The speeches and addresses were short and sweet, but the messages, along with the sounds and songs of praise and worship offered by the congregation gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Pentecostal Assembly of the West Indies mission in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are expected to resonate with those assembled for years to come.{{more}}

Celebrating under the theme “40 and forging ahead with fortitude”, the multitude of close to two thousand did not let the overcast weather conditions dampen their spirits as they brought more life to the Arnos Vale Playing Field than all the world cup warm up cricket matches combined.

The celebratory mood was inspired by the singing of a number of choirs, including the Glad Tidings tabernacle, Faith Temple and Kingdom Life Ministries.

Founders of the St. Vincent District Reverend Jack Keys and his wife Daisy, of the United States, who started the St. Vincent District in January 1967, were on hand for Sunday’s anniversary service.

The Keys indicated that at the time they started the local branch, they had no idea that they would have impacted as they did.

He called on the assembly to continue preaching and following the gospel.



The speaker of the evening was Dominican born Leroy Joseph, who ministered for some time in St. Vincent and the Grenadines before migrating to the United States.

Joseph, in his sermon, urged the celebrants to see forty years not as a time of accomplishment, but to refocus on a task not yet achieved.

He also said that in order to forge ahead with fortitude, it would be ‘good and pleasant’ to see the assembly stay united.

The pastor said that they must be united first within themselves in love, faith, purpose, vision and truth.

The St. Vincent District of PAWI is made up of 14 churches and 12 full time pastors.

Last Friday, outstanding members and past district leaders were honoured at an awards dinner.