National Flags of Anguilla were waved throughout the Bethel Methodist Church, and hymns of praise and patriotism echoed through the 137-year-old building on Sunday, May 31. That was when the Superintendent of the Circuit, the Reverend Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, and the congregation, embarked on a special Anguilla Day Service.
Outside and inside the church were beautifully decorated with the national colours of the island. Among those at the service were the Hon. Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, and members of his Cabinet; former Chief Minister, Mr. Hubert Hughes; Supernumerary Ministers and visitors.
Notably present were a considerably large group of flag-waving children who heralded the entry of the senior choir. Both the choir members and the children, led by choir leader, Mrs. Lois Carbon, and musician, Devaunie Richardson, sang well-rendered hymns and patriotic songs which contributed greatly to the occasion. As they sang, national flags shot up all over the church. Moved by the involvement of the children, Rev. Gumbs approached them, where they sat, spoke to them about leadership and national culture, and told them they were the treasure of Anguilla.
In his sermon – “You are a chosen Generation” – taken from the epistle of the Apostle Peter, the Methodist Superintendent Minister traced the early beginnings of the church, and the liberation of the enslaved Afro-Caribbean people which gave them a sense of freedom, destiny and purpose.
He intimated that the people of Anguilla were part of that liberation; collectively they must be purpose-driven and have a sense of destiny as they look to the future. He advised all persons that there was a need to pay special attention to the island’s children, stressing that they should be considered as the treasure of Anguilla, upon which the future must be built.
