The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The image above shows the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception which is a Roman Catholic Church located in Independence Square Port of Spain and was the first Catholic Church in the city. On March 25^th 1816, the foundation stone was laid by the country’s first civilian Governor Sir Ralph Woodford and the building was then completed in 1836. The Cathedral was built in the shape of a cross and the walls made of limestone from Laventille Hills. Beneath the Cathedral is the crypt that houses the remains of more than 15 high ranking Catholic Church officials including archbishops.

The Cathedral runs educational development programmes for school children, daily religious services, bible study and marriage preparation classes. (Taylor 2011). The Cathedral is newly renovated after being closed for the last three and a half years. It was closed in 2012 after it was a decided that it was no longer safe for worship and occupation due to severe water damage. The Cathedral reopened April 2016 for Easter celebrations

Churches have a role to play in the city (Lorne 2012) states that churches often occupy a geographically central location in cities and they inherit many of the social issues of the urban core. This explains why these churches focus on helping the homeless and offering developmental programs like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.  Churches also add an aesthetic aspect to the city because of their outstanding and remarkable appearance. They have history that most times date back to before the city became developed. 

 source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-04-20/part-1-cathedral-immaculate-conception

The picture above shows the Cathedral during the 1800’s where there is a clear demarcation in the economic activity around it. Independence Square today has a greater level of economic activity and is definitely more intense than the 19^th century. Sjoberg’s theory explained that churches and other sacred institutions dominate most of the cultural landscape as well as the cultural beliefs of the urban place. 

References: 

Lorne, Daniel. Rethink Urban. September 12, 2012. http://rethinkurban.com/2012/places-and-spaces/a-second-look-at-the-churches-in-the-city/ (accessed April 8, 2016).

Taylor, Caroline. Caribbean Beat . 2011. http://caribbean-beat.com/issue-112/saving-soul-city#axzz45G94qAdZ (accessed 2016).