Estimated EC$1.2m in restorative work on Methodist Church building

Built by newly freed slaves in 1840 and completed a year later in 1841, the Kingstown Methodist Church is not only a place of sacred worship but it gives a glimpse into the past with it’s extensive architectural work.

The historic building has been gutted and undergoing renovation for several months.{{more}}

Contractor Craig Dey said the 165-year old pine wooden beams and framework of the church was severely in need of restorative work. He pointed out that the old rotting pinewood was removed and is being replaced with green heart lumber to re-build the ceiling. The contractor also explained that the wooden columns, upper deck of the church hall and pews would eventually be restored.

Dey noted that construction began on September 1 and would be completed by April, just in time for Easter at an estimated cost of EC$1.2 million.

Meanwhile, Office Administrator with the Methodist Church, Hayden Robertson thanked the congregation for being patient as church renovations continued and for utilizing the ground floor of the Methodist Church Hall as their new place of worship.

Robertson pointed out that the average church attendance on a Sunday was 350 persons in a church with a maximum seating capacity of 3,000.

She outlined that the ground floor of the Methodist Hall, which is mainly used for conferences could only accommodate 250 persons making it very crammed and uncomfortable for the congregation. Robertson also noted that the Methodist Hall is a busy compound that hosts various events and could be very noisy for persons wanting quiet time with God at the altar.

Robertson revealed that church was going by faith to raise the proceeds to reconstruct the church and mentioned that intricate stained glass windows that were broken would be repaired by Vincentian Michael Ross who was an expert in that area. She said that Ross was expected to arrive in February to begin restorative work.

There are 23 Methodist churches throughout the country which span from the Kingstown to Chateaubelair circuit headed by the Reverend Victor Job and the Georgetown to Mt Coke circuit headed by Reverend Adrian Odle.