Marsh Harbour, Abaco

A history of Aldergate Methodist Church would be incomplete without an account of the original Marsh Harbour Methodist Society, which was opened in 1845, with a Sunday School of twelve pupils and one teacher.

The 1846 Synod minutes report that, the formation of a “class of sincere souls, most of whom are the only seeking the power of godliness.” An exhorter from Hope Town sometimes preached at the church on Sundays.

In 1969, under the leadership of the Rev. John Hopkinns, Synod decided to combine the Marsh Harbour and Dundas Town Societies, and to build one chapel in Dundas Town, to be known as The Sea View Methodist Church. Rev. Hopkins saw this as”…A stop with modern trends and wise stewardship, both of ministry and finance”.” He went on to recognize that this was a controversial decision, and concluded optimistically that, “Before long we shall be saying, “ “Why did this not happen years ago?”

Mr. Hopkins’ positive outlook was never shared by the members of the congregations. Members of the Marsh Harbour society were particularly disappointed since the funds they had raised to build the chapel in Dundas Town, against their wishes. Several refused to participate in the venture, while the few who did, so reluctantly. The new chapel, now know as Saint Andrews, was dedicated on August 9, 1970, and Rev. Hopkins left the Circuit shortly after.

In December 1971, Pastor Bert Batham reports, with a note of disappointment and concern, of the growing financial and spiritual concerns of the circuit. Recognizing the mistake which was made in merging the two societies he noted: “Alas, the two societies of Marsh Harbour and Dundas Town never really fused.”

Mr. Hopkins had obviously underestimated the subtle cultural differences between the people of Dundas Town and those of Marsh Harbour, and the effects of forcing members of an established 124-year-old congregation, to abandon their heritage and join a relatively new congregation. The use of Marsh Harbour funds to build a Dundas Town chapel also undermined a successful merger, and the phenomenal growth which Marsh Harbour has experienced since that time has surpassed everyone’s imagination. Visiting the area a few years ago, Rev. Hopkins remarked, “Who would ever have known that Marsh Harbour would come to this!”

In 1985, new Marsh Harbour congregation was formed with 14 members. The first service of this group was held at home of Sister Agatha Archer on September 1, 1985, and conducted by the Rev. Charles Carey. Subsequently, weekly services were held at the homes of members. Brother Peter Campbell, the one surviving leader from the old society was elected society Steward, and eventually became the Circuits first Lay Pastor, a post from which he retired recently.

On May 1, 1987, ground was broken for the construction of a chapel on Crown Land leased through negotiation by Sister Agatha Archer. Work progressed steadily under the able leadership of Brother Percival Archer, Gordon Hudson, Rayan Archer, George Reviere, and Arnold Edwards. On May 1, 1998, the new edifice was dedicated. The membership grew to 24.

We rejoice that God has raised two ministers for the Methodist Church, from the offspring of this congregation in the persons of the Reverend Carl Campbell, and the Reverend Dr. Colin Archer. Back to Top

As far as history records, the Methodist to arrive in Abaco (and indeed in The Bahamas), was Joseph Paul – a freed slave. He settled in Carleton, about four miles from Treasure Cay in 1783.

On Sunday, June 21st, 1815, Rev. Joseph Ward of the British Methodist Church, the first minister in Abaco, landed on Green Turtle Cay. The text of his sermon was “behold, I bring you good tidings.”

Rev. Ward was succeeded by Rev. Michael Head who died in 1817 leaving a membership of 300. By 1841 there were more than 700 members. They worshipped in a wooden chapel. In 1843 a cornerstone was lead for a new stone building chapel which was completed in 1856. The building was destroyed by a hurricane in 1832.

Rev. Alexander Thompson was the second Bahamian in ministry, and the first Bahamian minister in Abaco.

For most of its history, the minister of Abaco Circuit/Region resided a hope Town, traveling to and from the other societies every three months or when weather permitted (as he would have to travel by boat across a dangerous route) the minister would come to Green Turtle Cay to hold services. In the minister’s absence, the work of the church continued by faithful local leaders. One such leader was Mrs. Bruce Pedican who was ably assisted by his wife Sarah. A visiting preacher during the time of Mr. Pedican was Mr. Andil Brown, under whose preaching Mr. Charles Curry accepted Christ as Savior.

Green Turtle Cay was blessed to have Mr. James Respah Lowe come down and join Sis. Jennie Reckley in the leadership of the church. Mr. Lowe had served as a school teacher, Commissioner, Deputy Comptroller of Customs and Financial Secretary in The Ministry of Finance before retired to Abaco. Mr. Lowe served until his death in 1989.

Faithful leaders through the years include – Mr. Melvin Bootle, Mr. Bruce Pedican, Mr. Dody Jones, Mrs. Jennie Reckley, Mr. Respah Lowe, and Ms. Marion Curry. They carried the church forward in faith.

The church membership is small but their resolve is:

“Oh Jesus I have Promised

To serve Thee to the end;

Oh, give us grace to follow,

Our Master and our Friend.” Back to Top

In 1815 the first Methodist Missionary came to Abaco from Great Britain, but it is not known if he visited Cherokee. However, the next year 1816 the first Methodist Church was built here. Whatever destroyed it is forgotten in the past, but we know a house is built on the foundation.

In the eighteen sixties or seventies the second Methodist Church was built and that was in use until it destroyed by a hurricane in 1932. a lovely church it was with stained glass windows. It had four rows of seats, and four doors, two to the east and two to the west. Our Minister at that time was Rev. Walter Crowe an Irishman. From the early eighteen hundreds our ministers have come from Great Britain with a few Bahamians in between.

Rev. Crowe worked very hard to have the church re-built. A contractor and mason were brought from Nassau to help with construction, but local residents also did their part, and even the women and children brought sand from the beach to help. The church was dedicated by Rev. Crowe in January 1934 “O the Glory of God”. In those days we had about six local preachers. We also had a large congregation, but people leaving the settlement to look for work has caused a decrease in number.

A few years ago the Church was struck by lightening and caused damage to it, so renovations had to be made. The old wooden floor was taken out and replaced with concrete. A new roof was put on which was done by a crew from the United States, who was brought in by some American friends, new seats came from a Church in Florida. Rev. Charles Carey supervised the work, and on May 3rd, 1987 the Rec. J. E. Weir who then was the Chairman of the District, rededicated the Church “To the Glory of God”.

Thanks to God for His manifold blessings.