Gingerland, Nevis – Sunday 24th November was a very significant day in the lives of the members of the Gingerland Seventh Day Adventist Church.
On that day, after many years of toil and tremendous sacrifice, the brand new, impressive edifice, was officially dedicated to the service of God.
Among the dignitaries present at the significant ceremony, was Premier, Hon. Mark Brantley and Mrs. Brantley, other members of the Nevis Island Administration, Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Robelto Hector and other members of the Nevis Reformation Party; Her Honour, Magistrate Miss Yasmine Clarke; President Carson Greene and his distinguished delegation from the South Leewards Conference and members of the local clergy.
The persons officiating on the platform were: Elder Morrice Tyrell; Pastor Kay White, Pastor Delroy Josiah, Pastor Otis Browne, Pastor Stanton Adams, Dr. Mark Braithwaite, Sister Krista Moore and Elder Franklyn Browne.
Some of the highlights of the afternoon’s proceedings, included: The cutting of the ribbon by Sister Leontine Clarke and Brother Ricaldo Browne; the commissioning of a special lift to take disabled persons upstairs; a history of the church, ably presented by Sister Lineta Powell; a heart-searching sermon, delivered by President Greene, which challenged the members to dedicate themselves to God as well and to use the building wisely, to the saving of souls.
Three wonderful items of special music were rendered by the Gingerland church choir, the Maranatha choir and Tessa Nicholas and the vote of thanks, done by Sister Wendy Lawrence.
Special presentations were made to three specially selected honourees, who were so honoured because of their long service and dedication to the church: Sister Leontine Clarke, Sister Shirley Browne and Bother Ricaldo SKIP Browne.
The uncovering of the cornerstone was done by the dynamic combination of President Greene and Sister Shirley Browne.
During the service, the Gingerland members also received a pleasant surprise, when Pastor Josiah blessed a newly acquired bus for use of the church. The program was ably coordinated by the planning committee, headed by the hard working Sister Marjorie Liburd.