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Added by Jopie, at 01 January 2020
Description
The late Pastor L.C Thomas was assigned to the Montego bay SDA Church in 1985. Then in the latter part of 1987 he heard a voice like one crying in the wilderness saying, “Go to another community in the fulfillment of the divine commission” but he was not sure where to go. While contemplating, the voice spoke to him again, “go to the hills of Farm Heights because that community is without a place of worship.” He listened to the mighty voice and obeyed its command. So in 1988, accompanied by Pastor Balvin Braham and members of the Montego bay, Norwood and Paradise churches, the commission was heeded and they journeyed to Farm Heights.
Through the town, up the curves of Brandon Hill, onto the steeps of Rose Heights, with numerous twists, turns and potholes; they finally landed on the terrain of Farm Heights.
Landing was not without its challenges, but the members were determined that nothing would deter them. So at 9 A.M on the 17th day of January 1988, a big brown tent was pitched on the right hand side of the main road, a few chains after entering the community; 3 miles east of Montego bay.
The following Sunday; the 24th of January at 7:30 P.M, hundreds of people gathered under the large canvas cathedral to hear the man of God.
For six weeks Pastor Thomas echoed the good news of salvation and approximately 105 souls were lead to Christ. When the final week of the crusade came, the dedicated team went in search of land on which to erect a tabernacle for a place of worship. The intervention of the Lord was sought and it yielded a positive response. Pastor was told that there was a piece of land air marked for a Church, so they went in search of that land and found it.
The last Wednesday night before the Sabbath, materials were purchased and the tabernacle was erected for the first Sabbath worship. The workmen who had completed their task prior to sunset that Friday evening decided to remain and welcome the Sabbath under the new structure.
Oh what a blessing! On Sabbath morning 145 persons including children were gathered under the new structure worshipping the Lord.
Whenever one starts working for the Lord, the devil always puts in his appearance, and as early as the second week, satan was in action. While the work was being done on the church building, a letter was sent to Pastor Thomas from the Ministry of Housing to Pastor Thomas, instructing him that the building should be demolished or further actions would be taken. Pastor Thomas started negotiating with the Ministry and the brethren continued praying.
One of our deacons at the time, Bro. Vernon Bennett, who had served in the British air Force, volunteered to go to Kingston to speak with the Minister of Housing. Many persons doubted his plans, but the faithful few believed. So by faith he adorned himself with all his medals around his neck and into Kingston he went, with the Lord as his leader.
He went and stood in defense of the cause of the Lord and the result was favourable. The response from the Minister was that the previous request was sent to the Marketing Manager of the Ministry, and he would inform Pastor of the cost for the land.
Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. By the 25th of May 1988, we received aletter from the Ministry of Housing to take to Jamaica Public service authorizing them to give us electrical supply. This was done and lights were connected, so finally we could get rid of the kerosene oil lamps on which we had relied.
Within 8 weeks, all the fixtures and equipment required were in place and the temple was more conducive to worship. The floor was also cast and this really pleased the ladies, whose shoes tips were going very rapidly.
On September 12, 1988, the worst hurricane passed over Jamaica and took with it the materials on the building, leaving only one post standing. This post was left as a mark for the church. This post remained at the site, and was not removed, until Pastor Robert Vassell came as an intern Pastor and bumped his head in the post and was injured.
This disaster scattered the brethren, and so on Sabbath mornings they worshipped elsewhere, however on Sunday mornings, they gathered at the site to pray and ask the Lord to open a way for the erection of a new tabernacle.
The answer came in November 1988, when a stronger and bigger building, with an area for the children was created. The faith of the brethren became stronger and they continued working harder to make the zinc structure more attractive. The little company grew very quickly and the first set of officers was elected.
Due to the effectiveness of the Farm Heights Company, on the 28th of January 1989, it was organized into a Sabbath School and at the end of March 1989 Pastor LC Thomas was promoted to Family Life and Stewardship Director of West Jamaica Conference.
Another dynamic leader, Pastor Keith Harding took over the shepherding of the flock and on the 15th of July 1989, we were formally organized into a church and the membership grew larger.
The zinc structure then became inadequate, so a building committee was organized . The building was extended to the north, but soon after it got hotter and was extended to the east.
It was now time to erect a permanent building, but the funds were low, so fundraising committee was organized and with cohesion and dedication, funds were raised to assist in the church building.
The building started in 1995, but the old dragon never ceases to work, and so, he attacked the church again. It was very disappointing when the roof that we toiled so hard for collapsed. We were very heartbroken, but God gave us the strength to press on.
It took another 4 years to get things started again. It was the dynamic and hardworking leader; Pastor Norman Thompson who helped us to put the pieces back together.
The weekend of September 24 to 27th 2008 was a very special occasion for us, as we celebrated our 20th anniversary and homecoming.
In 2009, Pastor Hameen Carter was assigned to the Mount Salem District of churches, and under his leadership, the church roof was sealed in 2010, the baptistery was completed in 2011, the church was tiled in 2011 and the mothers’ room was built in 2012 along with the renovation of the front porch.
This light house on the hill has been a blessing to the community in many ways, such as: Vacation Bible School, the distribution of food and clothes items, visit to the infirmary amongst others and most recently, our community project, which saw us erecting 14 sign plates with the names of the streets on them.
The church has grown tremendously and the membership on record now stands at_____.
We must register our heartiest commendations to all the pastors who have served as host pastors and interns from the foundation of this church, to our dedication today. We pay tribute to:
Pastors:
L C Thomas
Robert Vassell
Norman Thompson
Balvin Braham
Garth Smith
Joel Haye
Fleacon Moodie
Christopher Harvey
Selburn Fray
Keith Harding
Donald Hill
Norman Harding
Glen Samuels
Fernando Broomfield
Alpheus Smith
Karl Archer
Conrod Spence
Dreamel Grant
Rainford McIntosh
Kenrick stone
Kingsley Patterson
Laundale Munroe
Hameen Carter
The physical structure of the church has improved significantly over the years and as we celebrate our dedicatory service we must say special a thank you to Sis. Elsie Jackson and Bro. Astley Shakes who have contributed significantly of their time and their talents to our church building. May God continue to bless you.
To God be the glory, great things he hath done. Today we dedicate this edifice unto the Lord; for surely we’ve come this far .
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