and Rev. Dunstan Richardson
In a show of Christian unity – at the historic Ebenezer Chapel in The Valley – the Methodist Church and the Christian community in Anguilla joined to welcome Rev Vincia Celestine as the new Superintendent of the Methodist Circuit of Anguilla. During the service the congregation in the chapel was limited due to health restrictions occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, however, the service was streamed live on both the FaceBook and YouTube platforms.
Rev Celestine who hails from the Commonwealth of Dominica was last stationed in the St Eustatius Circuit. She is no stranger to Anguilla – having attended several District Meetings in Anguilla, and was also the visiting preacher during a week of Evangelistic Services held in the Circuit in 2015.
In his welcoming remarks, on behalf of the Government of Anguilla, the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Kenneth Hodge, said that we are in the fight together as the Covid19 pandemic reminds us that we cannot function alone. Covid-19 forces us not to think only of ourselves but of each other. He said Government is seeking the help of Churches in ensuring that the population is well informed of the issues related to the pandemic.
Greetings were brought by Pastor Philip Gumbs, President of the Anguilla Evangelical Association (AEA). He welcomed Rev Celestine as a sister, fellow minister and leader, to the ‘warm fellowship of saints.’ He added that they stand together in unity of the Faith which is now a greater priority than ever. We are called to stand fast in the Faith as we war against strongholds and set captives free through the power of Christ.
Sis Ursil Webster-Brooks, of the Anguilla Christian Council (ACC), expressed the willingness of the ACC to have Rev Celestine share her experiences and ideas as she involved herself in their activities.
Welcome remarks were also given on behalf of the Presbyters, Officers and Congregants by Circuit Steward, Sis Rhona Richardson-Roydon. Secretary of the Preachers’ Meeting, Bro Kenn Banks, also gave welcome remarks on behalf of the Local Preachers Fellowship.
Liturgist for the service was Rev Wilmoth Hodge who was assisted by Rev Candis Niles. Rev E Dunstan Richardson, outgoing Superintendent (Acting), conducted the induction of Rev Celestine as the new Superintendent.
The music ministry, for the service, was led by Bro Devaunie Richardson who conducted a reduced circuit choir – with the assistance of Sis Kimba Southwell.
In her response, Rev Celestine said that she came to Anguilla ‘as a slave of the Church of God, in business for the King’. In expounding on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, Chap 12 verses 12-18, she said that we are called not to ‘compete with each’ other – but to ‘complete each other’ as we work together in the mission of our church. We are in a time when people are living in pain and disillusionment. As a church we are to do more than just add our voice to the public discourse. We need to reach people where they we are as we demonstrate the love of Christ. We must be intentional and deliberate in the execution of the Ministry of the Church.
– Press Release
2nd September 2021
