The Evangelist Church of Saint John is one of the most authentic places of prayer in Casablanca. The place of worship was built in 1906 to accommodate the English-speaking Christian community. He played a crucial role during the Second World War in Casablanca, especially during the American-British landing. Details.
It is in one of the busiest streets of Casablanca that the Anglican evangelist church of Saint John is located. It has been known as the “British Church” since its inauguration in Morocco. During a visit organized by the American Embassy and the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Yabiladi had the chance to stroll between the walls of this former place of worship, which is still in operation.
Right next to the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Guej Street, the church was built outside the walls of the old medina. According to the brochure collected by Yabiladi during the visit, the idea of building an English-speaking church in Casablanca takes us back 113 years. “In 1904, members of the British community in Casablanca drew up a plan, which later became the Evangelist Church of Saint John,” reads the introduction to the pamphlet.
“The location chosen is on the British expatriate cemetery which was purchased 40 years previously.”
A year later, Bruce Maclean, the British Consul in Casablanca ordered a firm of architects to lay the first stone of the church on May 12, 1905. By the summer of 1906, the church was ready, five years later, it was inaugurated.
If the place of worship had a promising future, it still went through many hardships. During the presentation of the place on the occasion of the organized visit, the Reverend Canon Dr Medhat Sabry explained that “at the beginning of August 1907, the church was looted and narrowly escaped total destruction”. According to the man of faith, the members of the Er Rehali family who took care of the place of worship were kidnapped and held hostage until the payment of the ransom by the church.
Later, another more dramatic event will mourn the place of worship. The first chaplains chosen to serve in the church die soon after their arrival. Many years later, the church will be run by seasonal and part-time chaplains, until a full-time chaplain arrives. “In 1934 Reverend GFB Morris was appointed. Reverend Cecil Green succeeded him and served the church until 1983,” said the same source.
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The stained glass windows of the church are adorned with a thousand colors. / Ph. Mehdi Moussahim – Yabiladi
The Role of the Church in World War II
The Evangelist Church of Saint John holds historical value in the economic capital of the kingdom, as it served as a refuge for those who landed in Morocco during World War II. Here, we are talking about the famous American-British landing which took place in 1942 in Casablanca. “General George S.Paton and other servicemen regularly attended the services,” recalls the Reverend.
“To testify to the importance of Saint John in the eyes of the troops, the General made a donation of a chain pulpit of rare finesse, in memory of the soldiers who died defending the city. Many years later, his wife will offer a communion table in his memory.
The church was a central meeting point for all English-speaking expatriates living in Casablanca at that time. Today the place of worship is also a haven of peace for many Christians, but also a magnificent place to visit for all lovers of the historical heritage of the White City. Its Western architecture and its stone walls offer a decor and a soothing atmosphere. The attention to detail inside and out catches the eye of visitors.
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The Church of Saint John is located in one of the liveliest streets in Casablanca. / Ph. Mehdi Moussahim – Yabiladi
Throughout ‘ commemorate loved ones. The place has multiple windows decorated with colored glasses that symbolize Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Near the church is a pleasant garden, with flowers on the graves of British expats who have lived in Morocco.
Saint John Evangelist Church is still open for those who wish to pray in one of the most authentic churches in the city. If there are no more burials, funerals, weddings and other ceremonies can be held there. The church also provides Bible learning classes and other programs such as baptism, confirmation classes, and prayer services.
Visitors can come from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.