The Brick Building

The Brick Building, which is one of the island's oldest structures was owned by Ms. Louisan Augusta Illidge, a rich woman. Mr. Parson Hodge, the first Methodist preacher to arrive on St Maarten in 1819, was given sanctuary by her, laying the groundwork for the Methodist church's expansion on the island. Ms. Illidge now is famous as "the mother of Methodism." Later, when the European Netherlands was invaded in May 1940, but the French had not yet, her house became a brief military stronghold. Until European France was invaded by German forces, the building was utilized as a barracks by the French army.

In the hurricane of 1819, the old building was flooded 4 feet. From 1822 to 1849, the Methodists gathered there for services. The Brick Building was opened as a day school in Philipsburg around the end of the eighteenth century by The Rev. Frederick Coward. Many people on the island got access to education here. Nowadays, the Brick Building is considered as a national treasure of St. Martin. Thus, if you have a chance to visit Saint Maarten, this building is worth visiting.

Location: Back Street, Philipsburg St Maarten.