The 1957 earthquake caused deaths, left hundreds homeless and property damage, particularly in St. James and other western areas of the island. Many schools, churches and homes were severely damaged and some destroyed entirely. According to reports Montego Bay and its environs were the worst hit areas by the earthquake. There the St. James Parish church suffered heavy damage. The clock tower was completely destroyed. Other churches extensively damaged included the Holy Trinity Church, St. Paul’s Kirk and Burchell Baptist Church.