Codrington College

Codrington College

Come And Visit Codrington College

Codrington College is an historic Anglican theological college located in the eastern parish of St. John.

The College sites its mission as striving to be the centre of excellence in the delivery of theological education and training of applicants for ordination in the Anglican Communion.

Codrington College attracts people from all over the world and visitors are welcome to wander around campus grounds and visit the chapel.

Set atop of a grand hill, the College commands scenic views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by beautiful gardens including a lily pond which is home to a variety of fish and ducks.

You’ll also find picnic tables and benches, and a play area for children, in the grounds – perfect for a day out with the family, or romantic moment with a loved one.

Visiting hours are daily from dawn to dusk. There is no visitor’s fee however donations in the chapel are always much appreciated.

Note: You can also attend the daily worship services in the chapel – the recitation of Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Historically Speaking …

Codrington College was founded by Christopher Codrington III (1668-1710), who was the son of a very prominent Barbadian, Christopher Codrington II.

After his death in 1710, Codrington III willed portions of two of his ‘estates’ (slave plantations) to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in order to establish a college in Barbados for the propagation of the Christian Religion and promotion of Christian education.

After some delays to get started, construction of Codrington College began in 1715.

Economic depression, drought and other difficulties caused further delays in construction, therefore the College buildings were not completed until 1743, and the College officially opened on 9 September 1745.

In the same year, a grammar school (The Lodge School) was established at the Chaplain’s Lodge to teach the basics of education, reading, writing, Latin, and accountancy.

Did You Know? In 1831 the site was almost completely destroyed by a hurricane, however it was rebuilt and restored.

Development Of The College

Codrington College originally provided a general education which also included philosophy and divinity however it began lectures in more advanced studies as early as 1748.

The first graduate was ordained in 1759, and in 1830 the College began to exclusively train students for ordination.

Later on, the College began to offer tertiary education, and in 1875 was affiliated to the University of Durham and prepared candidates for Durham degrees until 1958.

Following affiliation with the University of Durham in 1875, the College proceeded to offer programmes in Classics as well as in Theology.

The College later became affiliated to the University of the West Indies and since 1955 it has concentrated on Theological Studies.

Beginning around 1989-90, the College again expanded – this time, into postgraduate study.

Did You Know? Codrington College is marked as one of the first theological colleges of the Anglican Church – in fact, it’s said to be the oldest Anglican theological college in the Western Hemisphere.

Codrington College Today …

Today, Codrington College offers the following educational programmes:

— Diploma – Theological Studies

— Undergraduate – the Licentiate in Theology and/or a Bachelor of Arts (Theology)

— Postgraduate – MA, MPhil and PhD degrees in Theology.

Facilities At The College

Codrington College also offers several extra facilities such as a conference and study centre, accommodation, and can be hired for weddings and other functions.

Features include:

— lecture hall/conference room and smaller lecture/seminar rooms are available

— regular single student study/bedrooms

— self-contained apartments for long term visiting scholars

— the beautiful grounds, historic architecture and buildings, and chapel, have attracted many couples who have decided to get married in Barbados. It has also often hosted Christenings, family reunions, celebrations, and other gatherings.

Did You Know? Many priests throughout the Caribbean have trained at the College and it continues to play an active role in regional education and theological teachings through its close ties with the University of the West Indies.

Notable Codrington College alumni include Alfred Pakenham Berkeley Bishop of Barbados), Rev. Canon Thomas Norman Nisbett (first black priest of the Church of England in Bermuda), and Cuthbert Woodroffe KBE, Archbishop of the West Indies).

Additional Information

Telephone: (246) 423-1140/1166
Note: Codrington College is approximately 20 minutes drive from Grantley Adams International Airport.

By: Brett Callaghan