As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to mark the 45th anniversary of its political independence, the country’s Consulate General in New York is launching its slate of official celebratory activities with a time-honored Service of Thanksgiving, scheduled for Sunday, October 25. The interfaith service will be hosted at Salem United Methodist Church, a historic community institution nestled at 2190 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard on West 129th Street in the heart of Harlem, with proceedings set to begin promptly at 4 p.m.
Leading the ceremonial service as head officiant is Rev. Dr. Ava Jolley, a prominent faith leader from the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights. Delivering the keynote sermon for the occasion will be Rev. F. Craig Henry, who serves congregations at both Little Rock Baptist Church and Shiloh Baptist Church. A diverse cohort of senior clergy members will also take part in the service, including Rev. Dr. Gordon Edwards, Rev. Dr. Cheryl White Lewis, Rev. Dr. David K. Allen, Rev. Elouise Hill Challenger, Evangelist Patricia Ralph, and Bishop Kevin Griffin. Together, this group of faith leaders will guide the gathered congregation in a series of special prayers dedicated to the nation, honoring its 45 years of self-governance and independence.
The service will also feature rich musical performances that blend traditional hymnody with local Caribbean cultural traditions. The Antigua and Barbuda International Chorale, under the direction of conductor Dean Belgrave Pelle, will join forces with the City South Steel Orchestra to accompany the congregation in a curated selection of hymns and patriotic songs. Leading the service’s opening Praise and Worship segment will be Kyann and the vocal group The Chosen Generation. For community members unable to attend the service in person, the event will be broadcast via live stream through the church’s official website, accessible at salem-harlem.org/salem-worship-service-live-stream-2/.