Early Religious Practices
The first set of inhabitants of the Portmore area were the Arawaks (Tainos). These natives were known to have worshipped a variety of community and personal gods called "zemis" Their religious practices became lost with the extinction of the Tainos in the mid-16th century.
The later main set of inhabitants were the early Spanish colonial powers. They were mostly Roman Catholic. When the English took over control of the island in 1655, the Church of England (Anglican Church) became the main religious group. It was only later when the missionaries from Protestant churches came to the island of Jamaica that other Christian denominations became tediously accepted. The first of these were Baptists and Wesleyans (currently Methodists).
By the mid-twentieth century, followers of Rastafari made an informal settlement in the Caymanas Estate area. After they were removed, no other permanent settlement or congregation was ever established.
Present Day Religious Activities
Since the explosion of the population of Portmore, more diverse Christian denominations have established places of worship. Some non-conformists such as the Jehovah's Witness' and the Seventh Day Adventists were the most sucessful of these. As Portmore expanded westward and south-ward even more branches of various denominations became established in the community.
One interesting church in Portmore is the Church of Reconciliation located in the Bridgeport area, which is the joint home to the two initial major Christian denominations (Catholic and Anglican). Other churches became prominent because of their continued involvement in the community by developing schools and outreach services.
None of the other major world religions (Islam, Hinduism, Judaism etc.) have ever managed to establish a significant following or place of worship in Portmore.
Please see below for a listing of the various church denominations in Portmore found within our mini-directory.
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