Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4984/-1/135/

75 Years Of Adventism Observed In Anguilla


Adventists and persons from other religious denominations in Anguilla crowded the Shimei Tabernacle at Long Bay where a ceremonial service of thanksgiving was held last Saturday, July 14, to mark the 75th Anniversary of Adventism on the island.


L-R: CM Fleming, Pastors Philip, Browne, King and Daniel
L-R: CM Fleming, Pastors Philip, Browne, King and Daniel
His Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Andrew George were among those who filled the large church to capacity, while others were accommodated under the large crusade tent.

The North Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists based in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean Union in Trinidad and Tobago, were represented by President Silton Browne and Dr. Eugene Daniel respectively.


Foreground: CM Fleming, Hon. Harrigan and Governor & Mrs. Andrew George
Foreground: CM Fleming, Hon. Harrigan and Governor & Mrs. Andrew George
District Pastor, Danny Philip, welcomed the large congregation. He noted that the Seventh-day Adventist Church was started in Anguilla in 1932 and since then had grown tremendously. He noted that there were now three established congregations – one each at Mount Fortune, Jireh and Shimei as well as a Spanish group which began separate meetings three months ago.

“As you review your history during this week and as you remember the pioneers, men and women who gave sacrificially of all their resources and time, shared their homes, love and message, it reminds of what can be accomplished if we just wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to the tasks that are before us,” Dr. Daniel said.


The Mass Choir Directed by Vernon Rogers
The Mass Choir Directed by Vernon Rogers
“I think those who went before us are models to us as to what the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Anguilla can become. When you recall some of your history, you see men and women who acted on the basis of their convictions and were not afraid to tell other persons what they stood for. Amidst the challenges of our times, there is always the danger of compromise. In your moments of reflection, I would just like you to look back at the pioneers who were present for the establishment of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Anguilla.”

Pastor Philip extended greetings to the church in Anguilla on behalf of the 203,000 brothers and sisters spread across the Caribbean from Suriname all the way up to the chain of islands.


Members of the Congregation at Shimei Tabernacle at Long Bay
Members of the Congregation at Shimei Tabernacle at Long Bay
President Silton Browne brought greetings from all the churches covered by the North Caribbean Conference and expressed much pleasure in the growth of the church over the years.


The sermon was delivered by Dr. George King who arrived from the South Eastern California Conference for the occasion. He is a former District Pastor in Anguilla and is originally from Antigua, while his wife is formerly from Trinidad.

“I just want to say that now is the time for advent living. It is 75 years nearer than when we first believed,” he headlined his sermon. He stressed the need for spiritual rebirth and commitment and appealed to the congregation to follow the principles of Christian living.

During the service a history of the church was delivered by Mrs Danny Philip, wife of the District pastor.
A week of activities to mark the 75th Anniversary of the church was announced as follows: July 14: Sabbath services and an Adventist Youth panel discussion on issues facing young people in the church; July 15: a picnic and vespers at East Shoal Bay; July 16: a history of the church and sermonette; July 17: a sunset cruise aboard the barge MV Lady Romney; July 18: youth night; July 19: an anniversary concert; July 20: a commitment service; July 21: Sabbath services to be followed by a banquet and an award ceremony at the Anguilla Great House.




| Back to normal page view | Send this article to a friend |