St. Andrew's Kirk, Georgetown

St. Andrews Kirk is the oldest building in Georgetown, Guyana continually in use for religious purposes. The Dutch Reformed congregation laid its foundations in 1811. However, due to financial difficulties it was acquired by Scottish Presbyterians and was formally opened for service on 28 February 1818.

It was the first church built by the Europeans in which slaves were allowed to worship. It is situated near the Parliament Building on the north eastern corner of Brickdam. Rev. Oswald Allen Best was the church first Guyanese minister and he served the church with distinction until his death in April, 2009. Between 1943 and 1950 the minister was Rev. Norman Birnie, MA. He came from Aberdeen, Scotland with his wife and two daughters, under the auspices of the Church of Scotland.

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    Coordinates: 6°48′34″N 58°09′59″W / 6.80952°N 58.16631°W / 6.80952; -58.16631


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