Adventist Church in Anguilla Breaks Ground to Rebuild Worship Center Destroyed by Hurricane Irma  

September 1, 2021 | St. Croix, US Virgin Islands | NCC Staff and Inter-American Division News

Seventh-day Adventist leaders and church members on the island of Anguilla took part in a recent groundbreaking ceremony that will see a larger, more modern and inclusive worship center, replacing its oldest church structure on the island. The Long Bay Adventist Church was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September of 2017, scattering dozens of members to worship in different smaller locations.

Church members are eager to move into the construction phase of the new facility, said Pastor Lester Jules, pastor of the 77-member Long Bay Adventist congregation. “This edifice will stand as a beacon,” said Jules. “The re-dedication of this edifice will offer us the opportunity to recommit ourselves to being the lighthouse for those in darkness and a symbol of hope and peace in the community.”

Built in 1952, the church building seated 150, but plans are for a larger facility that can house 250, church leaders said.

Government officials joined church members during the Aug. 15, 2021 event and encouraged members to continue raising a church structure to bless others.

Honorable Cardigan Connor, a district representative of the Anguilla government, reminded attendees to move forward in building and see the church grow. “The membership might not be that great right now, but if you build it, people will come,” said Connor. “Undoubtedly what is going to be built is far better than what was there. Church centers were used as shelters in the past and going forward this could be a sanctuary for those who could be displaced sometime in the future.”

Pastor Desmon James, president of the church in the North Caribbean region, thanked the church leadership and the planning committee for their ministry to God and the people of Anguilla. “For this church to have been given this opportunity, over the past 79 years, to render selfless Christian service and ministry to the members of the church and the community, at large is indeed an extraordinary accomplishment that every member of the church should be proud of,” said James. “We dedicate the plans of this new building in honor of God’s commands and statues and hope that everyone who passes the building and enters will find the Lord within the walls.”

In addition to a basement slated for community activities, ample parking, and sufficient seating for island events, the new complex will prioritize accommodations for individuals with physical challenges, as the congregation strives for a more inclusive worship environment, said Pastor Jules.

For four years since the hurricane destroyed the church, members have been meeting at small locations and currently have been meeting in a restaurant belonging to a church member. “Where we meet is not conducive to worship,” said Jules. There is no place for children to meet and there has been a reduction in funds because of the pandemic, so greater commitment from members to pledge and raise funds will make it possible to rebuild, he explained.

“Don’t be distressed by your small beginning,” encouraged Pastor Wilmoth James, executive secretary for the church in the North Caribbean Conference. “It’s not how you begin but how you end.”

North Caribbean Conference Treasurer Sanida McKenzie, signaled the conference’s support for the project with a monetary contribution. “Although Hurricane Irma shook the foundations of the church, the members fought difficult challenges together and we thank God that, despite the devastation, Long Bay continues to play its part in fulfilling the mission in Anguilla.”

With pledges, church members expect the church building to be completed by 2025.