Charles Wesley Methodist Church, Lower Bogue

The Methodist Church in Lower Bogue has a rich history that goes back a long way. The present structure was dedicated somewhere around 1916. All of the stones in the present building were cut from solid rock. This church sits on the top of one of the highest hills in Lower Bogue providing spiritual light to generation after generation.

There has been a long line of Godly Methodist leader who has helped to guide the church over the years. Men and women like Charles Bain, P. William Bain, and Cyril Blatch, to name a few Giants from the past. The woman of the church has played a major role in keeping the church financially viable through the Christmas and Easter Programs that raised funds each year to supplement the sacrificial giving of the members.

John Wesley Methodist Church, The Bluff

The Current Methodist Church, Current

The Methodist Church was built at Current, North Eleuthera in 1819.

In 1871 a loan was granted to the chapel in Current for repairs.

Permission was granted to build a small mission house at The Current at a cost of thirty pounds in the 60’s to provide accommodation for visiting ministers.

Little is recorded during the early 1900’s.

In the early 70’s, the church was completed renovated; a new organ was purchased and the original windows were repaired and installed.

The church building has benefited from many renovations in recent years with new pews and central air being added.

For many years Mr. Edwin Symonette was the only Local Preacher in the church, preaching both morning and evening, as well as traveling on foot to Three Islands to go to Harbour Island to preach there.

The Current Methodist Church was the home church of Sir Roland Symonette, first Primer of The Bahamas. Two members of our present Conference Staff, Mr. Reg Eldon and Rev. James Neilly, grew up in our church.

We thank God for excellent leadership which has been given to our Church as Local Preachers, Sunday School Teachers and Care Givers.

Wesley Methodist Church, Harbour Island

Zion Methodist Church, Current Island

Gregory Town Wesley Methodist Church

The Gregory Town Wesley Methodist church was established in 1819. the settlement was then called Pitman’s Cove. It was renamed Gregory Town in 1850. Mr. George Parks was the Methodist leader in Gregory Town for several years. The Methodist Church progressed very well under Park’s ministry. He was a very hardworking servant of God. It is no wonder that the congregation rose from 56 in 1831 to 203 in 1844. The Gregory Town congregation conducted intentional outreach work in Hatchet Bay and by 1848, Hatchet Bay became the daughter congregation of Gregory Town, with a membership of 93.

It is significant to note the impact of Park’s work in Gregory Town and the influence of Gregory Town Church eventually had on Hatchet Bay. This tell the story of how the laity was responsible in large measure for introducing Methodism to the unchurched and spreading it from settlement to settlement, and island to island.

It is the wish of the Gregory Town Congregation to honour the outstanding work done by George Park at an appropriate time. George Town is a foundation member of The Bahamas Methodist Conference.

St. Mark’s Methodist Church, Hatchet Bay

Methodism was introduced by Mr. George Parks in the 1840’s to Hatchet Bay. He preached to some Africans who abandoned their rituals thus enabling Hatchet Bay to become a separate society in 1848 with 93 members.

A chapel was built in1847, and was replaced by another one between1872-1878. The materials were brought in by boat from Abaco. The chapel was called “The Wesleyan chapel”. From this church, others were formed in the community. When a few members migrated to James Cistern in 1853, a Society was started there.

In later years, the idea of building a new church was brought to the body by the late Mrs. Pandora Gibson-Gomez. This idea was met with much resistance by the minister at the time. After much prayer and discussion it was agreed to construct a new building in 1972.

The families of Rupert, Pasty and Muriel Albury were the driving force behind this idea. Numerous fundraising events were held, spearheaded by Mrs. Patsy Albury.

Bro. Rupert Albury served as a local preacher and also chairperson of the building committee. The contractor was Mr. C. I. Johnson from James Cistern. Through much hard work, sweat and tears, the present building was completed and on August 24th, 1975 it was dedicated to the honor and glory of God and named St. Mark’s Methodist Church.

Wesley Methodist Church, James’ Cistern

James Cistern is located 5 miles north of the Governor’s Harbour Airport. The earliest settlers were descendants of negro slaves. The community derived its name from a ship wrecked captain names, James who ran around on the northern shore near the historical James’ Point. He and his crew migrated inland and revived themselves from the fresh water Cistern located behind the Zion Baptist Church. Therefore, the community was named.

In 1835, a few Bible believing inhabitants and a few migrant workers from the Hatchet Bay Community formed a Christian Society of 19 members.

The next year a wattle chapel was built because the private home where society met would not hold half of those who wished to attend. The President Obeah and the existence of a Baptist Church seemed to restrict the society. In 1869 -1871 a new stone Chapel was built in Gibbs Hall, a section of the community and the members grew to 51.

The earliest society was maintained with funds gathered from fishing, farming and sponging. Many of the spongers gave half of their catch to the church. These were then taken to market in Nassau aboard native built boats including the ‘early bird’ and ‘grey hound’ etc.

The prosperities of the Christian society were transferred to The British Methodist Conference which supplied the Region with Minister and Deaconesses. A missionary house which is still standing; it was erected to accommodate the ministers who traveled by horse back from Governor’s Harbour. The missionary house was also used to baptize children who were born out of wedlock and also to marry couples who were living in common-law situations.

The earliest church was regarded as he highest form of law and order in the community. Many civil and domestic cases were judged by the society and every third Sunday, the laws of conduct were read.

Many of the Lay Preachers met every Sunday afternoon to pray and learn music because they experienced that such activities kept order and harmony in the church.

In the 1930’s the church experienced a remarkable increase in membership to about 107. To accommodate the boom in membership, the church purchased properties from the late Sir Roland Symonette, the first Premier of The Bahamas and a native of Eleuthera and Mr. Edward Johnson of Gregory Town, Eleuthera.

Wesley Methodist Church, Governor’s Harbour

Sometime in1783 a slave was credited for spreading Methodism among his fellow men and women in Governor’s Harbour. He was responsible for erection of a minute chapel where God could be worshipped and adored.

Sixty-four years later, in 1847, two dynamic and ‘spirit filled’ men of God became God’s instrument through which he established and constructed the present church structure. From the onset, segregation became a grave problem, much to the dislike of many. However, due to the “born again experience” within the lives of a large number of members, this problem was soon eradicated. Nowadays, both blacks and whites intermingle freely, and there exists a special bond of love, unity and togetherness.

Much refurbishing has taken place both in the interior and exterior. This includes a $20,000 Hammond Organ, a

P.A. system, a new stone modernized belfry and the church has undergone a complete rewiring of its electrical system. The church has also purchased its own but which has proven invaluable as far as transportation is concerned. Much labour has gone onto repainting our church, and now it is a shining monument for all to admire.

Our church boasts many stalwarts who sacrifice their entire lives for our church and the cause of Christ.

Wesley Methodist Church, Palmetto Point

A man named William Dawson, who was the third Missionary to the Bahamas, introduced Methodism to Palmetto Point. Dawson visited Palmetto Point in July 1812 and was gladly received. A society of 26 members was formed which survived for many years.

The minister from Rock Sound, who made the journey on foot, acquired a house in the 1820’s so enabling him to visit Palmetto Point more frequently. In those days people from South Point journeyed to North Point, from early Sunday mornings, and there they would spend the day, attending morning services, then class.

After class, there was Sunday School, and a later evening service. The building in which we worship was built in 1883 at the cost of Seven Hundred and Twenty Pounds, equivalent now to $2,080.00. This building was well withstood the rages of time. The roof was renewed in 1992 and new windows were also put in place. The dedicated ladies of the church are largely responsible for raising funds for this and other beautification projects, including a new Church Hall which was finished in 1992; and named in honour of H. L. (Jack) Sands, former Society Steward (H. L. Sands Memorial Hall) and the inside vestry named in honour of S. H. Bethel also a former Society Steward (S. H. Bethel Vestry).

Many dedicated soul seeking Ministers and Local Preachers have laboured to encourage the flock. Today, the church is a vibrant living force in the community. There are now 150 plus members, 98 women and 52 men with full congregational boards.

Deep Creek Methodist Church

This church was built in 1890, the builder was Mr. Sam Major. The first preacher was a Mr. Sam Thompson. The first ordained Minister was a Rev. Porde, the second ordained Minister was Rev. Edge, and the third was Rev. Clarke.

Mr. Nathan Thompson, was the schoolteacher and Sunday School teacher. He taught sister Charity Gibson, who is now 80 years old, and still active. She is now Honorary Chairperson (society steward).

The choirmaster was Mr. Reginald Anderson, and the assistant was Mr. Reuben Goodman.

Sister Prescola Thompson, a faithful member liked music and playing the guitar up to her death and brother Calvin Sands, was society steward for a long time until his death. He was dedicated according to sister Charity Gibson, and other. He went to the church every night alone, if only for prayer. He rang the bell and loved his church deeply.

Membership has remained constant. A new roof was put on January 4, 1994. Complete renovations will be done as funds become available. They have a pastor in the person of Remelda Carey, first female to hold this position in The Bahamas Methodist Church. Rev. Mark Carey is the minister.

We thank God for his continued blessings and guidance.

Rock Sound Methodist Church, Rock Sound

When first established the Rock Sound Methodist Chapel, in 1809 was a thatched wattle structure, built by Rev. William Turton.

It was at Rock Sound in April 1812 that the first District meeting (called Synod since 1892) of the Bahamas District was held.

In 1840 when Rock Sound had double in population the membership reached 232 and there was no room in the chapel. A stone structure (the present existing building) costing $350.00 was built in 1849.

In 1973 the same stone structure underwent extensive renovations and on Saturday June 2, 1973 the rededication service was held and the doors opened by the late Mr. Leon Knowles, sexton since 1945.

On December 23, 1990 an air conditioning unit was installed.

On January 21, 1991 the second Synod was held here in Rock Sound.

Savannah Sound Methodist Church, Savannah Sound

Wemyss Bight Methodist Church

Wesley Methodist Church, Tarpum Bay

Tarpum Methodist Church is believed to be the oldest church in the settlement. It was erected in 1809 by Rev. Turton.

The walls are 2 feet thick. The church bell was given by J. W. Culmer, a leading citizen of the settlement. Mr. Culmer took the bell from one of his pineapple schooners.

Methodist Work initially began in Tarpum Bay in 1806 by Rev. Turton. By 1812 three quarters of the inhabitants were members of the Tarpum Bay Security. This did not last long and it was not until a new wooden chapel was built in 1837 that encouraged signs in morals and spiritual depths of Church attendance were seen.

In 1861 and again in 1870, large stone chapels had to be built and from 1900 to 1917 Tarpum Bay was head of a Circuit with its own minister.

It is said that Joseph Abraham Nottage carried the sand to build the front steps on his head.

In 1900, Rev. Charles built and lived in the Manse (presently called the Mission House). The land for the manse was given to the church by Mr. Charles Culmer.

In 1855, the Rev. Gordon C. Reeves entered the history of Tarpum Bay Methodist Church. Rev. Harold Ward was in charge of the circuit. Bats had invaded the church – only six to seven people attended the Church. Rev. Reeves was able to get B.B. Guns from Nassau and he and his boys killed over 100 bats on the first day. Rev. Reeves preached the following Sunday and 105 persons attended the service.

Various renovations and building schemes have been done over the years including:

1968 -1974 ~The wall between the two sections of the church was removed. In 1969, The Woman’s group was set up.

1969 ~ The Woman’s Group was set up under the leadership of Mrs. Ruth Bilverstone and Mrs. Gordon C. Reeves.

1974 ~ The Church roof was replaced; glass windows were installed; and mahogany doors installed.