The beginning of 2019 has met three church buildings in Anguilla under reconstruction following the devastation of the island by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
The most advanced is the Ebenezer Methodist Church in The Valley which in July 2017 celebrated 187 years since it was originally built by enslaved Africans. It is believed to be the oldest edifice in the Leeward Islands District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas.
Ebenezer, which underwent several structural changes over its history as a result of a fire, hurricanes and the need for further expansions, was severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Irma. It is now being substantially rebuilt with new external concrete columns to support its superstructure and roof, while preserving much of its original walls.
Its historical companion, the Bethel Methodist Chapel, also built by slaves, is approaching 140 years old. The western half of its wooden roof was ripped off by Hurricane Irma. The entire roof has been removed as reconstruction work progresses, leaving the old walls which, similarly as the case with Ebenezer, are being fortified by the erection of external concrete columns.
Meanwhile, the Immanuel Methodist Church at West End and Church Hall suffered much roof damage as a result of Hurricane Irma. No reconstruction work has begun there – one reason perhaps being that a new church building has been on the planning board for some time now.
Maranatha Methodist Church at Blowing Point quickly had some repairs done to a section of its roof after the hurricane, while Zion at North Hill and Trinity at Sandy Ground remained virtually unscathed.
Another church building now being reconstructed is Iglesia De Dios De La Profecia. Formerly operated by the Church of God of Prophecy for many years it was taken over by a Spanish congregation. It lost its roof during the hurricane and the rest of its structure was badly comprised thus requiring its demolition and rebuilding.
Further, the Seventh-day Adventist Shemei Tabernacle at Long Bay no longer exists for the time being. It was the worst hit church building in Anguilla with the collapse of almost its entire superstructure. It was subsequently demolished. Reconstruction work is expected to commence during this year.
A number of other church buildings – particularly Anglican and Baptist edifices in Anguilla as well as the Life Impact Centre – were also damaged by the hurricane but have subsequently been repaired.
