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”
Back to
Top
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.
Back to
Top
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.
Back to
Top
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.
Back to
Top
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.
Back to
Top
Grant’s
Town Wesley Methodist Church, Grant’s
Town
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.
Back to
Top
Trinity
Methodist Church, Shirley 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.
Back to
Top
