A business place in The Quarter, Anguilla, once used as a busy cinema, a LIAT booking office and a soft drinks manufacturing enterprise, has been transformed into a church called World Harvest Assembly Headquarters and Church Centre.
The building, originally known as the Evening Star Casino, was formerly owned and occupied by the late businessman Mr. Joe Gumbs. The ownership was eventually passed on to Mr. Albert Lake. The new place of worship is the brainchild of Pastors Victor and Wanda Brooks who shared their home at Little Harbour as part of the church – and its congregation – for twelve years.
Pastor Brooks, who has been the chaplain of the Anguilla House of Assembly for the past five years, was supported at the launch of the church’s new location by a number of Government officials. The attendees also included pastors and members of their congregations from other churches, among various invited guests.
Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, who offered congratulations to Pastor Victor and Wanda Brooks, said in part: “Most of you, who live in Anguilla, know that this building was once our casino where people came to theatre and to dance. This [new usage of the building] is a good sign because in the United Kingdom today churches are closing down and are becoming casinos. In Anguilla, casinos are turning into churches.”
He expressed appreciation to the couple for having initially accommodated the church at the home, and for now locating it on one of Anguilla’s main thoroughfares. He hoped that the church would continue to grow as one of the pillars of the island’s society.
The keynote speaker was Senior Magistrate, Ms Ivenia Benjamin, who spoke on various aspects of stewardship including time, tithe and treasure in terms of the functioning of the church.
Senior Pastor, Victor Brooks, spoke about the patience, sacrifice and willingness of him and his wife to have accommodated the church at the family home and their delight to be able to move and expand it at the new location. He told about the daunting task to transform the state of disrepair of the building to what is now a spacious, comfortable and inviting church.
He was grateful to Mr. Albert Lake and the owners of ABC supplies, (another Lake’s Family), as well as members of the congregation of the church, for their varied assistance.
In terms of improvements, the church is planning to embark on such ministries as a drum band; the re-establishment of religious dance and drama; children’s church and nursery programmes; a cradle ministry; theological university studies; a manna ministry; care counselling and dial a prayer services.
