There has been a handover of the keys and documents of the Central Baptist Church to the newly-appointed Minister, Pastor Dwayne L. Adams, who will, however, continue to teach at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. He succeeds the Reverend Dr. Cecil Richardson who “is moving on” after three decades at that church.
A special Installation Service was held at the Rey Hill located church on Sunday, August 9. It was attended by a capacity congregation including specially-invited persons. Among them were Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, who spoke on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla. He congratulated Pastor Adams on his appointment and offered best wishes to him and his family. He also thanked Pastor Cecil for his outstanding contribution, was saddened by his departure in his quest “to move on”, and took the opportunity to extend every good wish to him and his family.
Others in attendance included former Chief Minister, Mr. Hubert Hughes; Pastor Anthony Benjamin, Chairman of the West Indies Baptist Fellowship Conference based in St. Croix, who delivered the Charge to Pastor Adams; Anguillian Pastor Cyril Gumbs who serves in Trinidad and who gave the Charge to the Church; Pastor Norril Gumbs of First Baptist Church in Anguilla, who said the Prayer of Dedication; Reverend Dr. Ambrose Richardson, of the Christian Fellowship Church, who also gave a Charge to his friend Pastor Adams; the Right Reverend Errol Brooks of the Anglican Church; and various other Ministers of Religion.
They were all welcomed by the outgoing Senior Minister, Pastor Cecil, who said it was his last service and it was a pleasure for him to hand over the reins of the church to Pastor Adams.
Brother Keith Gumbs, a senior member of the church, gave a brief statement about Pastor Adams’ role in the church. The young preacher (Adams) was formerly a member and shepherd of the Hilltop Baptist Church. In May 2010 he, his wife, Mrs. Shermin Adams, and their three children, became members of the Central Baptist Church. He has served as a Bible Teacher; Preacher; Leader of the Young Adults Ministry and the Men’s Fellowship; a Deacon; and Deputy Chairman of the Central Christian School – a pre and primary school run by the church. Pastor Adams also served as an Assistant Pastor and in March 2014 he was ordained a Minister. In July 2015 he was elected by majority vote to be the Senior Pastor of the church, replacing Pastor Cecil. In the public service he served as Director of Youth and Culture before returning to the Comprehensive School where he teaches Design Technology.
Speaking in relation to early biblical admonitions – given by the Apostle Paul to young ministers at that time, such as Timothy – Pastor Anthony, the visiting Baptist Conference Chairman, enjoined Pastor Adams to be exemplary in his life and service. “Watch yourself; watch your prayer life; watch your personal life; watch your preparation; and watch your purity,” he advised him, among other matters.
Responding to the various speakers, and the charges given to him, Pastor Adams, a noted writer, said he was humbled by his leadership responsibilities in the church. He was grateful to Pastor Cecil for the smooth transition in passing on the mantle to him – and spoke about his admiration for the outgoing Pastor whose shoes he thought were too big for him, and who had given over thirty years of solid service to the church. He also thanked all the speakers for their kind words.
In accepting the pastorate, Pastor Adams, whose parents are Mr Calvin Adams and Mrs. Patricia Adams of The Farrington, said he first got the call to the ministry at the Hilltop Baptist Church and then continued his advancement at the Central Baptist Church. He made the following declaration:
“Recognising the gravity of the calling to shepherd God’s people, and evangelise the lost, I stand prepared to work diligently, passionately and tireously, for the building of His Kingdom. Recognising that a Pastor is an imperfect being capable of only what God empowers me to achieve, I stand prepared to receive your prayers, help, suggestions and your forgiveness. Recognising also that the church is filled with imperfect believers, I stand prepared to endure hardship and criticism and still love all in my care. Recognising that times have changed where sins, once thought to be taboo and unspeakable, are now empowered and enforced by the law, I stand prepared to teach, preach and defend the Word of God. I stand prepared to be your shepherd. I stand prepared to be your friend. I stand prepared to be your counsel; I stand prepared by God to be your Pastor.”
He added: “On behalf of my wife, my children and my parents, I thank you for this great honour to work with you.”
