The Wesleyan Holiness Church in Gray’s Farm marked a significant milestone last Sunday, transforming its usual Sabbath proceedings into an elaborate celebration of its 75th anniversary. The historic occasion featured a comprehensive program of worship, musical performances, and reflective presentations, all within a completely revitalized sacred space that underwent substantial renovations for this momentous event.
The sanctuary emerged with a transformed aesthetic, featuring rebranded interior walls, new seating arrangements, plush carpeting, and contemporary furnishings that collectively established an unprecedented ambiance. Congregation members contributed to the visual harmony by donning coordinated attire that complemented the church’s new color scheme.
Dr. Milaydis Thomas, the resident minister, commenced proceedings promptly with an invocation before introducing Christopher Stevens as Master of Ceremonies. Stevens demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout the event, first inviting fifteen-year-old Micah Thomas to deliver a scripture reading with remarkable poise and confidence.
Mrs. Brenda Matthews extended official welcomes, hinting at the program’s substantial offerings before Mrs. Lauren Charles-Stevens and her worship team energized the congregation with dynamic musical performances supported by the resident band. Stevens later delivered an original poetic composition recounting church history, earning thunderous applause for his eloquent delivery.
The ceremony took an emotional turn when former youth member Cathy-Ann Burnette flew from Europe to present a biographical tribute to her spiritual grandmother, Ms. Everette Matthews—a congregant for over six decades. Matthews subsequently provided a comprehensive historical account of the church’s development, leaving no significant detail unaddressed.
Local musician Willie Wawa captivated attendees with an exceptional trumpet performance, followed by uniformed choir members delivering a harmonically precise rendition of “We Have Come Here by Faith” to introduce guest speaker Rev. Dr. Everton Thomas from St. John’s Wesleyan Holiness Church.
Rev. Thomas delivered a charismatic and forceful sermonette that held the congregation’s undivided attention, concluding with an inspirational charge for members to maintain faith in anticipation of greater developments. Resident minister Dr. Milaydis Thomas closed the ceremony with an enthusiastic vote of thanks before attendees departed with commemorative gifts and refreshments, all exhibiting profound satisfaction with the celebrations.