The Apostolic Faith Church at North Valley,Anguilla, is observing its 40th Anniversary this week with a series of special services which began on Sunday, February 12, under the theme “Recalling the Past, Celebrating the Present.”
The ribbon-cutting at the entrance of the long-established and recently renovated church building was performed by Mrs. Aliena Richardson, whose husband, Thomas Richardson, of Pond Ground,East End, served as one of the former Pastors. The ribbon-cutting was preceded by remarks by Pastor Rosalie Greer-Wade, formerly ofSt. Thomas,USVirgin Islands. She has been pastoring the church for the past seven years and has carried out much renovation work there.
Later, during the anniversary service, Pastor Greer-Wade said the event allowed the church and its membership to see how far they had come over the years, and challenged them to move forward to accomplish the work of the ministry.
Remarks were also made by Rev. Michael Anthony, District Superintendent based inSt. Thomas, who spoke highly about the work of the church inAnguillaand the contribution of Pastor Greer-Wade; and Assistant Pastor at Blowing Point, Michael Meade, who was delighted with the ministry on the island.
A comprehensive history of the establishment and growth of the Apostolic Faith Church in Anguilla was given by Pastor Leslie Richardson of the Blowing Point congregation. He paid particular tribute to a number of Anguillians who, on their return fromSt. Thomas, had pioneered the mission of the church.
Five Pastors have led the church since its dedication on February 12, 1972 as follows: Ellen Carey from 1972-1974; Cornelius Olive 1974-1976; Ellen Carey 1976-1985; Brathwaite 1985-1987 (assisted by the late Ashley Brooks); Thomas Richardson 1987-2004; and 2004 to present Rosalie Greer-Wade.
It was under Pastor Greer-Wade’s leadership that the rostrum of the church was remodeled; the T&A Bookstore was opened; a fully-functioning office was set up; and the Men’s Women and Youth Conferences were launched.
The sermon was preached by Pastor Cornelius Olive who is now General Overseer atTrinityApostolicFaithChurchinBrooklyn,New York. He recalled, with much pleasure, his years of service inAnguillaand his association with many persons, and was pleased with the growth of the church. He likened the church’s development, over the challenging four decades, to the forty years’ journey of the Israelites, and he urged its members to press on.
Two persons were honoured for their outstanding contribution to the church over the years. They were Pastor Greer-Wade and Ethel Jackson (who is now ailing).Both of them received much commendation for their work from the congregation.
