Various persons depicting poorly-dressed plantation slaves, who were the early members of the Methodist Church in Anguilla, and others attired in fine present-day clothing, presented a special cultural evening on Sunday, May 19. The event, at the Auditorium of the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School, was part of the on-going celebration of 200 years of Methodism in Anguilla and the pioneering ministry of the late Rev. John Hodge.
The cultural evening was also specially planned for the above date in commemoration of Aldersgate Sunday, an important event in the Methodist calendar. It commemorates the experience of John Wesley, an Anglican theologian, at an open air religious meeting at Aldersgate Street in London on May 1738 when he reported: “I felt my heart strangely warmed.” He and his brother, Charles Wesley, are largely credited for founding the Methodist Church. Aldersgate’s Sunday was observed by the six Methodist congregations in Anguilla in association with the 80 million Methodists in 152 countries world-wide.
Last Sunday’s programme was presented by an organising committee headed by Mrs.Yolande Richardson. It was introduced in her absence by Mrs. Dorothy Hazell. “This evening the six congregations will present a history of 200 years of Methodism in Anguilla in song, drama and dance,” Mrs.Hazell stated in the packed auditorium. “We will also remember the founders of Methodism – John and Charles Wesley, and the Alderesgate experience. We also celebrate Methodism in Anguilla, the late Rev. John Hodge and all devoted sons and daughters who followed.
“We can assure you that the congregations have worked extremely hard to prepare a very enjoyable programme on this historic Aldersgate Sunday,” Mrs Hazell added.
The varied presentations were preceded by a period of devotions led by Anguillian Rev. Erica Carty. The first presentation was by the Ebenezer Congregation, The Valley, which featured the introduction of Methodism in Anguilla by Rev. John Hodge in 1813, with his membership having been the oppressed plantation slaves referred to above.
The other presentations were by Maranatha Congregation, Blowing Point; Trinity Congregation, Sandy Ground; the combined congregations which featured a dance; Immanuel Congregation, West End; Zion Congregation, North Hill; and Bethel Congregation, South Hill. The presentations also included the history of the formation of each of the churches.
The programme also comprised remarks by Mr.Kenn Banks, Convenor of theSteering Committee responsible for the celebration of the 200 years of Methodism in Anguilla; and Rev. Dunstan Richardson, Superintendent of the Anguilla Methodist Circuit.
Meanwhile, the Methodist Church is also having a series of presentations called the John Hodge Lectures in commemoration of the work of this early Minister, on the island, and in celebration of 200 years of Methodism in Anguilla. The remaining lectures will be delivered as follows: June 16 – Reverend Cecil Weekes on “Authority of Scriptures” at Ebenezer Church; August 16 – Reverend Joseph Lloyd on “The Ministry of the Whole Church;” and September 24 – Reverend Dr. H. Clifton Niles on “Salvation by Faith” at Bethel Church. The first lecture – “Priesthood of All Believers” – was delivered by Reverend Dr.Serchal W. Hodge on March 17.
