St. Joseph Church, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Joseph Church |
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St. Joseph's Church in 2012
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| Location | Edinburgh of the Seven Seas |
| Country |  Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
St. Joseph Church is a special Catholic church located in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. This town is on the island of Tristan da Cunha. It's known as the most isolated Catholic church in the entire world!
The church has a long main hall, called a nave. It also has a bright red roof. Inside, you can see a beautiful stained glass window. This window shows Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
St. Joseph Church is part of a larger church area. This area is called the Mission sui iuris of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. It is also connected to the Apostolic Prefecture of the Falkland Islands. The church does not have a full-time priest living there. Instead, three special helpers, called lay ministers, lead the services. They use special communion bread that was blessed during visits from church leaders. This way, services can continue even when a priest is not on the island.
Contents
The Church's Story
Early Catholic Settlers
The first Catholic people arrived on the island in 1892. They were Italian settlers named Andrea Repetto and Gaetano Lavarello. Later, they joined the island's Anglican church.
More Catholics came in 1908 from Ireland. These were three sisters: Elizabeth, Annie, and Agnes Smith. They settled on the island with their husbands. Elizabeth and Agnes helped start the island's Catholic community.
First Services and Chapel
The first Catholic priest visited the island in 1932. Agnes Smith was inspired by this visit. In 1934, she set up an altar in her home. She began holding church services there.
Agnes was honored for her dedication. In 1958, she received a special award. It was called the Benemerenti medal from Pope Pius XII. This award recognized her important work for the faith.
A small chapel was built in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas in 1983. This was an important step for the community.
Building the Current Church
The island's church area is part of the Mission sui iuris of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. This means it is looked after by the Apostolic Prefecture of the Falkland Islands. The first main church leader for Tristan da Cunha was Monsignor Anton Agreiter. He served from 1986 until 2003.
In the 1990s, the small chapel was replaced. The new building became St. Joseph Church. It is still known as the most isolated Catholic church in the world. The church has a long main hall and a red roof. Inside, there is a beautiful stained glass window. It shows Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
How Services Are Held Today
As of August 2025, St. Joseph Church does not have a priest living there all the time. Instead, three dedicated lay ministers lead the services. Their names are Derek Rogers, Anne Green, and James Glass.
To make sure communion can happen, a special plan is in place. When church leaders visit the island, they bless many pieces of sacramental bread. About 4,000 pieces are blessed and sealed. These are then used for services when a priest is not present.
More to Explore
- Roman Catholicism in Tristan da Cunha
- St. Joseph Church
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San José (Edimburgo de los Siete Mares) para niños
