Pastor Joel J. Harrigan is the founder of the Well’s Sunday School Ministry which celebrated its 7th anniversary on Sunday afternoon, March 15th. The gathering spot for this ministry is in the Shoal Bay community, under a spreading tamarind tree, in an area traditionally known as The Cherry Bottom.
Children getiing ice cream with Cutelyn Carty (right)
Pastor Harrigan’s wife, Ruthlyn, runs the ministry on Sunday afternoons, and spoke with The Anguillian on the site on the observance of this 7th year milestone. She commented: “When Pastor Jerome went away in 2012 to study in New Jersey, he got this vision to establish a ministry for children in this area. Upon his return, he approached the owners of the land here and they readily agreed for him to set up this facility.”
She continued: “We established the ministry on March 4, 2013. When we started, we had as many as 40 children on roll that came from Little Dix, Stoney Ground, Shoal Bay, and the church communities. Over the years, as children have grown, our numbers have dwindled – but we are doing our best to develop the ministry, as the Lord leads us.
Jerome Harrigan
“Our aim is for children to learn about Christ, to have an in-depth knowledge of Him, and to experience Him as their saviour. God has been good to us, and for that we celebrate today and give Him thanks.”
Sister Ruthlyn commented on last year’s lighting of the tamarind tree, for Christmas, which created a beautiful night time spectacle in the Shoal Bay area. She also mentioned the fact that every year, around the Easter Season, the grounds are adorned with palm branches in commemoration of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In addition, she noted that around this time the “old rugged cross”, on the grounds, is usually garnished with purple cloth — representing Christ’s robe — as well as a crown of thorns, atop the cross, which represents Christ’s pierced brow.
Both Pastor Jerome and Sister Ruthlyn thanked the owners of The Cherry Bottom for their kind cooperation. They also thanked the parents who entrust their children to their Sunday afternoon teachings. In addition, they thanked all their supporters in the ministry and, in particular, they are grateful to Ms. Cutelyn Carty who always stands beside them to assist in making their feature events and promotions successful.
- Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
