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 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, says Lester Jules, pastor of the 77-member Long Bay Adventist congregation. He continues, “This church will stand as a beacon. The re-dedication of this building 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 say.

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

The 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 large right now, but if you build it, people will come,” he said. “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 literal 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,” he stated. “We dedicate the plans of this new building in honor of God’s commands and statutes, and hope that everyone who enters or even passes the building will find the Lord within its walls.”

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

For the last four years, since the hurricane destroyed the church, members have been meeting at smaller locations and currently have been meeting in a restaurant belonging to a church member. 

“Where we meet is not conducive to worship,” says 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.”

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

North Caribbean Conference Treasurer Sanida McKenzie demonstrated the conference’s support for the project with a monetary contribution from the conference, saying, “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.

This article was originally published on the Inter-America Division’s website.