About St. Anne · Frenchtown, Saint Thomas Island
St. Anne Chapel in Frenchtown, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the oldest churches still standing in its original structure on the island. Founded in 1921, it was built by the French Caribbean Catholic community in response to social exclusion and lack of access to Mass in the main cathedral. The chapel has served as a spiritual anchor for the Frenchtown community for over a century and is now celebrated as a symbol of resilience and faith. It remains under the pastoral care of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and is recognized as a historic and cherished landmark.
- Established
- 1921
- Patron
- St. Anne
- Diocese
- Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
Why belong here
The parish offers a welcoming, historically rooted community that honors its French Caribbean heritage and provides spiritual support through Mass, sacraments, and active ministries. It is a place where generations have gathered, celebrated milestones, and found belonging — from the first communion in 1922 to the first marriage in 1922, and now a century of continuous service. The community is deeply connected to its roots and actively seeks to grow in faith and service.
History
The chapel was opened and dedicated on December 25, 1921, following the efforts of Father John Guillo, who arrived in 1918, and Paul Dugal. It was built by the French fishing community of Carenage (now Frenchtown) in gratitude for surviving World War I and the Spanish flu pandemic. The community had previously attended Mass at the cathedral in Charlotte Amalie but faced ridicule for their poverty and lack of shoes, leading them to stop attending. Father Guillo held Mass in a schoolhouse and then petitioned for a dedicated chapel, which was constructed. The chapel celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, with hopes that it would be elevated to a parish status due to its enduring service.
Community & Legacy
The chapel has served as a spiritual anchor for the Frenchtown community for over a century. It is recognized as a historic and cherished landmark, and its centennial celebration in 2021 highlighted its resilience and enduring faith. The community is deeply connected to its roots and actively seeks to grow in faith and service.