Clarence Town

Father Jerome's Twin Churches

The twin-towered churches of Clarence Town stand as monuments to one man's spiritual journey. Father Jerome Hawes arrived in the Bahamas as an Anglican missionary and built St. Paul's Church with its distinctive medieval European styling. Twenty years later, having converted to Catholicism, he returned to design St. Peter and St. Paul's Catholic Church on the opposite hill.

Both churches feature twin towers rising roughly 40 feet above the harbour, offering visitors who climb to the top sweeping views of the settlement, the turquoise harbour, and the cays dotting the coastline. The architectural symmetry between buildings of different denominations speaks to Jerome's artistic consistency and his deep connection to this corner of the Bahamas.

Harbour Life and Local Culture

Clarence Town Harbour serves as the working heart of the settlement, where local fishing boats unload their daily catch and the occasional mailboat brings supplies from Nassau. On Thursdays, when cruise ships anchor offshore, local vendors set up stalls selling handmade crafts, fresh produce, and Bahamian specialties.

The pace here remains unhurried, with residents gathering at small local restaurants for conch salad and cold Kalik beer. Max's, located on the road approaching town, has earned a reputation for some of the freshest conch preparations on the island.

Gateway to Dean's Blue Hole

Clarence Town serves as the most convenient base for visiting Dean's Blue Hole, located just a few miles north near the Turtle Cove development. The world's third-deepest blue hole drops 202 metres into the earth and draws freedivers from across the globe for the annual Vertical Blue competition.

Accommodations in and around Clarence Town range from modest guesthouses to vacation rentals, making it practical to explore both the cultural attractions of the settlement and the natural wonders of the surrounding coastline.

Getting there

Clarence Town lies at the southern end of Long Island's Queen's Highway. Most visitors fly into Nassau (NAS) and connect on Bahamasair or local carriers to Deadman's Cay Airport (LGI), then drive approximately 20 minutes south. Alternatively, Stella Maris Airport (SML) in the north serves some flights, with Clarence Town about an hour's drive. Rental cars are essential for exploring; arrange through your accommodation as no major rental chains operate on the island. The mailboat MV Sherice M connects Long Island to Nassau weekly for those with more time.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors enter Father Jerome's churches?

Yes, both St. Paul's Anglican Church and St. Peter and St. Paul's Catholic Church welcome visitors. You can typically climb the towers for harbour views, though it is respectful to visit outside service times and leave a small donation.

How far is Dean's Blue Hole from Clarence Town?

Dean's Blue Hole is approximately 3 miles north of Clarence Town, accessible via a short drive and then a walk through the Turtle Cove development to the beach.

Are there restaurants and accommodations in Clarence Town?

Clarence Town has modest dining options and guesthouses. For more variety, visitors often stay at properties between Clarence Town and Deadman's Cay or at resorts in the Stella Maris area in the north.