A Publication of the Gregory Park SDA Church Communication Department December 2011
Issue #8
Gregory Park Celebrates 70 years
T
he Journey of God‟s people to the Promised Land, the exodus of the people of Israel out of Egypt and the birth of Gregory Park Church all started with the call of one man to teach and lead the Lord‟s people into new and unknown territory, led only by the steady and faithful hand of God. The Gregory Park Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated over 70 years of existence in 2011 with a grand weekend celebration, December 9-11, under the theme: This Far by Faith – led by God’s Hands. A special Friday night Vesper service raised the curtains on the weekend, with the Gregory Park Church almost at full capacity. The evening, hosted by Elders Janet Able-Simpson and Wayne Harrison was captioned „The Journey.‟ They started the recurring theme of the journey of Literature Evangelist Charles Brown, who took the Advent message to the Gregory Park area walking along the train line from West Kingston to the Portmore Area in 1940. This would lead to the establishing of a small wooden structure for worship, the genesis of the Gregory Park SDA Church. The service was punctuated with voices of praise with specials from the „Igniters‟ from Woodford Church, „Chosen‟ from sister church, Waterford and local talent, Alex Anderson, Esperanza, For Hymn, Jean-Mark Davis, Breeze and The Men‟s Chorale. Pastor Blondel Campbell capped the evening‟s praise and thanksgiving and set the tone for the Sabbath celebration with a Sp brief message from the Word of God - chronicling the jourec ney of the people of Israel. ia 14 l ye „We’ve come this far by faith‟ was the refrain -p ar Iss ag e from the Church, Youth and Children‟s choirs who u e e nd
blended their voices harmoniously as they proceeded from the entrance of the Tabernacle to the platform to begin the Divine Hour Service Sabbath morning. The Church membership was reacquainted with past members as Bro. Donald Walters, former First Elder; Bro. Delroy Thomas – a past member and Sis. Verlis Hamilton, wife of former First Elder Cleston Hamilton participated in the preliminary activities. Pastor Howard Grant, Youth and Children‟s Ministries Director of Central Jamaica Conference, in bringing greetings from the Conference noted the fact that the Church, the first in the Portmore area, predates the Conference to which it belongs, which celebrated 50 years this year. It could also claim the blessing of other churches in the Portmore Area as daughters and granddaughters in ministry. The divine Hour message was delivered by Pastor Everett Brown, President of Jamaica Union – who himself served the Gregory Park Church. Pastor Brown recounted the call of Abram in Genesis 12 when God said: “Go from your country, your people and your father‟s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” He noted that our pioneers, much like Abram were willing to endure ridicule and defy logic and reason to follow God because they knew in who and what they believed. He however pointed out that the credit for the growth of God‟s church and the blessing thereof should never be credited to man but to the Holy Father. The high day in Zion ended with an AY „Trip down Memory‟ lane led by former First Elder Lenroy Harriott Snr. Bro. Harriott allowed members to reminisce about the „good ole days‟ of a smaller Gregory Park Church. Stories were told of Bro. Nelson Cooper who served as First Elder for many years. As one of the few persons at the time with a vehicle, he would take persons to and from church while others recalled his impactful Bible classes and work with the senior choir. Sis. Eileen Roper spoke of former choir director Sis. Saye Gabbidon who now resides in Canada. She remembers Sis Gabbidon as “a people person and very friendly” who organised choirs for crusades in the area. Special mention was also made of stalwarts like Sis. Christobel Francis, Sis. Lorna Buchannan and Bro. Kenneth Duncan. Former church pastor, Desmond Robinson noted in his message at the launch in October that a celebration and acknowledgement of a milestone such as this is of little value if it does not give purpose to the present and a sense of the direction for the future. Like the past 70 plus years, the future of Gregory Park Church is firmly in God‟s Hands. - Damian Wilson
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I s s ue # 8
From the
Pastor
Gregory Park Celebrates 70 Years Scenes from the Quarter Gregory Park Recognises Community Service Publications Health as a Lifestyle Portal of Praise That the World May Know Congratulations! Citation Should Christians Vote? The Light The History of CJC Pastors, Elders & Pioneers The History of Gregory Park Church The Calendar
Blondel CAMPBELL Pastor, Gregory Park Circuit
P
raise the Lord! He continues to be good to us in spite of ourselves. Let us use this opportunity to thank Him for His leading in the life of the Church over the past year. He has blessed us in accomplishing His will as we went through each quarter. What a wonderful way to end the year – celebrating over seventy (70) years of existence in the life of the Church in the Gregory Park Community. The Church has been a blessing and will continue to be. I use this medium to implore us to continue the work started by our faithful pioneers years ago. Let us continue to make Jesus our focus as that is the sole purpose of our existence. Thanks to Elder Angela Chambers and her planning team as together they worked assiduously to make the celebration the success it was. We look forward to that great celebration when Jesus comes the second time. Thanks to all officers who served during 2011. I am sure it was our ‘meat to do the will of our heavenly Father.’ Those of us who are asked to serve for 2012, let us remain at the feet of Jesus, as we know He will accomplish His will through us. The Lord has blessed the Church with a wonderful set of children and youths and for this we are glad. I say words of commendation to the older and more experienced ones among us who surround them with the love of God – continue to love them so that they too will be part of that great celebration when Jesus comes the second time. Sis. Jeudeen Chambers, we love you and our prayers are with you as you leave us for some time. The year 2012 is almost here. We are closer to the coming of the Lord than we even know. Let us not be conformed to this world – instead let us be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so we will be able to prove that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Adapted from Romans 12:2). God bless you!
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Michca-Mae Bonner Wayne Harrison Fiona Dyer Wilson
Tashawna Harrison Marjorie Stone Damian Wilson
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Gregory Park Celebrates 70 Years
Divine Hour Speaker Pastor Everett Brown
Choir Director Michelle Roper- Carty leads the C_urZ_, Yout_ Xn[ C_`l[r\n|s C_o`rs
Bro. Lenroy Harriott Snr. Takes members on a Trip Down Memory Lane
W\|v\ Zom\ t_`s ]Xr Yy ]X`t_| - the Church, Youth Xn[ C_`l[r\n|s Z_o`rs Yl\n[ t_\`r vo`Z\s Xs t_\y proceed to the platform
{Br\\z\| s`n^s [ur`n^ Fr`[Xy \v\n`n^|s V\sp\r S\rv`Z\
Members enjoy an evening at the Eden Gardens at a Banquet to commemorate the milestone (Sunday Dec 11, 2011)
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Members of the AY Committee present „The Most Outrageous Bible Stories‟ during the AY segment of Youth Day, November 27, 2011
from the
Elder Valbert Walker of the Waterford SDA Church makes an altar call after his Divine Hour Message on Community Relations Day, Sabbath Oct 29, 2011
Members of the children‟s Division and Division leader Reginald Evans Snr. (left) after the Children‟s Day presentation in the Courtyard, on Sabbath November 19, 2011.
Mrs. Carol Harrison-Kong of the Gregory Park Baptist Church receives a certificate of appreciation on behalf of her Church, from Elder Edward Chambers during a special Service, recognising service to the Community, October 29, 2011.
Bro. Robert Brown paints the entrance grill to the church during Work Day, November 27 and December 3, 2011
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Portmore AY Federation President Julia Campbell (right) presents a token to Reneisha Brissett for submitting the winning essay titled „Sharing the Power of God‟s Love‟ in a Pathfinder essay Competition (Nov 5, 2011)
Pastor Carlton Richards, presented during Week of Prayer, November 512, 2011
„Charisma‟ Reunited
The Men‟s Ministry Day out, Sunday November 6, 2011
Jelly Coconut anyone?
Pastor Campbell and wife Sis Maxine Campbell, with Pastor Levi Johnson, President of Central Jamaica Conference after his sermon on Stewardship Day, Sabbath December 3, 2011
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Gregory Park Church Recognises Service to the Community
T
he Gregory Park SDA Church said thank you to organizations in Gregory Park and Christian Pen who have served these communities faithfully, diligently and arduously over the years. This was done in a special AY Service on Sabbath October 29, celebrated as Sabbath School Community Relations Day under the theme „Reaching those Around Us.‟ The nine entities represented a mix of business sector, public health, education, the security force and religious groups. The Gregory Park Primary School was recognised for its over 100 year presence, and service to the community, a service from which many members of the Gregory Park Church have benefitted. Brothers and Sisters of the Christian faith were also recognised. These include the Gregory Park Baptist Church and the Glad Tidings Church of the First Born (The Straightway Gospel Assembly). The Baptist Church was congratulated on its contribution not
of the
only to the spiritual development of the community but its social outreach in the form of its Learning Institute and its feeding and visitation programmes. The Glad Tidings Church is Gregory Park SDA Church‟s closest neighbour, sharing a boundary wall. First Elder Edward Chambers, in presenting the token of appreciation, commended the Glad Tidings Church on the spirit of cooperation between the church and Gregory Park Church in harmoniously executing their various services. The business sector was represented by the Train Track Hardware, the Christian Pen Hardware and M & M Wholesale. Both hardware outlets have contributed significantly to the building of the current edifice completed in 2000. Sis. Hyacinth Hines in presenting to the proprietor of the Christian Pen Hardware, Steve Edwards, recounted how the Church has always been able to depend on Steve for hardware items at any time of day, with payment at a later date. Clive Ebanks in his presentation to the Train Track Hardware recounted that when he came to Portmore, whenever he was in need of hard to find hardware items and asked around, the answer was always the same - „check Train Track!‟ With the importance of health and the health message to the Adventist Church, two providers of health services were recognised - the Portmore Health Complex and the Christian Pen Health Centre. For over 20 years, both organizations have seen to the physical well being of the community, providing the full gamut of health related services. Dr. Devon Osbourne of the Portmore Health Complex, where many members seek medical attention, admitted that the recognition of his Complex, means more to him that words can describe, especially coming from an Adventist group with which he has had a long-standing relationship and he also commended for its own commitment to spiritual and physical health. Recognising the importance of security to Gregory Park and its environs, the Caymans Park Police Station was also presented with a certificate of appreciation. Elder Cavan Davis in presenting to two officers who accepted on behalf of the Station, praised the Cayman Park Police Station for their excellent service and commitment which he has personally witnessed over the years – consistent with its motto „To serve, protect and reassure‟.
What is the relationship between faith and feeling? When does temptation become sin? What is God's part and what is my part in salvation? How does the Christian relate to wealth, unfair criticism, or pain? The daily devotional classic, Our High Calling, is a call to holiness and a primer in the Christian virtues Ellen White warns against the pitfalls of the Christian path, explains how to overcome doubt, guilt, and selfishness, and motivates the reader with a golden chain of encouragement and assurance. The soul that turns to God for its help, its support, its power, by daily, earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thirsting after righteousness. By maintaining a connection with God… God’s Amazing Grace—is a daily devotional by Ellen White that focuses on grace.
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HEALTH AS A LIFESTYLE
One traditional Jamaican drink during this festive season is sorrel. Sorrel is regarded as both an herb and a vegetable and research continues to show its health benefits. Some of its health benefits are explained in the following article by Tracey Roizman, D. C. on the website LiveStrong.Com. Sorrel, also known as sour dock, is a hardy perennial plant thought to have originated in Asia. Sorrel also grows throughout Europe and North America. High in vitamin C, sorrel was traditionally used as a cure for scurvy. It has a tangy flavor that complements many soups and sauces and also is eaten raw in salads. Antioxidant Sorrel provides the fruity tang to many popular fruit-flavored herbal teas and adds considerable anitoxidant power to these health beverages. Sorrel has been found to disarm toxins in food and toxins produced as byproducts of eating unhealthy and highly processed foods. Red sorrel is a more powerful free radical scavenger than vitamin E; it reduces mutations that can lead to colon and skin cancer and induces selfdestruction in cancer cells, preventing them from replicating. Make red sorrel tea by adding 2 cups of dried red sorrel to 10 cups of hot water and steeping for 15 minutes. Cardiovascular Your cardiovascular health may benefit from adding sorrel to your diet. By neutralizing free radicals, this spinach-like vegetable prevents oxidation of cholesterol, a process that can lead to atherosclerotic plaque formation and heart disease. Sorrel also may lower levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, the bad form of cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure. Red sorrel contains antioxidant pigments known as anthocyanins that offer liver-protective benefits. The same compounds were found to prevent herpes virus infection in a study by researchers at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Muenster, Germany and published in the January 2011 issue of the journal "Antiviral Research." Environmental Toxins Sorrel may be useful for reducing heavy metal in the environment, according to a report published in the May 2010 issue of the journal "Environmental Pollution." In the study, sorrel plants exposed to zinc, lead and cadmium absorbed the metals through their roots and converted them into soluble, inactive forms. The study was conducted at the Department of Plant Biology and Ecology at the University of Basque Country, Spain. Uses Sorrel is a low-maintenance perennial that you may have in your garden for up to 10 years, says Charles Boning, author of the book, "Florida's Best Herbs and Spices." This useful plant can be categorized as both an herb and a vegetable. Prepare it like spinach in omelets and soups or chop it up raw in salads. Sorrel leaves can harvested as needed. Please note however, that the plant contains oxalic acid and may cause kidney stones in susceptible people. Talk to your doctor about using sorrel in your diet. Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/479930-sorrel-benefits/ #ixzz1h67K00vB
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things…” 1 Corinthians 9:25 The temptation to excess and over indulgence is perhaps strongest during the holiday season. Traditionally, Christmas festivities in Jamaica include many activities and functions where an abundance and variety of food and drinks are readily available. It becomes that much easier to engage in unhealthful practices as it relates to diet, rest and temperance. However, the call to moderation and the need to maintain healthful practices is as strong during the festive season as it is at any other time of the year. On page 128 of The Ministry of Healing Ellen White states „we cannot be too often reminded that health does not depend on chance…‟ As we are currently in the festive season let us make careful preparations and exercise discipline and temperance in all areas including diet and rest. Ellen White reminds us, “Evil angels are striving for the dominion of every human being. Whatever injures the health, not only lessens physical vigour, but tends to weaken the mental and moral powers. Indulgence in any unhealthful practice makes it more difficult for one to discriminate between right and wrong, and hence more difficult to resist evil. It increases the danger of failure and defeat”. (Ibid) On page 172 of the same source Ellen White states, “Among the victims of intemperance are men of all classes and all professions. Men of high station, of eminent talents, of great attainments, have yielded to the indulgence of appetite until they are helpless to resist temptation…. They have lost their self control…. With these, self-indulgence is not only a moral sin, but a physical disease”. Therefore, let us strive for the mastery in all areas of our lives for we are assured in scriptures that through Christ we are empowered to do all things. As we strive for the mastery in all things we will abstain from that which is harmful and have in moderation that which is good.
Articles written and compiled by Marjorie Stone, Health Ministries Director, Gregory Park SDA Church
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Jean-Mark Davis (left) receives the Chairman’s Award from Professor Stephen Vasciannie
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f we allow God to have complete control, and give Him the first praise and honour, then He has promised in His word that He will reward our faithfulness. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”. Jean-Mark Davis is a young man that has applied this biblical principle to his life. A committed, faithful, and multitalented young man, Jean-Mark has dedicated his life to serving God. Preacher, singer, and youth leader are just a few of the areas in church to which he has devoted his service. Yet in all accomplishments, Jean-Mark remains humble and always gives the honour to God for all these evident blessings. As a proud twelfth grade student of the Kingston College (KC) in Kingston, he has been reaping the rewards of academic excellence, having earned numerous awards throughout his tenure at KC. In 2011, he received the following awards: academic excellence for overall performance in Grade 12, academic excellence in CAPE Unit 1 Biology, outstanding contribution to the Science Club, and the Chairman‟s Award for the best CAPE Unit 1 results. In 2010 he earned seven awards of academic excellence for overall performance in Grade 11 and academic excellence in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Information Technology and Literature at the CXC/ CSEC level. To what or who does Jean-Mark attribute his success? “Well firstly, I must say that without God nothing that I have accomplished would have been possible. So I must give God thanks for His blessings to me. Secondly, my
parents, they ensure that each of their sons achieve the highest education possible, and have the correct attitude for work. So yes I must express my gratitude to my parents as well. How could I forget my brothers? They support me in every way possible. It would be unfair if I left out my friends and church brethren. They have been praying for me and have helped me in their own special way. My heart goes out to all of them”. Jean-Mark balances home life, school and church by asking God‟s help in everything and also avoids procrastination and idling as these could deter his performance. He currently holds the office of Adventist Youth secretary and is also a member of the group 4-Hymn and sings on the youth and male choirs and praise team. Next year he will take up the offices of assistant AY leader and Church Clerk. His favourite Bible passage is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. He encourages his fellow youth to apply the principle found in Matthew 6:33 and to balance their time and to give unto God due service while they strive to achieve other goals. His career goal is to become a Medical Doctor. His ultimate goal however is to become a citizen of God's Kingdom. In his own words he says, “Everything on earth would be in vain if I didn't make it into the Kingdom of God”. In attaining academic excellence JeanMark has recognized his portal of praise. If we give thanks and praise to God and seek to do His will, we too can have a similar experience in reaping the harvest that God has promised to those that love Him and remain faithful.
Congratulations
Elder Wayne Harrison and Tashawna Harrison became man and wife on November 20, 2011
T he Li ght
Citation Presented to Christobel Francis The life of Christobel Francis personifies Faith, Sacrifice, Humility, Kindness, Love, Joy and Peace. Her life exemplifies that of a Christian Woman. . Having heard about the Seventh-day Adventists early in life, a desire was kindled within her to learn more about the TRUTH they believed and practiced. . Her yearning began to grow warm when, Brother Charles Brown, in answer to the „Macedonian Call”, travelled along the train line from Kingston to Gregory Park and began to share the Advent Message. Among the group of believers who formed the first Company was Christobel Francis. . Her flame became ablaze when, September 27, 1957, she made a total surrender to the Lord and was buried in the Watery Grave of Baptism. She rose to walk in the Sabbath-keeping road and has never looked back. . She continued to worship and fellowship with the Company at Findlay‟s Cottage, Gregory Park until they were notified that the property was needed to erect a dwelling house. . Disappointed but not discouraged, Christobel thought of the parcel of land she owned at Christian Pen. Her unselfish attitude prompted her to make the decision to donate the property to the Church . She approached her husband with the idea. His answer was “It is yours, do as you like”. With joy in her heart, she expressed her love for God and His work by making the sacrifice of donating the land for the erection of the Church. . The Company of believers then moved to their new locationthe spot on which the Church now stands. . Her service to the Church has included the offices of Sabbath School Secretary, Division Leader and Church Clerk. She served in these offices, especially that of church clerk with distinction. This early pioneer of the Gregory Park Seventh-day Adventist Church was also instrumental in acquiring the property on which stood the original Newland Church. She was also a part of the worshippers who pioneered the birth of the Waterford Seventh-day Adventist Church. . This matriarch of strength and faith proudly testifies that she thanks God that he has enabled her to see the growth of the Church. This evening we honour her as we give God thanks for using this Woman of Faith and Strength as an instrument in His cause. A woman who truly walks with God. On Sunday December 11, 2011 the matriarch affectionately known as ‘Sister B’ was presented with the following Citation by Pastor Blondel Campbell (middle) and Pastor Roy Dennis (right), on behalf of the Gregory Park SDA Church, at a banquet to commemorate the Church’s over 70 years of existence.
The Light
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Should Christians
Vote?
O
n December 29, 2011 Jamaicans will cast their vote to decide which party will make up the next government. Universal Adult Suffrage entitles Jamaicans over the age of 18 to cast such a vote. But what about Christians? Is voting a social and moral obligation where all persons should exercise their franchise? Or is the political process to which voting belongs, too divisive and corrupt in nature for any Christian to get involved? It is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to vote and to vote for leaders who promote Christian principles. Scripture gives Christians instructions to obey legitimate authority unless it contradicts the Lord‟s commands, as in the case of Peter who said before the council and high priest, “We must obey God rather than men”( Acts 5:27-29). A section of Romans 13:1-7 admonishes us, „he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves‟ As believers, we ought to strive to choose leaders who will be themselves led by our Creator (1 Samuel 12:13-25). Candidates or proposals that violate the Bible‟s commands for life, family, marriage, or faith should never be supported (Proverbs 14:34). Christians should vote as led through prayer and study of both God‟s Word and the realities of the choices on the ballot. As Christians, we should stand up and follow our command to fulfill our civic duties. An early General Conference session focused its thoughts on politics with this statement: “Resolved, That in our judgment, the act of voting when exercised in behalf of justice, humanity and right, is in itself blameless, and may be at some
times highly proper; but that the casting of any vote that shall strengthen the cause of such crimes a s intemperance, insurrection, and slavery, we regard as highly criminal in the sight of Heaven. But we would deprecate any participation in the spirit of party strife.”1 Indeed, Ellen White‟s plea to Adventists was to vote on issues of moral importance: “Every individual exerts an influence in society. In our favored land, every voter has some voice in determining what laws shall control the nation. Should not that influence and that vote be cast on the side of temperance and virtue?”2 The words of the Bible, Ellen White and our pioneers are clear. We have the ability to help shape society through our votes. It is up to each of us to follow our conscience—and to pray for God‟s guidance and wisdom in making and exercising our electoral choices. 1
James White, circa 1860, as quoted in Paul A. Gordon, “The right to vote— shall I exercise it?” Adventist Review, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25, 1980, available online at www.whiteestate.org/issues/Voting.html; accessed August 15, 2008. 2
White, Gospel Workers, p. 387.
THE
LIGHT
If you haven’t received last quarter’s issue of The Light via email, email us at the address below. If you are also interested in submitting material to THE LIGHT for publication, you may see any member of the editorial committee or indicate via email. Please send your comments, opinions or feedback to: communications.gpsda@gmail.com
I s s ue # 8
As the Gregory Park SDA Church celebrates over 70 years of existence, we look back at the Pastors, Elders and Pioneers who have served us over faithfully the years.
Pastors*
Gregory Park‟s parent conference Central Jamaica Conference celebrated 50 years of existence in 2011
A History of Central Jamaica Conference With the organization of the first SDA Church in Jamaica with 37 members in 1894 at South Race Course, Kingston, the work grew rapidly resulting in the naming of various organizational territories in the Caribbean/West Indies in general and Jamaica in particular. Two of these organized territories were: The Jamaica Conference in 1903 and The West Indian Union Conference in 1906 (Comprising Jamaica and other islands). The name West Indies Union came into being in 1959. The Jamaican field by itself grew with two distinct, but united territories –East Jamaica Conference and West Jamaica Conference. In 1961, the third Seventh-day Adventist Conference in Jamaica – Central Jamaica Conference was organized. It covered the parishes of Manchester, Clarendon, St. Ann, western St. Mary and St. Catherine. The first business session was held in Spanish Town on October 26, 1961 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Hiram S. Walters who was elected as the first president also carried the portfolio of Religious Liberty Director. Miss Edna W. Parchment became the Secretary and Treasurer and Pastor Edwin Hyatt, Director of Health and Welfare, Temperance and Sabbath School. Pastor Leroy S. Carter was responsible for the Missionary Volunteer Society (Adventist Youth), Education and the Public Relations, while the work of Publishing went to Pastor Theodore McLeary. In the following year, 1962, as Jamaica took the historic decision to become an independent nation, Central Jamaica Conference with it 39 employees and 10,497 members in 131 churches, continued to march in the footstep of its senior sister Conferences, to make the men and women, boys and girls in its territory independent from the shackles of sins, by the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s leadership has been visible ever since, unto this very day! The next major milestone in the Conference happened on July 12, 2002, during its First Quadrennial Session, when the parishes of St. Mary and St. Ann were ceded to the North Jamaica Field, now North Jamaica Conference. Before the territorial adjustments were made, Central Jamaica Conference had 235 churches and 42 companies in 44 pastoral districts, with a total membership of 71,083 and a workforce of 178 persons. Following the division, the Conference had 163 churches and 25 companies in 39 districts, with a total membership of 59,794 and a workforce of 144 persons. We look back in this 50th anniversary year and thank God for His leading hand resulting in the phenomenal growth to a present membership of 82,019 members worshipping in 49 pastoral districts in more than 182 churches and 35 companies and a staff compliment of 181.
The first conference building in 1962
Information courtesy of Central Jamaica Conference Used with permission
Pastor AD. Laing Pastor EA. Walton Pastor BA. Woodburn Pastor Fletcher Pastor DE. Kent Pastor O. Moncrieffe Pastor CE Salmon Pastor J. Hutchinson Pastor J. Tracey Pastor P. Kerr Pastor C. Brown Pastor E. Maxi Pastor D. Robinson Pastor N. Jackson Pastor M. Ellis Pastor D. Mullings Pastor BA. Campbell *Senior Pastors installed as Church Pastor
First Elders Charles Brown (Founder) Melbourne Robinson Alton Thomas Nelson Cooper Donald Walters Clifton Barrett Cleston Hamilton Lenroy Harriott Snr. Edward Chambers Cavan Davis
Pioneers Bro. Charles Brown Bro. Melbourne Robinson & Family Sis Tezra Mayne and Family Sis. Guthrie Bro. Planter Sis. L. Porter Bro. W. Blake Bro. and Sis. Alfred Channer Bro. and Sis. Altamont Francis
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T
he story of Seventh-day Adventist entry into the tropi- ence was organized in 1903, there was 1200 Seventh-day Adcal lands of the Caribbean is the story of tracts, colpor- ventist on the island. teurs and dedicated women and men determined to From the earliest days of Seventh-day Adventist activishare a new-found faith with old friends and relatives. ties in the Caribbean, Jamaica had been the most productive The Jamaican story is no different. A book field for converts. This reality was true for the sold by William Arnold in Antigua around establishment of the Gregory Park SDA 1890 was sent to the purchaser’s son in JaChurch. maica. This man, James Palmer, wrote to the By 1940 Bro. Charles Brown, a Litpublishers in Battle Creek for more literature. erature Evangelist, took the Adventist mesSome of the tracts James Palmer received he sage to the Gregory Park area by walking gave to a local doctor. Having no interest in along the train track from Payne Avenue, them, the doctor passed the leaflets to Mrs. West Kingston, where he lived. In 1942 the Margaret Harrison, an English socialite who construction of a small makeshift wooden did charitable work at the hospital. Mrs Harristructure for worship was built by Alfred son was convicted by the Sabbath truth but Channer at Findley’s Cottage, now Dennis hesitated for some time to keep the day. Avenue in Gregory Park. The Church memIn 1893 Mrs. Harrison went to Battle bership numbered a mere 25. Creek Sanatorium for treatment. While there By 1945, the first crusade by Pastor she attended the General Conference Session, D. B. Reid was held on September 25 at during which she appealed for a minister to be Dawkins Ford, White Marl, St. Catherine. sent to Jamaica. Through Sabbath School ofSeventeen persons were baptized and church ferings her plea was answered and before the membership continued to grow. Following the end of 1893 Pastor A J Haysmer and his wife passage of Hurricane Charlie, in 1951 the had arrived on the island. A good number of Church was completely destroyed; and the young people were among the first converts in members were scattered. Jamaica; many of whom became energetic colporteurs. By the time the Jamaica ConferCont’d on Next page
In 1942 the construction of a small makeshift wooden structure for worship was built by Alfred Channer at Findley’s Cottage, now Dennis Avenue in Gregory Park.
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...Continued from page 12
...Some worshipped at the Spanish Town Church. In 1957 the Gregory Park group received organized church status while at Dennis Avenue, under the leadership of Pastor E. A. Walton. The church relocated to Christian Pen 1960 to a parcel of land which was donated by Bro. and Sis. Altamont Francis. Pastor D. E. Kent was very instrumental in the rebuilding of the church and its dedication in 1977. After the 1988 Hurricane Gilbert the Church became a haven for members of the community. And many of its members worshipped at the Newlands SDA Church during that period of time. In 1999 the building of a new church commenced under the direction of Pastor Emile Maxi. By its completion in 2000 the membership of the church stood at four hundred and seventy-six (476). Today the church continues to grow with a membership of over seven hundred.
▲Patriarch Charles Brown - Founder of the Gregory Park SDA Church receives a token of love and appreciation from Rutham Evans
▲ Members fill the old church. Over time the membership had outgrown the previous structure
▲ In these pictures, the new structure of the current Church begin to take shape ►
◄ Pastor Emile Maxi, under whose stewardship the new building was constructed
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JANUARY
1st Quarter
Sun 1 New Year’s Day (Observed January 2) Sun-Tue 1-31 Vision One Million Passionate Disciples Commitment Month Sun-Tue 1-31 Bible Bowl Begins Tue 3 Workers’ Meeting – Family of God Church Wed-Thur 4-5 Pastors’ Retreat – Camp Verley Sab 7 Soul-Winning Commitment Sab 7 Vision One Million – Prayer and Fasting Sun 8 Leaders’ Council – Camp Verley Sun 8 AY Leaders’ Council – Camp Verley Mon 9 4th Quarter Reports due at CJC Office Tue 10 4th Quarter Churches’ Statistical Report due at CJC Office Wed 11 Executive Committee Meeting Sab 14 Tell the World: Spiritual Growth Sab 14 Church Membership Count (All Churches) Sun 15 CONVENTION – Clarendon (May Pen Church) Sab 21 Health Ministries Day Sun 22 CONVENTION – Manchester (Mandeville Church) Wed 25 Prayer and Heeding the Word Convention – St. Catherine Sab 28 Religious Liberty Day
FEBRUARY Fri-Sab 3-4# That the World May Know: Vision One Million Launch Sab 4 Tell the World: Church Planting Sabbath Sab 4 Visit of GC President (NCU) Sun-Sab 5-11* Christian Home and Marriage Week Wed 8 Prayer and Heeding the Word Convention – Clarendon (May Pen Church) Sab-Sab 11-18 Evangelism Impact in All Churches – Phase I Sab 18 Youth Temperance Emphasis Day Sab 18 Youth’s Day Sab 18 Church Membership Count (All Churches)
FEBRUARY (cont’d)
Wed 22 Ash Wednesday Sab 25 Stewardship/ Trust Services Spiritual Revival – Conference wide Sab-Sun 25-26 A. Y. Leaders Training (Camp Ver ley) Sun 26 Family Life Educators Certification (CJC Board Room)
MARCH Sab 3* Women’s Day of Prayer Sab 3*+ Adventist World Radio Sab 3 Personal Ministries Sabbath Wed 7 Day of Prayer (Educational Institutions) Sab 10* Tell the World: Personal Outreach Wed 14 Executive Committee Meeting Wed-Sab 14-17 IAD and GC Stewardship Training for Pastors, Stewardship Directors, and Local Stewardship Leaders Sab-Sab 17*-24 Youth Week of Prayer Sab 24 Sabbath School Community Relations Day Sab 24 Pastoral Families’ Workshop (P.M.) – CJC Office Sab 24 Special Offering (District Projects) Sun 25 Church Clerks’ Workshop – Manchester (Mandeville Church) Sun 25 Treasurers/Auditors’ Workshop – Manchester (Mandeville Church) Sab 31 13th Sabbath Offering (Northern Asia-Pacific Division) Sab 31# Vision One Million Celebration Sab 31 Pathfinder & Adventurer AY Programme (local church) Sab 31 Book and Nutrition Centre Book ReviewDuring Personal Ministry Time (Conference-wide) *Programme provided by the General Conference or by the InterAmerican Division +Worldwide Offering. Special offerings are included in the systematic plan of the Division # Organized Baptisms are conducted and recognition of those baptized during the quarter