Last Sunday, it was not business as usual at the Wesleyan Holinesness Church in Gray’s Farm. Interestingly, it was a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the church’s existence.
The celebration was a blast. It was a day of praise & worship, poetry, musical rendition, sermonette and a moment of reflecting back on the church’s past.
For the anniversary, the church got a facelift. The sanctuary was certainly transformed. The walls within were rebranded and the hall was decked out with new chairs, new carpet & new furniture, giving the sanctuary an ambiance that it never had before. Additionally, the church members were neatly and uniformly adorned in their new attire, all blending with the colour of the church’s interior.
The service started on time. The church was packed with people and it was evident that the congregation was extremely comfortable and waiting patiently to see what was in store for them.
The program started with an invocation by the resident minister, Dr. Milaydis Thomas. Then the Master of Ceremony, Christopher Stevens was introduced.
All eyes were now fixed on him. I must admit that from the beginning to the end of the progrom, he executed his role with distinction.
He first invited to the podium, Micah Thomas, a 15 old youngster to read a scripture. The youngman was poised and filled with confidence during his presentation.
Next was Mrs. Brenda Matthew, who welcomed everyone to the service. She was quite courteous, extending the sentiments that there was alot in store.
Subsequently, The worship team took over. It was lead by Mrs. Lauren Charles – Stevens who was extremely dynamic. Lauren & her team were backed up by the competant resident band and they all had each person in the church, on their feet rocking & singing away to the music.
Christopher Stevens, the MC of the program proceedings, then rendered a poem that was written & composed by himself. The poem was eloquently delivered, highlighting some historical facts about the church. After the poem, around of thunderous applause was given by the congregation, showing their appreciation.
Surprisingly, a former member of the church’s youth group, Ms Cathy -Ann Burnette, who now lives in Europe, flew in and rendered a brief biography of her spiritual grandmother, Ms. Everette Matthew, before inviting her to the podium, to give the congregation, the history of the church.
Ms Everette Matthew, worshiped at the church for over 60 years. She is the matriarch of the Gray’s Farm Wesleyan Holinesness church family and was chosen as the most fitted person to give the history of the church. No stones were left unturned. Ms Everette Matthew certainly dissected with precision & presented to the congregation, the church’s history.
Willie Wawa, a son of the Gray’s Farm soil offered a musical rendition. He went all out to mesmerize the congregation. It was a superb job. His musical skills of blowing the trumpet was certainly done with distinction.
Prior to the sermonette, the members of the church, who were all neatly uniformed in their new attire, assembled infront of the podium and sang the song ” We have come here by faith “. The synchronization of the tenors, sapronos and base voices, certainly set the stage to welcome the guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Everton Thomas, the resident minister of the St. John’s Wesleyan Holinesness church.
Rev Everton Thomas was certainly himself. He was dynamic, eloquent, charismatic and very forceful in his delivery. Throughout his presentation, he captured everyone’s attention. He concluded with a charge to the members of the Gray’s Farm Wesleyan Church, ” to have faith, because there will be bigger things to come “. His sermonette was extremely profound and timely for the occasion.
Finally the service ended with the resident minister Dr. Rev. Myladis Thomas, filled with elation & enthusiasm, giving the Vote of thanks.
Certainly, everyone left the program with smiles & a great sense of satisfaction. Some even left winning gifts. They were also treated with finger foods and local drinks to help replenish the lost energies while celebrating the momentous occasion.
Happy Anniversary!!
Alex
