The Holy Cross Church of Palermo and the importance of Sicily

Dear friends,

if you go to Palermo, do not forget to visit the Holy Cross Church .

The Holy Cross Church is the anglican church of Palermo.
During the nineteenth century, Sicily was a bit 'of time a British protectorate.
Many British merchants moved to Sicily, creating activities, especially in the food industry.
We think, for example, the Marsala wine.
It was created by British families (like the Ingham and Whitaker) which transformed the local grapes in Marsala wine that we know.
After 1814, came to Sicily of Anglican priests to celebrate mass for these English families transplanted there.
However, only since 1840 were regularized masses of the Church of England in Palermo.
In 1871, Joseph and Benjamin Ingham Whitaker announced their intention to erect an Anglican church.
The building was designed by architect William Barber , who was assisted by Christian Henry, the son of Joseph Whitaker.
Ingham died in 1872 and his wife Emily brought forward the work.
On December 19, 1875, the church was opened for worship.
On the death of Joseph Whitaker (1884) the church lived under the patronage of his son Joshua Whitaker (1849-1926), who devoted himself entirely to the administration of the place of worship.
In 1926, when Joshua died, the church was administered by his brother Joseph Isaach Spadafora Whitaker (1850-1936 ) and death of these, the administration of the church passed to her daughter Delia.
During World War II, when the Allies landed in Sicily (in 1943), the church was used by American forces under General Patton. In it there is also a monument commemorating the Americans killed in World War II.
Now, this church, with its gothic architecture, which demonstrates the importance it has in the history of Sicily Italian, European and international level.
Do not forget that.
Sincerely .