St. Barnabas Anglican Church will be celebrating its 175th anniversary from June 9 to 16, 2013.
Rector of the church, Reverend Mark Harewood, made this disclosure today during a press conference at the church’s Senior Citizens Day Care Centre, Chapel Gap, St. Michael.
The cleric noted that the corner stone of the church was laid on June 11, 1838, while the dedication of the church took place on October 9, 1839.
Harewood however pointed out that the 17 month period between the laying of the corner stone and the dedication of the church will be covered in the celebration.
He explained that the June 2013 to October 2013 phase of the celebrations has been designated “Rejoicing”, adding that the inaugural anniversary event will be the church’s 175th Anniversary Patronal Festival in June, at which Anglican Bishop Dr John Holder, will lead the church in a week of “Rejoicing with Solemn High Eucharist”.
During the services the congregation will sing a commemorative hymn written by members. The rector explained that directly following the worship service, congregants will gather on the church grounds to witness a pyro-technic display titled Let your light shine before others.
On June 13, the church will stage a major musical event titled Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing at the LLoyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. The Royal Barbados Police Force Band will be in attendance.
From August 19 to September 1 some of the congregation will travel to the Holy Land as part of an anniversary pilgrimage. The pilgrimage, which is being offered to all members and friends of St. Barnabas, will include tours to sacred sites.
During the week of September 11, the congregation will continue its rejoicing to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Senior Citizens Day Care Centre.
On October 5, 2013 the church will hold a traditional bus excursion, when parishioners and friends will be encouraged to park the family car and enjoy a full day of a bus ride with food, entertainment, games, music and other activities.
It is expected that this fun-filled event will bring back memories and create new memories of a lifetime.
Chairman of the 175th Anniversary Committee, Carlisle Carter, told members of the press that a sports day will be held in January 2014. Meanwhile, the church’s Jubilee celebrations will end with a week that will include a worship service on October 9, 2014, to mark the 175th anniversary of the dedication of the original church building.
There are also plans for a grand gala dinner, plus an open air event to signal “a bold and bright vision” for a church that is being re-dedicated to the future.