Help Mt Carey Baptist to rebuild

This Sunday, Power 106 FM facilitates a radiothon to raise $8 million to help rebuild the historic Mt Carey Baptist Church in St James.

Mt Carey Baptist Church was destroyed in December 2010 by fire, believed to be the work of arsonists. It is the same church which had its organist killed over three years ago. And the pastor, the Reverend Dr George Simpson, was shot and stabbed in May 2009 and is still recuperating and needs to visit the United States for medical treatment. He even had to retrain his facial muscles how to smile.

When I visited the congregation in January, I observed the destruction of the church sanctuary - the roof, the benches, the windows and doors, the walls, the organ, the pulpit, the vestry. Even the flooring was lifting. As if that was not enough, the upstairs section of the adjacent educational building was also destroyed. The congregants, therefore, had to cram into the downstairs of the education centre for worship service. On that Sunday, the preacher, Deacon Charles Hall, and other members were still hurting and crying. They believe that they are under attack from forces of darkness. Therefore, it is important that the Jamaican community supports this rebuilding effort.

The Mt Carey Baptist Church, located on a hill near Anchovy, is a landmark. Many generations can tell of the inspiration derived from worshipping in this sacred sanctuary. Many have praised God and have experienced the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Thousands have been counselled to deal with their problems and have been given hope. Thousands have had their prayers answered. In addition, a few years ago the Mt Carey Baptist Church, in association with its partners, opened a modern basic school which serves the children of the community. Therefore, in rebuilding the Mt Carey Baptist, it is not just about restoring a building, but helping to rebuild lives. It is also a concrete testament to the reality that good will triumph over evil.

No stranger to adversities

Mt Carey Baptist is known for overcoming adversities. The church was destroyed subsequent to the protest led by National Hero Sam Sharpe, a Baptist deacon. Sharpe's Baptist War of 1831 was a catalyst that led to the Emancipation Act being passed in 1833. The church was perceived as being for the enslaved and hence the destruction of the sanctuary by those who were against them being freed. The rebuilding of the chapel started one year after full emancipation in 1839 and was completed the following year.

Unfortunately, in 1912, the church was badly damaged by a hurricane and, again, it was rebuilt. But, again, in 1957, the church and mission house were destroyed by earthquake. The then government gave £2,000 towards the rebuilding effort, which was completed in 1965.

And it is now another opportunity for the Jamaican public to help Mt Carey Baptist. The efforts have started already. Earlier this year, on Resurrection Sunday, under the inspiration of Joseph McIntyre, choir director at Boulevard Baptist Church, there was a concert at Anchovy High School which netted $500,000 towards the rebuilding effort. Deliverance Centre also made a significant financial contribution. And many others have supported the members of Mt Carey in their hour of need.

Power 106 will be having simultaneous outside broadcasts from Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew and Calvary Baptist Church in St James between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 12. Gospel artistes will be ministering, during that time, at those locations, free of cost. Persons are invited to visit those locations and make donations or call 925-5329 and/or 905-0118 and make pledges. Donations can also be made to account number 334-342-656 at the National Commercial Bank, Manor Park.

This is the first time a congregation, within four years, would have had its organist killed, pastor nearly killed, fire destroying a church building and members left so traumatised. They deserve our help. So, let us help Mt Carey Baptist rebuild.

Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew.