Wesley College Bahamas
Wesley College
Don McKay Boulevard
Marsh Harbour, Abaco AB 20443
Bahamas
ph: 2423672009
fax: 2423675419
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Aldersgate Methodist Church
Aldersgate Methodist Church,
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
A history of Aldergate Methodist Church would be incomplete without an account of the original Marsh Harbour Methodist Society, which was opened in 1845, with a Sunday School of twelve pupils and one teacher.
The 1846 Synod minutes report that, the formation of a “class of sincere souls, most of whom are the only seeking the power of godliness.” An exhorter from Hope Town sometimes preached at the church on Sundays.
In 1969, under the leadership of the Rev. John Hopkinns, Synod decided to combine the Marsh Harbour and Dundas Town Societies, and to build one chapel in Dundas Town, to be known as The Sea View Methodist Church. Rev. Hopkins saw this as”…A stop with modern trends and wise stewardship, both of ministry and finance”.” He went on to recognize that this was a controversial decision, and concluded optimistically that, “Before long we shall be saying, “ “Why did this not happen years ago?”
Mr. Hopkins’ positive outlook was never shared by the members of the congregations. Members of the Marsh Harbour society were particularly disappointed since the funds they had raised to build the chapel in Dundas Town, against their wishes. Several refused to participate in the venture, while the few who did, so reluctantly. The new chapel, now know as Saint Andrews, was dedicated on August 9, 1970, and Rev. Hopkins left the Circuit shortly after.
In December 1971, Pastor Bert Batham reports, with a note of disappointment and concern, of the growing financial and spiritual concerns of the circuit. Recognizing the mistake which was made in merging the two societies he noted: “Alas, the two societies of Marsh Harbour and Dundas Town never really fused.”
Mr. Hopkins had obviously underestimated the subtle cultural differences between the people of Dundas Town and those of Marsh Harbour, and the effects of forcing members of an established 124-year-old congregation, to abandon their heritage and join a relatively new congregation. The use of Marsh Harbour funds to build a Dundas Town chapel also undermined a successful merger, and the phenomenal growth which Marsh Harbour has experienced since that time has surpassed everyone’s imagination. Visiting the area a few years ago, Rev. Hopkins remarked, “Who would ever have known that Marsh Harbour would come to this!”
In 1985, new Marsh Harbour congregation was formed with 14 members. The first service of this group was held at home of Sister Agatha Archer on September 1, 1985, and conducted by the Rev. Charles Carey. Subsequently, weekly services were held at the homes of members. Brother Peter Campbell, the one surviving leader from the old society was elected society Steward, and eventually became the Circuits first Lay Pastor, a post from which he retired recently.
On May 1, 1987, ground was broken for the construction of a chapel on Crown Land leased through negotiation by Sister Agatha Archer. Work progressed steadily under the able leadership of Brother Percival Archer, Gordon Hudson, Ryan Archer, George Reviere, and Arnold Edwards.
On May 1, 1998, the new edifice was dedicated. The membership grew to 24.
We rejoice that God has raised two ministers for the Methodist Church, from the offspring of this congregation in the persons of the Reverend Carl Campbell, and the Reverend Dr. Colin Archer.
Church Life
(Above)Congregation on September 23, 2007
(Above)Congregation in June, 2010
(Below) Church Steward Bro. George Riviere, left, and Superintendent Minister, Reverend Charles Carey, right.
The Aldersgate Ensemble: l-r Paige Archer (flute), Denton Gay(alto saxophone), Jarrod Smith (trombone), and Charles L V Carey (trumpet).
Bro. George Riviere and Ms. Lauren Riviere.
Aldersgate Ensemble Plays for Heritage Festival
by Paige Archer, O'ryan Johnson-Bethel and Sinclair King
It was May 6th ,2007, The Aldersgate Ensemble played in Green Turtle Cay for the closing of Heritage Festival. It was a church service out on the park. Before the service begin the band set up and sat like Ladies and Gentlemen.
Mrs. Vernelle Carey& Mrs. Jenny Reckley.
At the beginning of the service we played the American National Anthem and Bahamas National Anthem. In the service there was preaching singing praying and offering. After it was all over people congratulate the band on a good performance. The band also received adonation. Reverend Carey commended them for being ladies and gentlemen and playing well. We also played a few of our junkanoo pieces. Then later on we walked to Mrs. Susan Jones' house for Sunday dinner. The food was delicious .We sat with her and talks until it was time for us to head back to the ferry. After a job well done and a good dinner it was time for us to go.
The late Percival G. Archer, Immediate Past Church Steward.
For more, please see our page on Facebook: The Abaco Methodist Church of The Bahamas.
Wesley College
Don McKay Boulevard
Marsh Harbour, Abaco AB 20443
Bahamas
ph: 2423672009
fax: 2423675419
admin
