Entertainment Guide...

See listing in our Events & Entertainment Guide]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3623 2012-04-01T10:14:28Z 2012-04-01T10:22:50Z

The St. Croix Food & Wine Experience (April 17-22), named one of the Ten Best International Food and Wine Festivals by Forbes Travel, showcases the diverse cuisine and wine available here on St. Croix. The multi-day event includes gourmet...

The St. Croix Food & Wine Experience (April 17-22), named one of the Ten Best International Food and Wine Festivals by Forbes Travel, showcases the diverse cuisine and wine available here on St. Croix. The multi-day event includes gourmet dinners, wine seminars, wine auctions, and the annual culinary competition, A Taste of St. Croix.]]> ad or visit www.stcroixfoodandwine.com for all events, descriptions, and prices. ]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3622 2012-03-31T16:01:47Z 2012-03-31T16:05:25Z

By David John Goldstein, Ph.D., RPA, Chief, Interpretation and Education, National Park Service 2012 is clearly one of the most exciting years for the National Parks on St. Croix. Buck Island Reef National Monument celebrates its 50 years since...

By David John Goldstein, Ph.D., RPA, Chief, Interpretation and Education, National Park Service 2012 is clearly one of the most exciting years for the National Parks on St. Croix. Buck Island Reef National Monument celebrates its 50 years since President John F. Kennedy signed enabling legislation. Christiansted National Historic Site, with 60 years, and Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, with 20 years, both celebrate anniversaries as National Parks. With these important milestones in mind we invite the public to come and see the new faces and changes taking place in each park.]]> At the end of February, Christiansted will complete its two-year-long restoration with the repair and repainting from hurricane Omar damage. We have generated a new walking tour of the ‘Free Gut’ neighborhood, Sunday and Thursday at 10:30 and by appointment (773-1460 x232), where park visitors can learn about the contributions of Free Blacks during the period of slavery and the legacy of this neighborhood. Several important Virgin Islanders called this neighborhood home from 1820- present. We also will open our newly renovated exhibit hall in Ft. Christiansvaern. Presently, we are celebrating 20 years of Salt River Bay as a National Park with a photo exhibit and sculpture installation entitled ‘Columbus Landing.’ This exhibit shows some of the quiet natural beauty and activities of other frequent visitors to this famous Crucian beachhead. Additionally, we invite the public to come and see our visitor’s center above Columbus Landing if you have not yet done so. Come see it now, with the exhibit, and keep coming back to see future exhibits in years to come. The visitor’s center and exhibit is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9:00-4:30, and by appointment (773-1460 x233) Finally, we are in full swing celebrating the 50th anniversary of Buck Island Reef National Monument. We celebrate with the installation of a new pier at Diedrich’s Beach, the development of an on-island interpretive trail, and a commemorative exhibit at Ft. Christiansvaern highlighting the long term research at the park. Buck Island is one of the National Park Service’s great resource protection success stories. In the past 50 years we have preserved critical terrestrial and reef habitat for several protected, threatened and endangered species: Least Terns; Brown Pelicans; our native Ground Lizard; Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles; and Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals. As one of the most studied reef systems in the Caribbean we have developed critical knowledge regarding the coral species that can survive and adapt to dynamically changing marine environments. Lastly, we have restored the vegetation and animal life by eradicating several invasive non-native species, including the Tree Rat. The exhibit at Ft. Christiansvaern discusses in detail these achievements and the overall history of the National Monument. The exhibit is open seven days of the week from 9:00-4:30 at Christiansted National Historic Site. So please, during your visit to St. Croix this month, come and celebrate these anniversaries and the important achievements that we have made in all of our parks. We look forward to seeing you here with us! For more information, call 773-1460 x 233.]]> tag:www.stcroixthisweek.com,2012://20.3638 2012-03-20T16:03:56Z 2012-04-01T16:07:00Z

The history of our island is mirrored in its old church structures, many of which have recently been restored. The Moravian brethren, arriving here in the 1730s from Saxony in today's Germany, founded their mission to bring Christianity to the...

The history of our island is mirrored in its old church structures, many of which have recently been restored. The Moravian brethren, arriving here in the 1730s from Saxony in today's Germany, founded their mission to bring Christianity to the enslaved part of the population. Their handsome yellow buildings at the entrance to Christiansted and red-roofed white wooden church mid-island, along with a contemporary church in Frederiksted, attest to their continued importance. The historic Anglican (Episcopalian) churches built in Gothic style include St. John's in Christiansted, and in Frederiksted the beautifully restored St. Paul's church, which had been damaged by a fire in 1996. These and other Anglican churches bear witmess to the large English population which settled here (and also brought us our custom of left lane driving.]]> The large number of Irish settlers, along with Englishmen and Hispanics, have contributed to the presece of the Catholic church; Holy Cross in Christiansted is the oldest in the Virgin Islands; also significant and historic are St. Ann's (with an interesting shrine) mid-island, and St. Patrick's in Frederiksted. The Danish rule of the island from 1733 to 1917 brought the Lutheran church, which still plays a large role here. Lord God of Sabaoth in Christiansted occupies the former Dutch Reformed Church; Holy Trinity in Frederiksted was built shortly after the town was founded. The Dutch Reformed church (Presbyterian) now has an impressive new mid-island home. But these are just a few of the many (at last count over 150) churches on St. Croix, from Seventh-Day Adventist to Methodist, Baptist, Church of God, any many more. You will find that church attendance and activities are important to a large part of our population, and visitors are always welcome at services,often a high point in their experience of our island. Many other faiths offer places of worship: a Jewish synagoge, a Hindu temple, and a Moslem mosque, to name a few. A helpful guide to places of worship is published by our Interfaith Coalition, a community organization fostering ecumenical cooperation and understanding, as well as offering assistance to elderly shut-ins. Ask for the guide at your hotel, or call 778-2880 for information. Another easy-to-follow guide is actually the yellow pages of our local phone book beginning on Page 75.