The Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega is a church that is immersed in the rich history of Spanish Town as well as the establishment of the Church of England in Jamaica. Pursuant to being appointed as a Cathedral on November 28, 1843, the church undertook the task of serving in two distinct capacities. It provided a haven for spiritual growth for the parishioners of St. Catherine as well as to facilitate governmental rites and procedures for the island up until 1872 when Spanish Town ceased being the Capital of Jamaica. Despite the fact that Spanish Town no longer bears the responsibility of being Jamaica’s Capital, as the “Mother Church” the Cathedral still has as her central focus the enhancement and continuity of spiritual growth for the citizens of Spanish Town and its environs.

As the oldest Cathedral in the Colonial Empire, outside of England, the Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega plays her role as a teacher unraveling a history of  the tradition and legacy of worship as is evident in the monuments erected in memory and honour of past governors, members of the legislature and the local planters. It is a place where an impressive collection of John Bacon sculptors may be found. The Cathedral also plays her role as the seat of spiritual comfort as she opens her doors to weekly services to encourage daily devotions and meditation and outreach to the community.