When the faithful gather at Gun Bay United Church Sunday they’ll celebrate 100 years of a building that has served East End well.
Mr. Turner |
But they’ll also be re-charged with the responsibility to continue community work.
‘This will be something of an impetus for the congregation in terms of its ongoing ministry to the community,’ said Rev. Randolph Turner.
He’s been behind the pulpit at Gun Bay since 1999.
‘The community in Cayman is changing and the Church needs to take a proactive approach on how it responds to this,’ he said. ‘It needs to take on some other activities.’
Mr. Turner won’t deliver the sermon Sunday. He’s leaving that to Rev. Gary Harriott who served Gun Bay from 1991-1997.
He’ll arrive from Jamaica this weekend.
The celebration Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of the physical Gun Bay United Church building in East End.
‘The building is a significant witness of the presence of the work of God in that community,’ said Mr. Harriott. ‘The building is a symbol of the people of God and their work. It’s an expression of faithfulness.’
The church was built in 1907 under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Redpath, who served the Bodden Town Charge, under which Gun Bay and East End fall, from 1896-1908.
It replaced the first church building, which was destroyed in a storm in 1903.
Mr. Harriott likened the Gun Bay church building to the Temple in Jerusalem.
The Temple was considered the footstool of God’s presence in the physical world.
It was also the central meeting point for Jews.
‘The church is like the Temple. It is a symbol of the presence of God. The Temple was central, where the community gathered. It dictated the way of life,’ he said.
Mr. Harriott said he would also remind those at Sunday’s special service that the church cannot be just about a building.
‘It’s about what happens there,’ he said.
He referenced the times Jesus spent in the synagogue teaching, liberating and empowering people.
‘People in the synagogue were healed. It was a symbol of hope for all people.’
Likewise, he said, the Gun Bay Church should enter the next 100 years serving the community and be an example of Jesus in the synagogue.
Members of the Gun Bay United Church 100th Anniversary planning committee said they hope former members, family and friends join them for the celebration. Church service begins at 9.30am.
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