The year 2022 is expected to be a remarkable and ‘ELEVATED’ one in the life of the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church as it marks 60 years of ministry. Photo: VINO/File

Reverend Dr Melvin A. Turnbull is the Senior Pastor of Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church (CGBBC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in July 2022. Photo: CGBBC

On July 15, 2022, the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church (CGBBC) will celebrate 60 years.

According to a press release from CGBBC on January 1, 2022, it is an exciting time for Senior Pastor Reverend Dr Melvin A. Turnbull and First Lady Mrs Marion M. Turnbull, Executive Pastor Reverend Michael A. Turnbull aka ‘Dr Mike’, pastors, ministers, evangelists, deacons, leaders of the different Ministries, other members, family and friends, and alumni as we pause to remember and ‘reflect on the goodness of God over the decades’.

According to Reverend Turnbull, "I thank God for the life of the Church, and for all the people who serve, have served, worship with us, and benefitted and continue to benefit from the many ministries we offer.

‘God has been good to CGBBC’- Rev Turnbull

God, according to Reverend Turnbull, has been and continues to be good to CGBBC.

"CGBBC started from humble beginnings on 15th July, 1962, with two missionaries and today continues to impact lives and communities with its commitment to growing spiritually, emotionally, physically, and holistically in Jesus Christ,” the Senior Pastor explained, adding that the vision of the Church is becoming a place where people are made whole.

"The amount of growth over the years has been incredible," Reverend Turnbull said.

CGBBC, according to the press release, has a longstanding history of contributing to the social dialogue and preserving the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands through the lens of emancipation with the establishment of Heritage Month.

Youth Development

Additionally, the Church continues to be an active participant in youth development through Revolution Youth Ministry, daycare services, and Children's Church. The Church also supports educational development, having adopted and financially supported three of the Territory's schools over a period of five years to the tune of $15,000.

According to CGBBC, there is an intentional dedication to strengthening the family structure through the Couples Ministry, Marriage Counseling, and Baby Dedication and Baptism services. There is also the rehabilitation of persons through the Prison Ministry and further care of the family through the Blanche and Blanche Pantry Ministry.

CGBBC said it also partners with other churches in building strong communities. Also, the Church continues to be a catalyst for change through its outreach via the Radio Ministry with Life Devotional, which started in 1975. Over the years, spiritual messages have been heard on ZBVI, ZROD, VON Radio, ZCCR, and ZKING.

Executive Pastor 'Dr Mike' said this is an exciting time as today's celebration signals the countdown on the road to the 60th Anniversary of the Church, which will include multiple celebrations."

He shared that the steering committee has already commenced planning that will include historical perspectives, testimonies from past and present leaders of the Church, and more.

The public is asked to participate in the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the Church, which starts now.

The theme for CGBBC for 2022 is ‘ELEVATED’.