[4] The Church of England arrived in Jamaica after the conquest of the Spanish-held island by an English Army during the Anglo-Spanish War (1654–1660).

Prior to the creation of the Diocese of Jamaica in 1824, the island's churches were under the notional jurisdiction of the Bishop of London.

Practicality meant that in reality it was dominated by the local administration and planter elite and failed to gain the support of the slave population.

During his 19 years as Bishop of Jamaica, Lipscomb firmly established the Anglican Church on the island, ordaining 73 deacons and 66 priests, consecrating 31 churches and licensing 41 other buildings for worship, and attracting many enslaved Africans class into the congregation.

His successor, Aubrey Spencer, continued his evangelical work, converting St Catherine's church in 1843 to the Diocesan Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega and establishing three Archdeaconries (Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey).