185 Years Educating, Enabling and Building God’s Kingdom at Cedar Hall, Antigua.
The Moravian Church since its inception has always had Church Growth Eyes. The Church was always on the lookout for opportunities to extend its borders, and to touch or impact the lives of more men and women in a holistic way. It was not only the spiritual area of life, but it sought to elevate and empower our people, through education, housing, good jobs, family life education, food, clothing, health and the establishment of community based institutions, financial management (Box), to engender the spirit of helping each other. It was in a scenario like this, that the Cedar Hall Moravian Church in Antigua was planted on Easter Sunday, 1822.
On November 5th, 1821, the foundation stone was laid for the Church and manse under the same roof. The lot fell on Brother John Ellis, the Missionary, to motivate the people in the community of Jennings and Ebenezer, to rally around and construct the building. The people were so elated at the prospect of having their own Sanctuary for worship, that the building was completed in record time.
Local leadership was encouraged at the very inception, so that four (4) Helpers (Elders) were appointed to take care of the Pastoral needs of members. The affirmation of local leadership helped tremendously in the rapid completion of the work on the Sanctuary. Some gave free labour, some brought food for the workmen, some stayed around and encouraged, while others gave whatever cash they could. It was total community involvement.
The community was so mobilized, that it galvanized the men and women to become Evangelist. They Evangelized the estates of Rowland Fries, Dark Valley and Hermitage, that by July 1822, the congregation numbered 1828 (souls) persons. Our fore fathers of this great move of God, have left a challenge for those of us who have come to know Jesus Christ as Saviour, to evangelize first our homes, then the community, and then further a field.
We congratulate the Cedar Hall congregation, as it celebrates its 185 anniversary, under the theme: 185 YEARS EDUCATING, ENABLING AND BUILDING GOD’S KINGDOM. The Church is still very vibrant, and it is to the credit of the hard work of committed men and women, who served faithfully over the years and indeed the present leadership. Cedar Hall stands as a beacon of hope and light in the community. Your challenge is, to go, light the world for Jesus.
Written by Rev. Dr. Cortroy Jarvis
