Symbol of resilience: New Road Town SDA church building dedicated & opened
The church was rebuilt following years of construction after it was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The top floor of the original two-story building was destroyed, and the remaining structure was compromised.
The groundbreaking ceremony for this new building was held on June 2, 2021.
During the ceremony on Sunday, a declaration of dedication and a prayer of dedication were recited.
God didn’t abandon his people- Pastor James
“This is a declaration of God’s inherent goodness, his never-ending mercy, and his eternal faithfulness across generations has been demonstrated here,” said guest speaker, President of the North Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Wilmoth J. M. James of Antigua.
This building, he continued, speaks without words to every passerby that God did not abandon His people.
“He sustained them, He refined them, He unified them, and in His perfect time, brought them to this moment of declaration.”
Symbol of resilience & recovery
Acting Governor Mr David D. Archer Jr described the building as not just belonging to the members but to those who do not worship there.
“We also see this building as our building mainly and purposely because it represents a reflection of commitment, of hope, of dedication, but it's also a symbol of recovery for the Virgin Islands.”
Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) described the new edifice as a beautiful one.
“This building is a symbol of resilience, it is a symbol of rebirth, it is a symbol of hope,” the Premier said, adding that Hurricane Irma “gave us some punches; it knocked us down, but it did not knock us out”.
Dr Wheatley also said he celebrates what this new Road Town SDA Church building means to the community- a beacon of hope for the ones that surround it.
“I celebrate the vision that Pastor Williams laid out to me for the rebuilding of this church, a vision of this being a shelter not just for hurricanes but for persons going through their own personal disasters…I celebrate the vision of teaching persons skills…so that they can build their own lives.”
District 4 Representative and Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Hon Luce D. Hogde-Smith, told those present that the structure is “the fruit of 8 years of hard work, unwavering resilience, steadfast preservation, determination and profound patience and faith”.
She commended the leaders and members of the Road Town SDA for their extraordinary display of togetherness and unity.
Gifts
Monetary gifts were also presented to the Road Town SDA Church during the dedication service.
The Vanterpool family and the MHV Group of Companies presented a $5000 cheque to the church.
“May God continue to bless you as you humbly and yet boldly spread the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Mrs Judith E. Vanterpool encouraged.
The North Caribbean Conference presented a completion grant. Other SDA churches, friends and well-wishers of the congregation presented their own gifts as well.
Premier Wheatley also pledged the government’s support and partnership, adding that he remains committed to giving a financial contribution before the end of 2025.
“I won’t say the amount right now, but I hope it makes you smile,” he said.
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17 Responses to “Symbol of resilience: New Road Town SDA church building dedicated & opened”
I hope a future generation of visionary Virgin Island architects will one day resurrect their profession.
Had you been present to actually hear the sermon, you would have understood that we are not a church preoccupied with spectacle, ostentation, or the pursuit of majestic edifices. Rather, we are a body committed to the Great Commission of Matthew 28 — prioritizing discipleship, service, and authentic Christian witness over architectural showmanship.