Under the SandboxTree
The Spring Gardens Moravian Church stands as a Monument and indeed a testimony that God is still on the throne.
From humble beginnings under the Sand-Box Tree west of the present Manse, it has grown and matured to be one of the most inspirational and spirit-filled Churches in this Island.
The Moravian work as Spring Gardens was started by Samuel Isles on April 1st, 1756. Armed with the enactment of Parliament which recognised the Moravian Church and encouraged support of its mission activity, Isles was granted the necessary permission by the governor and began work among the slaves on the estate of Gambles. Joined by Peter Brown in 1769, these men worked in the midst of intolerable conditions, opposed by many of the planters, maintaining themselves as there was little in the way of financial support from abroad. Though the early years must have seemed singularly fruitful, yet by 1771 when Brown was forced to retire because of ill health and returned to Bethlehem, Pa., some 7000 Christian slaves stood out as living witnesses to their work.
By 1760 land had been purchased in St. John's as a base for missionary operations which led to the establishment of congregations in all parts of the island.
According to several authorities the work done in the West Indies helped create the climate that along with powerful political and economic forces paved the way for emancipation. It is recorded that when many argued against freeing the slave for fear of their rising up and turning against the white men, Wilberforce answered them to the effect that Moravians had so taught them to respect law and order that they were indeed prepared to receive the great gift of liberty.
With the emancipation of the slaves in 1834, the Moravians expanded their work in education by establishing schools. Prior to this they had trained slaves to teach their fellow slaves the rudiments of education, even granting tuition where permitted for them to qualify as teachers.
1854 the Spring Gardens Teachers Training College was founded by Bishop George Westerby - a college which during its life, made a great contribution not only to the schools of Antigua but to most of the islands of the West indies as well. 
Today outside the General Post Office Building in St. John’s stands a memorial to Bishop Westerby, erected by the public for his contribution to the life of the community especially in the field of education. Moravian day Schools were likewise strong in preparing Moravians and non-Moravians alike who have assumed responsible leadership in every aspect of our community today.
Social concern was early expressed by the founding of the 'Friendly Society’ in 1834 to help with the burying of the dead, relieving those in distress, the poor and the aged. This concern found later expression in support of public institutions set up to carry on this work. Concern for developing a good home and family life was reflected in systematic practices (which may seem humorous to us today) such as presenting a pig to every child born in wedlock.
In music likewise the Moravians were in no small way influential even beyond their own in encouraging the highest possible level of Church music in the island.
Hurricane Luis (September 4-5, 1995) devastated both the Spring Gardens Manse and Church Building. The building was erected in 1964 to replace the wooden building which was there before. Many members broke down and wept openly to see the destruction of their beloved Church Building. However, the members were more determined than ever to see the reconstruction of our Church building. The road was long and hard, but we were confident that "With Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm."
In the aftermath of Hurricane Luis, our Church had been a centre for distributing relief supplies of food, clothing and building materials. We have been seeking to do our very best in spite of the destruction point and provided relief supplies to almost 500 persons.
In historical summation, the work of the Moravian Church has continued through many avenues to contribute to the life of the peoples and communities of Antigua.
Rev. Dr. Cotroy Jarvis