U.S Virgin Islands, St Croix, Christansted
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This building was the first Danish Lutheran church on the island—one of the few government buildings not directly involved in international trade. From 1754 to 1831 the Steeple Building was the embodiment of the Danish state religion. All government administrators as well as the fort’s garrison were required to worship there. Official proclamations, such as the abolition of the Danish slave trade, were read from the pulpit.
This building was the first Danish Lutheran church on the island—one of the few government buildings not directly involved in international trade. From 1754 to 1831 the Steeple Building was the embodiment of the Danish state religion. All government administrators as well as the fort’s garrison were required to worship there. Official proclamations, such as the abolition of the Danish slave trade, were read from the pulpit.Like the Scale House and Guinea Company Warehouse, the Steeple building evolved. Rather than undertake mostly repairs, in 1831 the Lutherans bought the Dutch Reformed church on King Street. There you can see original furnishings from the Steeple Building: the altar, pulpit, chandeliers, baptismal font, and governor’s box.
The Church of our Lord God of Sabato (the Steeple Building’s official name) has been restored to its ca. 1800 appearance. The yard behind the church was the cemetery for the congregation
(Churches, Etc.) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
