| By Leon SuseranOne of Guyana’s historical institutions, the Mission Chapel Congregational Church, is set to be rededicated tomorrow morning at a special service which commences at 10:00hrs.It was in 1815 when Mission Chapel Church was founded by Rev John Wray,Cheap Jerseys From China, whose arrival to Guyana marked the beginning of Congregationalism here. Due to his successful efforts working among the enslaved population, he was invited by the Commissioners managing Crown property to establish a Mission among the slaves in Berbice.A month-long programme of activities to observe the special celebrations for the church is now winding down. Tours have been planned and will be executed by the main committee chaired by pastor of the church, Rev Tyrone Sulker.A group of overseas visitors are expected this weekend in the country to attend the rededication celebrations,Deion Jones Falcons Jersey, which includes a briefing session and historical footage of the church.The oldest member of Mission Chapel,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping, 91-year-old Ms Millicent TrimJust this past week there was a symposium at the New Amsterdam Town Hall,Fernando Rodney Jersey, moderated by former Teaching Service Commission Chairman, Norman Semple on the topic ‘Reparation and contribution of Guyanese people of African decent’.According to Life Deacon of the Church and Co- Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Donald Thom, some of the participants of the symposium were Historian and Minister of Religion, Professor Winston Mc Gowan, Eric Phillips of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), historian Tommy Payne as well as Malcolm Parris.There is also a cultural presentation at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) today,NFL Jerseys China Online, followed by tomorrow’s rededication service.A procession beginning at the Banks DIH N/A office proceeding towards the church is billed for tomorrow. The special Sermon would be delivered by Rev Keith Haley, Chairman of the Guyana Congregational Union (GCU) and the Act of Dedication would be performed by Ret’d Judge and Rev Oslyn Small. The Prayer of Dedication will be done by the General Secretary of the GCU, Rev Paulette Hannibal.Greetings would be given by the Regional Chairman of Region 6, Mayor of N/A and representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Presentations to persons who have done outstanding work in the church would also be done tomorrow. They will also appreciate the efforts of business organizations in the town, especially A. Ally & Sons, New Building Society, Ameerally Sawmills, Home Designs, and other prominent persons in the town since they have made a great effort during the renovation efforts of the historical site.Mr Thom stated that they were able to raise some $15M since 2001 to help renovate the church. He added that at this time, they are replacing all the windows and hoping to paint the interior and exterior.“We have increased the sanitary facilities like putting up trestles for water supplies”.He disclosed that a donation from the Ministry of Culture is forthcoming and that the church also requested some assistance from President Jagdeo to complete the work. They need about $2M more.“Mission Chapel has been a church that has served the community over the 192 years of its existence. It’s really a kind of community church and we don’t have barriers of those who would want to attend and join the church”, Thom added.He encouraged members and friends to come in African outfits for the grand celebrations tomorrow. The interior of the church is one of the unique features of any monument in Guyana.“It has a ground floor with a first floor which is an elliptical arch with galleries upstairs and the church can host about 1,500 persons”, he noted. The church has 250 members and numerous organizations such as the Diaconate, Sunday School ministry, Women’s Union, Youth Fellowship and Prayer Group.Annually the church would have a concert during Emancipation celebrations to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the church. The National Trust recently visited the site and donated $200,000 to the rebuilding efforts. They also donated two 400-gallon water tanks to the church.The theme for the celebration of the rededication of the church is “Gratefully preserving,Brad Richards Red Wings Jersey, enhancing and expanding our heritage”. |
