Exploring St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Old Bight, Cat Island
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is one of the most distinctive historic religious landmarks on Cat Island. Standing on a ridge beside Queen's Highway in Old Bight, the church was created by Monsignor John Cyril Hawes—better known locally as Father Jerome—the priest, architect and sculptor whose work left a lasting architectural imprint across Cat Island and The Bahamas. The official Islands of The Bahamas tourism authority describes St. Francis of Assisi as one of Father Jerome's carefully crafted creations and notes its Gothic façade, frescoes, engravings and sculptures.
Today, the historic building is described by the tourism authority as a historical ruin that is not generally open to the public, so visitors should not assume that interior access will be available. Local guidance may be necessary if access is possible. The mapped site is also identified as Old St Francis Of Assisi Church Ruins in Old Bight Settlement.
For travelers interested in Cat Island history, architecture, Father Jerome or religious heritage, the church adds important context beyond the island's beaches and natural attractions. Pair this article with the Ultimate Cat Island Travel Guide for the wider destination, while keeping this page focused specifically on St. Francis of Assisi and its architectural and historical significance.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH OVERVIEW
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church occupies a prominent ridge-top position beside the road in Old Bight. The official Bahamas tourism site describes Old Bight as Cat Island's largest town and identifies the church as another of Father Jerome's architectural creations.
The attraction is particularly significant because architecture, art and religion are combined within a single historic site. Its documented features include a Gothic façade, frescoes, engravings and sculptures, reflecting the detailed craftsmanship for which Father Jerome became known.
Unlike an active church that travelers visit primarily to attend services, the historic St. Francis building is now better understood as an architectural and heritage site.
That distinction matters when planning a visit. Travelers should approach the property as a historic ruin rather than expecting regular opening hours, scheduled tours or guaranteed access to the interior.
WHO WAS FATHER JEROME?
Father Jerome was the name by which Monsignor John Hawes became known on Cat Island. He was both a Roman Catholic priest and a skilled architect and sculptor, and his buildings form an important part of the island's architectural heritage.
The official Bahamas tourism authority describes Hawes as a contemplative and admirer of St. Francis of Assisi. He later constructed The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia in 1939 using local stone.
His connection to St. Francis was particularly strong. Mount Alvernia itself was named by Hawes after La Verna in Tuscany, a place associated with St. Francis of Assisi.
Historical research dedicated to Monsignor Hawes documents several Hawes-related buildings across Cat Island, including St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Redeemer and Our Lady of Sion.
These relationships make St. Francis of Assisi more meaningful when understood as part of Father Jerome's wider architectural legacy rather than as an isolated church ruin.
ARCHITECTURE & ARTISTIC DETAILS
The architectural character of St. Francis of Assisi is one of the strongest reasons to stop in Old Bight.
The official tourism description specifically highlights its Gothic façade and interior artistic details, including frescoes, engravings and sculptures. These elements demonstrate the way Father Jerome combined architecture with hands-on craftsmanship.
His work elsewhere on Cat Island provides additional context for this approach. At The Hermitage, for example, Father Jerome created hand-carved stone reliefs representing the Stations of the Cross along the ascent of Mount Alvernia.
St. Francis of Assisi should therefore be viewed not simply as an old religious structure but as part of a distinctive body of architecture associated with a priest who also worked as a designer, builder and sculptor.
For architecture-focused travelers, that connection creates a natural Father Jerome heritage route between Old Bight, New Bight, Mount Alvernia and other religious sites on Cat Island.
WHY THE CHURCH WAS NAMED FOR ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
The dedication to St. Francis of Assisi reflects Father Jerome's own spiritual outlook.
The Bahamas tourism authority notes that Father Jerome patterned his life after St. Francis and suggests that this personal connection is reflected in the care given to the Old Bight church.
That Franciscan connection appears elsewhere in Father Jerome's work on Cat Island.
His retirement sanctuary, The Hermitage, stands on Mount Alvernia—a name connected with La Verna in Italy, where St. Francis traditionally withdrew for contemplation.
An Australian Catholic historical account adds another interesting connection: Franciscan supporters in Perth helped fund a small church Father Jerome built on Cat Island, and Hawes maintained links with the Franciscan community.
Together, these connections help explain why Franciscan imagery and spirituality are important for interpreting Father Jerome's Cat Island legacy.
WHERE IS ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH?
The historic church is located along Queen's Highway in Old Bight, Cat Island, The Bahamas. The official tourism listing places it on a ridge beside the road.
The mapped ruins are recorded in Old Bight Settlement. Old St Francis Of Assisi Church Ruins
The geographic entity relationship is therefore:
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church → Old Bight → Cat Island → The Bahamas
Its roadside position makes the church particularly suitable as a heritage stop while traveling along Cat Island rather than an attraction requiring a major standalone excursion.
Travelers exploring Old Bight can connect the church with other historical and cultural sites while leaving broader coverage of the settlement to a dedicated Old Bight Travel Guide.
IS THE CHURCH OPEN TO VISITORS?
This is one of the most important planning details.
The official Bahamas tourism website states that St. Francis of Assisi is now a historical ruin and is not generally open to the public. It advises visitors to check with people in the local area regarding access.
Travelers should therefore not interpret its presence on tourism websites or maps as a guarantee of interior admission.
Even without interior access, the building remains relevant for travelers interested in architecture, photography and Father Jerome's work. Exterior viewing can still reveal its ridge-top position and distinctive architectural form.
Visitors should respect locked doors, barriers and private or restricted areas rather than attempting to enter without permission.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI & THE HERMITAGE
St. Francis of Assisi Church and The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia provide two of the strongest opportunities to understand Father Jerome's work on Cat Island.
The Hermitage stands on Mount Alvernia—also known locally as Como Hill—which rises to 206 feet (63 meters) and is the highest point in The Bahamas. Father Jerome built the small monastery there in 1939 as a place of contemplation.
The two sites serve different purposes.
St. Francis of Assisi was created as a church serving a community in Old Bight, while The Hermitage was Father Jerome's personal retreat. Yet both demonstrate his religious devotion and architectural craftsmanship.
For travelers specifically interested in Father Jerome, visiting both locations provides far greater context than seeing either structure independently.
This section should therefore link naturally to a dedicated The Hermitage & Mount Alvernia Guide.
OTHER FATHER JEROME SITES ON CAT ISLAND
St. Francis of Assisi belongs to a wider network of Father Jerome-associated sites across Cat Island.
Specialist historical documentation of Monsignor Hawes records connections with Our Lady of Sion at Port Howe, Holy Redeemer and The Hermitage, in addition to St. Francis of Assisi.
These buildings help demonstrate how extensively Hawes influenced Cat Island's religious architecture.
However, travelers should distinguish historic buildings from current parish arrangements. The Archdiocese of Nassau currently identifies Holy Redeemer in New Bight as its Cat Island parish, with Sunday service listed at 11 a.m.
That makes Holy Redeemer more appropriate for travelers seeking current Catholic worship information, while St. Francis of Assisi is primarily relevant today as a historical and architectural attraction.
PHOTOGRAPHY & RESPONSIBLE VISITING
St. Francis of Assisi is particularly interesting for architectural photography because its Gothic design contrasts with Cat Island's surrounding low-rise settlements and natural landscape.
Visitors should photograph the site respectfully, particularly because it remains a religious heritage property even though the historic building is now a ruin.
Do not climb unstable walls, enter closed sections or move architectural fragments for photographs. If local permission is required for closer access, obtain it before proceeding.
Drone users should also check current Bahamian regulations and any local restrictions rather than assuming aerial photography is permitted.
Preserving the physical fabric of the church is more important than obtaining unrestricted access to every part of the building.
WHO SHOULD VISIT ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI?
The site is particularly worthwhile for travelers interested in:
-
Cat Island history and heritage
-
Bahamian religious architecture
-
Father Jerome and Monsignor John Hawes
-
Gothic architectural details
-
Historic churches
-
Photography
-
Catholic heritage in The Bahamas
-
Cultural road trips around Cat Island
It can also add historical depth to an itinerary otherwise focused primarily on beaches and outdoor activities.
Visitors seeking a functioning Catholic church or a scheduled Mass should instead consult current parish information. The Archdiocese of Nassau currently lists Holy Redeemer in New Bight as the Cat Island parish.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Location: Queen's Highway, Old Bight, Cat Island, The Bahamas.
Site type: Historic Roman Catholic church ruin and architectural landmark.
Architect: Monsignor John Hawes, known on Cat Island as Father Jerome.
Architectural style: Gothic façade.
Documented artistic features: Frescoes, engravings and sculptures.
Current status: Historical ruin; not generally open to the public.
Interior access: Check locally; do not assume the building will be open.
Admission: No reliable current admission fee could be verified.
Opening hours: No formal visitor hours could be verified.
Guided tours: No regularly scheduled official tour program could be verified.
Accessibility: Detailed accessibility infrastructure could not be verified.
Contact: The official tourism listing publishes (242) 354-2043.
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church connects Old Bight → Cat Island → Father Jerome's architectural heritage → The Bahamas. Its strongest related sites include Holy Redeemer in New Bight and The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia, while other Hawes-associated buildings extend the story farther across Cat Island. Together, these structures reveal an important architectural and religious layer of Cat Island that complements its beaches, settlements and natural attractions without replacing the broader destination experience covered by the main Cat Island pillar guide.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH STILL OPEN?
The historic Old Bight church is described by the official Bahamas tourism authority as a historical ruin that is not generally open to the public. Visitors should ask locally about possible access.
WHAT IS ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH KNOWN FOR?
It is known as one of Father Jerome's Cat Island architectural works and for its Gothic façade, frescoes, engravings and sculptures.
WHERE IS ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH ON CAT ISLAND?
The church stands on a ridge beside Queen's Highway in Old Bight, Cat Island.
CAN YOU GO INSIDE ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH?
Interior access should not be assumed. The official tourism authority says the historical ruin is not generally open and recommends checking with local residents regarding access.
IS ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH CONNECTED TO FATHER JEROME?
Yes. Father Jerome, also known as Monsignor John Hawes, designed and created the church and was responsible for several other important religious buildings on Cat Island.
WHAT OTHER FATHER JEROME SITE SHOULD I VISIT?
The most significant related attraction is The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia, Father Jerome's small stone monastery built in 1939 at the highest point in The Bahamas.
ARE CATHOLIC SERVICES HELD AT ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI?
Current Archdiocese information does not list the historic St. Francis ruins as Cat Island's active parish. It identifies Holy Redeemer in New Bight, where Sunday service is currently listed for 11 a.m.
HOW DOES ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI FIT INTO A CAT ISLAND ITINERARY?
It works well as a short heritage stop while traveling through Old Bight, especially when combined with The Hermitage, New Bight and other Father Jerome-associated sites.
EXPLORE MORE CAT ISLAND GUIDES
CONCLUSION
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is one of Cat Island's important surviving links to the work of Father Jerome. Its Gothic façade, frescoes, engravings and sculptures demonstrate the combination of religious devotion, architecture and craftsmanship that characterized his work.
Its present condition also changes how travelers should experience it. This is a historical ruin rather than a conventional visitor attraction, and interior access is not generally available. Approaching the building respectfully from its ridge-top setting in Old Bight still provides valuable insight into Cat Island's architectural and Catholic heritage.
Travelers particularly interested in Father Jerome should pair St. Francis of Assisi with The Hermitage on Mount Alvernia, where his architecture, stonework and spiritual influences can be explored further. For the wider destination—including beaches, settlements, accommodations and transportation—continue to the Ultimate Cat Island Travel Guide.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, St Francis of Assisi Church, Old St Francis of Assisi Church Ruins, Father Jerome, Monsignor John Cyril Hawes, Monsignor John Hawes, Old Bight, Queen's Highway, Cat Island, The Bahamas, Gothic church, Gothic façade, frescoes, engravings, sculptures, Catholic heritage, religious architecture, historic church, church ruins, Cat Island history, Cat Island heritage, Holy Redeemer, New Bight, The Hermitage, Mount Alvernia, Como Hill, Our Lady of Sion, Port Howe, Father Jerome architecture, Cat Island attractions, things to do on Cat Island, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, Cat Island road trip