Old Harbour Bay Baptist Church marks 200 years with commemorative monument
The ceremony marked a major milestone, celebrating the church's deep roots in the community and its rich heritage dating to the colonial era.
Rev. Robert G. Campbell led the proceedings with a ribbon cutting exercise to unveil the monument, along with other distinguished members of the church family.
The giant-size black shield-shaped badge features elegant gold lettering displaying the names of families and church members who have contributed to its legacy. Additionally, the founding date of 1823 is prominently and is featured along with this year’s theme ‘Refueling the Fire; Faithfully Embracing the Mission’.
“I feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment and I’m very proud to be a part of the witnesses who have gone before and persons who have carried on the baton for many years which has been passed on to us and we hope that others behind us will be as faithful,” said church leader Rev. Campbell who oversees the Old Harbour Bay Circuit of Baptist Churches which includes Old Harbour and Hartlands.
Indeed, the work and contribution of the Baptist church to the Jamaican society is well documented in our history. In fact 50 years before the Old Harbour Bay Baptist church was established, George Liele, a free black slave, arrived on the island from Georgia in the United States of America and began preaching. Liele’s work as well as that of others who came to Jamaica afterwards played a significant role in the Emancipation Declaration on the island which ironically occurred 15 years after Old Harbour Bay Baptist was formed on these now sacred grounds.
Sunday’s event was the culmination of a series of activities throughout the year celebrating one of the oldest churches in not only the Old Harbour area but the entire parish of St Catherine. These included a concert, road march and a fun day, said committee chairperson Deacon Myrtle Miller.
The Sunday evening air was punctured with excitement when the OHBB Church Circuit Choir graced the pulpit in near all-white attire, singing ‘Let the name of the Lord be praised’. This was followed by a vibrant speech by the President of the Old Harbour Communities Church Leaders Fraternal, Rev. Desmond Whitely.
The anniversary celebration came in the form of songs, dances, instrumentals, scripture reading and heartfelt speeches that resonated with an attentive congregation.
“Let us go out of this year of celebration as people who are elevating [and] embracing how worthy the mission is. Let us ensure that in Sunday school and evangelism, that the women’s ministry and the youth [ministry], the men’s work, the choir and every aspect of the body of the church… we are watchful in carrying out God’s mission,” said Rev. Dwight Fraser, the guest speaker.
“Watchfully!” he continued. “So that we are never asleep at God’s station, so that no opportunity passes us… we are always alert to follow where God is leading us and what God is requiring of us so that we may impact those God desires to use to lead into the Kingdom and to engage in the outworking of the Kingdom.”
The guest speaker spoke at length, delivering a message urging the congregation to avoid complacency or weariness and to always remain prepared for God's return.
A special moment of recognition for individuals, including centenarian Edna Rowe, also formed part of the ceremony for their contributions to the church and community.
The curtains of the anniversary ceremony came down as Rev. Dr. Devon Dick graced the pulpit with a supplication.
Rev. Robert Campbell shared with Old Harbour News afterwards: “We are hoping that we can impact the community even more because we are not about inward look only, but we are really about empowering the community and alleviating poverty and helping the community to be a better community that we minister to.”
That three of our national heroes – George William Gordon, Sam Sharpe and Paul Bogle – are Baptists, speaks volumes of the work of the Christian movement. Certainly, after Sunday’s milestone celebrations in the nation’s largest fishing community the work of the Baptist is self-evident, alive and well.
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