Ascension Methodist Church, Prince Charles Drive

Ascension Methodist Church came into being over four fast moving Saturdays in August, 1991.

Saturday, 3rd August, two days prior to the August Monday Emancipation Day Holiday, Rev. Dr. Colin Archer met with Mr. Bertram Knowles of Epiphany Anglican church socially, and they discussed his idea that it would be a good idea to have a new Methodist Church established in the East as a signal to Methodist and to Bahamians as a whole that self-government commencing 1st September, 1992 was a reality. Mr. Knowles related to Dr. Archer that it was a coincidence that the Winton child Care Centre on Prince Charles Drive was up for sale and that although Epiphany Anglican Church had been looking at the Centre they were not in a position to purchase. He then invited Dr. Archer to pursue the matter and handed him the drawings.

Immediately Dr. Archer contacted Mr. Marvin Bethell one of the five owners of the holding company, Rocford Investments who arranged to have the building opened for inspection on Saturday 10th August. At 11:00 a.m. twenty-three Methodist met in an animated hour and a half long meeting chaired by Dr. Archer. Prayer was offered and a decision made to meet with the owners.

During the week that followed, an appraisal report was provided indication the total value of the land, building and furnishings to be $373,000.000. The owners indicated their willingness to accept $300,000.00.

The following Saturday, 17 August at 10:30 a.m. twelve Methodist met formally with the ownership group and agreed to purchase the premises. Those present trusted each other and trusted that the Lord would see this project through and make a way for the approximate accumulated monthly payment of $4,200.00 to be met.

Next followed the “open meeting “of Saturday, 24th August at 11:00 a.m. when twenty-two excited Methodist met. The gathered assembly was informed that a temporary loan of $100,000.00 had been secured through the Royal Bank of Canada. This would enable the intended congregation, functioning through trustees to make a down payment to close the sale. The loan was immediately backed by Mr. Kenneth Carey. A repayment balance of $200,000.00 would be owed the seller. It was proposed and adopted that debentures (loan) in blocks of $1,000.00 be considered by those present and other interested persons. Eventually more than $30,000.00 was secured by this method. In addition, gifts of money would be solicited. In this respect Dr. Earl & Melanie Farrington started the ball rolling with most generous input and other excited Methodists made purchases of debentures in varying denominations.

A tacit decision was made in faith, hope and love to proceed with the establishment of a new Methodist congregation in the Eastern District of New Providence. The name “Ascension Methodist Church” was agreed so as to help keep before us and celebrate the sacred and import contents of the much celebrated pro-autonomy “Ascension Statement” of 9th May, 1991.

Mindful of the many live court actions involving Methodist Church, that very week, on the 19th, an Association known as “Winton Child Care Centre Association” was formed, the legal documents of which were drawn up by attorney-at-law, Ms. Rosalie Hall. The following persons were appointed Trustees: Mr. Michael Knowles, Pastor Charles Lewis, Mr. Kenneth Carey, Ms. Rosalie Hall, Mr. Andrew Newton and Miss Andrea Gibson.

Three days later, on Sunday, 1st September at 7:00 a.m., outdoors in the blazing light of the rising sun, with some seventy souls in attendance, the first ever worship service of the newly formed Ascension congregation was held. Miss Janice Knowles conducted the service and Rev. Dr. Colin Archer preached the sermon. The text was from Genesis chap. 28 vs. 16; The Lord is here! He is in this place, and I didn’t know it1”

Coke Memorial Methodist Church, Fox Hill

The early 1870’s were great and eventful years for Methodism in The Bahamas. This period witnessed the establishment of the first educational institution in the Bahamian Methodism which eventually evolved into Queen’s College.

Around the same time members of Ebenezer Methodist Church in a spirit of Evangelism began Sunday School in the Sandilands Village a freed slave settlement in the eastern part of New Providence. About 1872 the work evolved into the establishment of a church to be known as Coke Methodist church. A “little wayside Chapel” was built on property donated by Bro. Dundee Johnson.

Coke was named in honour of that pioneer Methodist Missionary to the West Indies, Dr. Thomas Coke. The Church was built on a firm foundation and was nurtured by many giants of the Christian faith. It was established during the Chairmanship of the late Rev. Henry Bleby, an English Minister. One of its chief cornerstones, Layman George Adderley was responsible for its growth and development over the years. Many saints from home and aboard assisted in the maintenance of the work.

Coke has produced many professional Bahamians such as, Olympian and Bahamian sports hero, Shonel Ferguson, teacher of the Blind, Melba Pratt, Chartered Accountant Daniel Ferguson, Attorney at law, Linda Hepburn-Virgil and Dentist Karen Burnside and many others.

In 1992 the Members of Coke voted overwhelmingly for the Bahamas District to evolve into a conference of its own rights. In 1993 two of its stalwarts Mr. Vincent Mortimer and Ms. Miriam Pratt signed the Dead of Church Union as a Founding Church of the New Conference.

There is an active men’s fellowship, woman’s League and teenage fellowship. There is much promise for the future of Coke with a young congregation and a group of enthusiastic followers of Christ.

Curry Memorial Methodist Church, South Beach

When South Beach Estates opened up, it was obvious that shortly it would be well-populated. The Methodist Church saw an avenue of service there and was ready to begin work in the area. At first it was thought this would be ecumenical, but this did not materialize. So, we had to venture into this work alone.

The initial inaugural service was held on Easter Sunday 1972 on the patio of Mr. and Mrs. George Thompson. For some eight years thereafter, Church school was held at the Thompson’s home while Worship services were held at the home of Mrs. Marietta Cartwright.

The work ceased for a while, but was restarted in 1982 after a present site had been secured. Ground breaking had taken place in 1980 by The Rev. Charles Curry, after whom the church was named. During the construction of the building, cervices were held under a tent. Meetings during the week were held at the homes of Ms. Vernencha Blatch and Mrs. Rodgers.

The cornerstone was laid on Sunday, December 5, 1982 and the dedication of the building took place on Sunday, December 11, 1983. Both functions were performed by the Rev Kenneth Huggins, Chairman of the District.

Development of the work at South Beach and Curry Memorial has been in the best Methodist tradition. It has been a labour of love with ministerial and lay brothers and sisters working hard I hand, side by side, under the leadership of God to whom belongs all the honour and thanksgiving.

Other persons who served at Curry Memorial during its early years were Reverends Edwin L. Taylor, John Bilverstone, Eric St. C. Clarke and Colin Archer; Sister Olga Brook-Smith; Pastor Donald Charlow and Charles Lewis. The following Ministers served sometime later: Reverends Gesner Paul, Nymphas Edwards and Henley Perry. Charles Lewis serving as Lay Pastor.

Curry Memorial has been involved in the struggle for autonomy from the outset. On September 1, 1992 the majority of members decided that we should officially join A. R. M. (the association for the renewal of Methodism) later to become The Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church. A Congregational Board was established and the following persons serve as chairpersons of the various boards; Charles Lewis, Helen Thompson (secretary), Willis Bullard, Andrea Gibson, Marie Neilly, Emma Poitier, Laurette Denis, Carl Knowles Sr., Minerva Knowles, Harold Adderley, Selwin Estwick and Henry Knowles.

Curry Memorial is proud to be a participating member of The Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church and continually prays for its success.

Ebenezer Methodist Church, Shirley Street

Ebenezer Methodist church was constructed in 1802 out of the private funds ($240.00) of Rev. William Turton, its first minister. The wooden structure was known as ”The East Chapel” and was built in the eastern part of the island of New Providence. The wooden East Chapel was partially destroyed by hurricane in 1813, but was rebuilt under the leadership of Rev. William Dowson. As converts to Methodism were growing the re-built East Chapel was not able to accommodate all who wished to attend the services and consequently the foundation for the present Ebenezer Methodist church was laid on the 29th March, 1839 when the Rev. John Corlett was minister of the church.

The new Ebenezer Methodist church opened its doors for worship in 1841 and in 1851 boasted a membership of some 336 members. The “beautiful eighteenth century Meeting House” weathered the storm of 1866which badly damaged many churches in New Providence. However Ebenezer was practically destroyed by a hurricane in 1928, but with the benefit of the insurance coverage together with the generous gift and hard work of members and friend Ebenezer was restored to its former glory.

Through the years various improvements have been made to the interior of the church and the Ebenezer complex of buildings. In the mid 1950’s the Epworth Parsonage on the northern side of Shirley Street opposite Epworth Hall was sold and a new furnished parsonage was purchased on Shirley Park Avenue. During the pastorage of Rev. Norman Pratt, the floor and the pews of the church were renewed, the choir stalls, pulpit and gallery were re-arranged and a central stairway installed. During the 1960’s the pews on the ground floor in Ebenezer were replaced with mahogany pews.

In the early 1990’s a new two storey minister’s and choir vestries was completed, together with the rearrangement of the coir stall and the pulpit area.

During 1993 the church was air-conditioned and new light fixtures were installed in the sanctuary.

Epworth Hall was built in 1800 during the pastorate of the Rev. Francis Moon. It was renovated in the mid 1950’s. These renovations include the re-shingling of the roof and replacing the wooden floor with concrete floor. During the 1980’s during the pastorate of Revs. Patterson A. Dean and J. Emmette Weir the old Epworth Hall was demolished and replaced with a modern structure which houses the church office and the Sunday school with an auditorium having a seating capacity of 300.

Ebenezer has developed and produced some outstanding leaders throughout the years, and the special life of the church was deepened and enriched by a faithful band of men and women whose influence has not diminished with the passing years. In 1870 members of Ebenezer started a Sunday school at Fox Hill, which is now known as Coke Methodist church, and over the years Ebenezer has assisted the Coke Congregation in many ways.

We acknowledge the grateful thanks the many contributions made by the laypersons at Ebenezer who have been instrumental in its growth and development from its inception. God grant that in the days that lie ahead, Ebenezer will continue to be a place of vision, inspiration and a haven of rest for weary souls.

Global Village Methodist Church, Queen’s College Campus

The Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church welcomed its newest member church, Global Village Methodist Church on Friday November 14th, 2003, through the signing of the Deed of Union. This signing took place during Central Council 2003, which was held at Ascension Methodist Church on Prince Charles Drive.

Global Village was officially launched in April 2002. This Church meets in the Primary School Hall at Queen’s College. Rev. James Neilly’s vision for this church was born out of a need for a different kind of worship experience to meet the needs of today’s young people. The congregation has grown since its launch to about an average of 40 persons. The services are held each Sunday morning at 9:30am. This Church continue to expand its ministry with a ‘Kids Klub’ (Sunday School) each morning, a Youth Group on Friday evenings and a Bible Study on Tuesday evening that includes a fellowship time with a meal.

Grant’s Town Wesley Methodist Church, Grant’s Town

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St. Michael’s Methodist Church, Boyd Subdivision

The “beginnings” of St. Michael’s were formed on an evening in June, 1961 on a patio of Mr. and Mrs. Baltron Archer’s in Chippingham. The seed of an idea was planted as opportunities for outreach work was discussed. The Archers patio was to be the site for the new work. The first service was held on July 12th, the attendance was good.

Wednesday and Sunday evening services, and Sunday School, continued on the patio, or in the house if weather was uncertain, until 27th October, 1963, when services were held in the Church Hall before it was completed.

Before the initial service in July, 1961, the late Sir Roland Symonette, first Premier of The Bahamas and a Methodist, had donated two lots in Boyd Subdivision to the Methodist District for the erection of a church. On October 19, 1962, during the Provincial Synod the site was dedicated by the late Rev. W. T. Makepeace who was the Chairman of the District. A third piece of land was donated by Sir Roland and the Late John F. McCarthy, an Insurance Executive, on which the Manse was built and dedicated on White Sunday, 1969. Work was begun on the Church Building in 1963, and on January 12th, 1964, the Church Hall was dedicated by Rev. Philip A. Potter.

Some years later, another plot of land with part of a structure on it was up for auction. For experience, Bro. Harold Poitier and Bro. Baltron Archer purchased the property in their names and later transferred it o St. Michael’s.

The plans of the congregation were to move on to the construction of a sanctuary. However, because of the need and growth in the church community, it was decided that a Youth Centre was completed and dedicated on July 20th, 1980 during the tenure of Rev. John Bilverstone. The top of the building serves as a meeting place for Youth Organizations, Girls and Boys Brigade, young Adults which was started in 1982.

A special note of those persons for their outstanding contribution in getting this work started – Sis. Mursay Poitier, Bro. John Berryman and Sis. Sybil Blyden. Beginning with an enrollment of one (Sis. Sybil Blyden’s grandchild), we now have over one hundred students.

We now have a beautiful Sanctuary, Church Hall, Youth Centre and Pre-School and Nursery buildings. It is most gratifying that more of the younger generation members show a keen interest in the work of the Church and are taking on more responsibility. We look forward to even greater service to God and the community.

Trinity Methodist Church, Frederick Street

Foundation stone was laid August 21st 1861 and opened April 2nd 1865. Destroyed by hurricane in 1938. The present, organ installed in 1964 and stained glass windows in 1973.

On 21st August 1961 the cornerstone was laid by His Honour Charles Nesbitt, Lieutenant Governor, acting in the absence of the Governor of the Bahamas, Governor Bayley.

The Church was built to accommodate about eight hundred persons (seated) at a cost of L6, 200.00. After many difficulties encountered in the construction of the building, it was completed in 1865 and a special dedication service was held on 2nd April of that year!!!

On 30th September 1866 the building was demolished by what was later termed “the notorious 66 gale”. The hurricane sprang up whiled the Rev. Hilton Cheeseborough was in the middle of his sermon at the evening service of September 30th.

By 1869, before Rev. Cheeseborough left the colony, the Church was completely rebuilt from funds recovered from the insurance of the building. A large elegant gallery ran from wall to wall on the western end of the Church.

On September 1928 the church was again extensively damaged by hurricane, during which time the gallery and much of the end were completely flattened. The remains of the beautiful Pipe Organ were found in the basement.

The building was soon restored under the able leadership of the rev. Walter H. Richards. However, the gallery was not replaced but the eastern end of the building was designed that it could accommodate the choir.

In the 1929 hurricane the building did not sustain much damage except for the steps which separated from the eastern end of the building.

In 1963 a beautiful tree-manual wicks Pipe Organ from Illinois replace the Hall Organ from Connecticut, which had been installed in 1929.

In 1973 the members thought it would be a good idea to replace the plain windows with beautiful stained windows, each of which bears a message.

In 1989 the roof of the present building was completely reshingled, at a cost of $128,000.00.

Trinity is proud of its rich heritage and its members continue to keep the torch of Jesus burning. We trust that God will enable her to serve the community for many years to come.