The Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist

"A historic edifice which was constructed from the bricks brought from England as ballast in ships. Slaves assisted in the construction. Free slaves worshiped, were baptized and married in the Cathedral. In August 1838, a service of thanksgiving for the emancipation of the slaves was held in St. John's. The sermon was delivered by Dr. Matthew Newport, Rector from 1824-1860. Dr. Newport is buried on the north side of the Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral in Central America and saw the coronation of 3 kings from the Mosquito Coast of Nicaragua, viz George Federick (January 18, 1816): Robert Charles (April 23, 1825) and George Augustus Federick (May 12, 1845)."--page 4 of cover.