MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Established in 1963, New Beulah Moravian Church at McKinley Road held a thanksgiving service to mark its 50th anniversary two Sundays ago.

The event is among a host of commemorative activities under the theme ‘Celebrating the Legacy; Securing the Future’.

Other activities will include a re-dedication of the church hall, a cruise, a family fun day, a choir concert, and an awards dinner and banquet.

According to church members, New Beulah has grown from a “mustard seed” to a “fruitful tree” in more than membership and the expansion of the infrastructure.

In a Jamaica Observer special advertising feature, it was reported that the Moravian Church in Jamaica has always considered education to be an important aspect of its mission.

“New Beulah Moravian Church educators have followed the tradition over many years to share their expertise in teaching, not only (in) the religious aspects of education within the church …They continue to make an invaluable contribution at varying levels of Jamaica’s educational system to optimise individual and national development. …Some of these educators have extended their expertise internationally,” it read.

A singular moment for the congregation at the anniversary service was the presence of Reverend Fred Linyard, the first minister of the New Beulah Moravian Church.

Linyard served from 1963-1965 following his tenure at Bethabara Moravian Church in South Manchester.

The English-born Linyard made the trip to Jamaica with his wife Olive for the thanksgiving service.

“What a long history of bringing the light of Christ. I pray that you will go from strength to strength, not only in numbers but in Christian witness and (in your service to the community),” he said in his greeting at the event.

— Alicia Sutherland

New Beulah Moravian

Moravian Youth Group

New Beulah Moravian Youth Group in performance at the anniversary service.

Porteous and Phillips

Custos of Manchester Sally Porteous (right) sharing a moment with North West Manchester Member of Parliament Mikael Phillips.

Rev Fred Linyard and wife

Reverend Fred Linyard, first minister of New Beulah Moravian Church, with his wife Olive at the event.

Beryl Tulloch and Cleon Wilson

Two generations of church members Beryl Tulloch (left) and Cleon Wilson had the privilege of unveiling the 50th anniversary cake.

Ouida Golding-Beecher/Harold South

Ouida Golding-Beecher (right) in the company of Harold South.

Robert Patmore and guest

Minister of the New Beulah Moravian Church Reverend Robert Patmore (left) with guest Denise Baker of Bethabara Moravian Church.

Carlota McCormac et al

Carlota McCormack (centre) of Faith Moravian Church in Washington, DC shares a moment with Sharon Gardner (left) and her mother Erna Chambers.

Mila Black

Ninety-six-year-old Mila Black, the oldest member of the congregation at New Beulah Moravian.

Bishop Stanley Clarke et al

Bishop Stanley Clarke (right) and Dr Elaine Carter.

Church members

Church members (from left) Shaune Lee, Monteith Brown, Norchan Brown, Latanya Monteith Housen, and Daniel Monteith.

Enid and Dermont Lewis

Enid and Dermont Lewis perusing the 50th anniversary magazine.

Shernette Thomas

Church member Shernette Thomas.

(PHOTOS: GREGORY BENNETT)