About Us

The Ivan Harewood Centre is situated on the quiet Church Hill bordered by the extensive grounds of the Foundation School and the historic Christ Church Parish Church. The Centre sits on a site that has served the nation through education, recreation and social action, having previously been occupied by:

The Boys Foundation School: 1809 - 1957

The Christ Church High School: 1957 - 1992

The Jones Private School: 1993 - 1996

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The first phase of the Christ Church Parish Church Centre, as initially named, was dedicated and commissioned by the Most Rev. and Dr. Archbishop John W. D. Holder, CBE LLD; then Bishop of Barbados, on the December 9th, 2000. This phase included the construction of the main hall (entitled the "Unity Room") and adjacent spaces (including the "Alpha Room"), adjoining bathrooms, kitchen, kitchenette, and the Centre's office).

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​​The second phase of construction and completion of the Centre saw the addition of the Delta Room, Church offices, adjacent kitchenette, bathrooms and storage spaces. This extension was subsequently dedicated and commissioned by Dr. Holder, then both Bishop of Barbados, and Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies on October 7th, 2012. The extension was officially opened by the Rev. Canon Austin D. Carrington, Rector of Christ Church Parish Church from 2002 to 2021.

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The Centre was subsequently renamed in honour of the Rev. Canon Ivan H. Harewood, who served as the 24th Rector of the Christ Church Parish Church over the period 1984 - 2002. He led the Church through the Centre's conceptualisation, first phase of construction and opening.

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To date, the Centre has hosted hundreds of events, including but not limited to weddings, receptions, bridal showers, meetings, workshops, club/association events, graduations, and award ceremonies.

 

The building was designed by Mr. Ian Best, Architect and member of the Christ Church Parish Church.