The Government of Aruba, in partnership with the Monumentenbureau, officially recognized the Bernhardstraat Seventh-day Adventist Church as a national monument during a special ceremony held April 22, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Adventist community on the island.

Church leaders, government officials, and members gathered for the occasion, which also included the signing of a restoration agreement to preserve the historic structure.

The building, originally dedicated on July 11, 1936, stands as a testament to early missionary efforts that helped establish the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aruba, church leaders said. The church in Aruba operates under the Dutch Caribbean Union, which includes Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

A legacy rooted in mission

During the ceremony, church historian Luciano Milliard presented a historical overview tracing the origins of the Adventist message in Aruba to the 1920s, when literature evangelism and missionary outreach laid the foundation for church growth.

“These efforts led to the organization of the first Adventist congregation in 1934 and the subsequent construction and dedication of the Bernhardstraat Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1936,” Milliard said.

Over the decades, the building has served multiple roles in advancing the mission of the Church, as a place of worship, an educational facility, and a center for community outreach.

“It has remained a symbol of faith, resilience, and commitment to service,” Milliard added.

National significance and restoration effort

Prime Minister of Aruba Mike Eman affirmed the broader significance of the recognition, noting that the restoration represents both the preservation of national heritage and an opportunity to inspire renewal in faith and community life.

“This building represents faith, a commitment to the Word of God, and a commitment to our fellow men. It has inspired many people to seek a better life,” Eman said during the ceremony.

He added that the restoration carries symbolic meaning for the nation.

“Every layer of paint, every door, every window we restore will also represent a restoration of faith in Aruba,” Eman said.

Prime Minister Eman further emphasized the deeper impact of the initiative beyond the physical structure.

“In a world that is searching for meaning, moments like this remind us that restoration is not only about buildings, but also about restoring faith, purpose, and commitment in our society,” he said.

He also highlighted the government’s support for the project.

“We did not hesitate to support this initiative, because this is a place where history has been made and where the foundation of community and belief has been built,” Eman said.

Commitment to preserve and strengthen mission

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister and church leaders signed the restoration agreement and unveiled the official emblem designating the church as a national monument. Restoration work is expected to begin in the coming months.

Virgil Sams, president of the Aruba Mission, underscored the spiritual significance of the church.

“Generations have encountered God within its walls,” Sams said, also recognizing the contributions of dedicated lay members such as Eric Principaal, whose life of service reflects the church’s mission.

Calix Ashby, treasurer of the Dutch Caribbean Union, emphasized that the project represents more than physical restoration.

“This is the restoration of identity, purpose, and mission,” Ashby said, reaffirming the church’s commitment to continued ministry and community engagement.

Looking ahead

The church currently serves approximately 40 Spanish-speaking members who gather in the church weekly. Leaders said the restoration will provide an improved facility to better serve the congregation and surrounding community.

The ceremony concluded with the placement of the official monument plaque on the building, formally recognizing its historical and cultural significance.

Front view of the Bernhardstraat Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aruba, recognized as a national monument during a ceremony held on April 22, 2026. [Facebook photo: Gabinete AVP-Futuro]

Looking ahead to the church’s 90th anniversary, Pastor Virgil Sams said the recognition highlights both its enduring legacy and its continued mission.

“This milestone ensures that this historic site will continue to serve as a center of hope, outreach, and transformation in Aruba and beyond,” he said.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aruba includes approximately 1,200 members worshipping in 11 congregations. The Aruba Mission also oversees the Aruba Adventist Academy on the island.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.