As part of the Thematic Unit “Public Spaces and Private Spaces” which explores the life and work
of Queen Elizabeth I of England (House of Tudors), Terminale D visited the St. John the Baptist
Anglican Cathedral last week.
Located in the neighbourhood of San Nicolas, the neoclassical
building was inaugurated on May 6, 1831, and was built by the English architect Richard Adams,
thereby becoming the first Protestant temple in Argentina and South America.
Given the influx of English, Scottish and Irish immigrants to Argentina, Juan Manuel de Rosas, a
known Anglophile, confiscated part of the lands owned by the Convent of the Mercedarian friars
(today known as the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Merced) to donate them to this religious
community.
During the visit, David George (English clergyman appointed to run the cathedral) was in charge
of reviewing the origins of Anglicanism under the reign of Henry VIII (Elizabeth I’s father) in the
16th century, its relationship with the British monarchy, its worldwide presence and its subsequent arrival in Argentina.
At the end, the class was able to tour the building, entirely built with materials imported from England, to appreciate the stained glass windows donated by the family of Admiral Guillermo Brown, the lectern in the shape of an eagle, the commemorative plaques to the heroes of the First and Second World War, the thanks to Juan Manuel de Rosas, the seat reserved for the Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Argentina, among others.
Undoubtedly, this experience has enhanced students’ understanding of cultural and historical
facts studied in class and provided them with the opportunity to interact with native English speakers.
