About Manifestations of Faith

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain has collaborated with architographer Brian Lewis, author Robert Clarke, and graphic designer Melanie Archer to produce a magnificent coffee table book titled Manifestations of Faith.

This visually stunning publication highlights the rich history, meticulous preservation efforts, and breathtaking restoration work of 10 churches and 3 chapels across Trinidad and Tobago.

Lewis, now in his late 70s and retired as an architect and photographer, was driven by a desire to keep himself purposefully engaged. As he explained, “I needed a way to keep myself busy and wanted to do something good.” Recognising the wealth of untold stories behind these sacred spaces, Lewis pitched his idea to Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon who embraced the project wholeheartedly.

“I soon got in touch with Melanie (Archer), who worked with me on three books in the past. She then brought in Robert (Clarke), as we needed to have the stories of the churches written in an interesting way,” Lewis recounted.

Clarke, with a background in journalism, admitted, “When we started meeting with the parishes and conducting the interviews, it was intensive, and I enjoyed it. I love history, I love the history of churches, chapels and anything in Trinidad and Tobago and this was an interesting project from the start.”

The book unveils captivating anecdotes, like the remarkable tale of the Holy Name Convent Chapel’s altar, which was once located at the former Leprosarium in Chacachacare.

As Clarke narrated, “The Dominican Sisters once ran the Leprosarium…and they decided that they would bring this altar up from Chacachacare to reinstall it inside of the chapel and they did so with the help of fishermen who left from Carenage to assist them with this task.”

Archer, the book’s graphic designer, won a prestigious Gold ADDY (2024) award for her creative direction and design of Manifestations of Faith in the Caribbean leg of the American Advertising Awards (ADDY).

The team felt a profound spiritual connection throughout the project, with Lewis stating, “When you meet the people involved in the parishes, and quite often it’s ladies who take care of the church, you are quite moved by their dedication and devotion.”

Clarke echoed this sentiment, saying, “I felt if anyone can feel about a sacred space that way and how meaningful it is to them, then this is a job worth doing.”

One of the driving forces behind the book was to raise awareness about the ongoing need for preservation and restoration of these historical churches. As Lewis pointed out, “I hope through this book that people will have a better appreciation, preservation and care for our churches and historical buildings. Hopefully, a more professional approach can be taken towards the maintenance as well.”

Clarke emphasised the importance of recognising the artisans who have dedicated their talents to restoring these churches, and expressed hope that the book will attract corporate sponsors to assist those churches still in dire need of restoration, such as the 200-year-old St Joseph RC Church, St Joseph.

Archer, meanwhile, hopes Manifestations of Faith will showcase Trinidad and Tobago’s ability to produce beautifully crafted books of exceptional quality, further elevating the nation’s cultural heritage.

Manifestations of Faith was officially launched Saturday, March 16 at Archbishop’s House, 5 p.m. The book is currently available for purchase at Archbishop’s House, Paper Based at ConBrio, and online via unqueue.shop, priced at $300.