| |
| |
Church's History
|
|
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
An Overview of the Formation and Existence
of the
Cockburn Town Seventh-day Adventist Church
In 1919, some ninety-one (91) years age, an Evangelist and Bible Worker named Sister Somelliann, a Native of Crooked Island, visited the island of San Salvador. After meeting with the people, engaged in Bible studies and by her own personal testimony, Brother Paul Ward and his household became the first converts to embrace the Sabbath Message Truth and in June 1919, himself along with nineteen (19) others were baptized.
With careful search of the scriptures and prayer, Bro. Paul Ward began giving Bible Studies to his neighbors and friends who also accepted the Bible truth. Among them were: Brother James T. Williams (Brother Jimmy), Brother Henry Williams (Boy Goose) and Brother Stanley Fernander.
It was from this humble beginning that the Cockburn Town Seventh-day Adventist church was formed and an edifice build on Ward and 1st Street, Cockburn Town and one in United Estates.
After Brother Paul Ward’s death, Brother Stanley Fernander was chosen as the new leader and he served up to his death in 1962. His eldest son Henry then led the church as head Elder from then until his death in 2002.
Over the years there have been a considerable growth to the organization of the Seventh-day Adventists in the Bahamas, from a district, to a Mission to a Conference and now we have a New Union Mission established in 2010. God has been good to His people.
The following pastors have been resident and non-resident over the 91 years in San Salvador and they are as follows: Resident pastors; Roy Fernander, Charles Carey, Dudley Lightbourn, Leo Rolle, Owasu Boateng and Larry Green. The non-resident pastors; Errol Tinker, Victor Cargil, Barrington Brennen, N. E. Scavella,
Wendal McMillian, Jeremiah Duncombe, Leonard Johnson, Michael Toote, Lynden Williams and Paul Scavella.
In 1992, during the visit of the General Conference President, Dr. Robert S. Folkenburg to San Salvador a ground-breaking ceremony took place on the present parcel of land where this church edifice now sits. This new edifice was dedicated…. and have a present day thriving membership of 61.
This congregation of Cockburn Town Seventh-day Adventist Church is caring and concerned about the whole man and all are welcomed to come in at anytime for Worship and Holy fellowship. It recognizes Jesus Christ as its head and has a deep love for Him and his people. So today, we give thanks to God for His presence and powerful leading of the Cockburn Town Seventh-day Adventist Church Family, whose motto is “The Church where the power of God is discovered in a new way everyday.”
In conclusion, all Praise and Thanks be to Almighty God for the leadership of this Organization. Special thanks are extended to Pastor Leonard A. Johnson, President of Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission, Pastor Paul A. Scavella, President of South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the many Officers and members of the Adventist church for our faithful support, wisdom and continued love.
|
|
|
 
|
Biography
Paul Ward was born November 25, 18882 to Evelyn Arnott and Frederick Ward in Cockburn Town, San Salvador. Elder Ward was baptized into the Adventist church after the conclusion of the first crusade held on San Salvador. Prior to his becoming an Adventist, he was an Anglican.
Elder Ward was married to his first wife, Margaret Brown, who died during the 1926 Hurricane along with their daughter, Millie. This union was blessed with nine children, seven girls and two boys (Blanch Ward-Nairn, Mella Ward-Butler, Vera Ward, Millie Ward-Fernander, Eva Ward-Green, Lula Ward-Darling, Lillian Ward-Musgrove, Fredrick Ward, and Solomon Ward, all of whom are deceased). Elder Paul was once again joined in holy wedlock on January 13, 1927, to Hilda Edgecombe. He was once again blessed with six children, five girls and one son, (C. Mildred Ward-Minnis, Louise Ward-Major (deceased), Esther Ward-Barnett (deceased), Mae Ward-Pratt, Sylvia Ward, and William Ward (deceased).
Soon after accepting the Advent Message, Elder Paul began his missionary work on the islands of Crooked Island and Cat Island. He was responsible for the establishment of four churches in those islands namely, Devil’s Point, Knowles, Old Bight, and Bennett’s Harbor. It was not easy for him as he, along with one of his daughters, Lillian, had to walk many miles from one settlement to the next in order to spread the gospel message. On the Island of Cat Island he was assisted by Sister Doss and Brother Rolle. He was assisted by Brother Stafford McKinney on the Island of Crooked Island.
In 1966, while attending a church service, Elder Ward fell ill. He was airlifted to New Providence where he was admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital. On July 11, 1966, Elder Ward ceased from his labour on this side of God’s vineyard.
|
|
