Church of the First Born marks 80 years
The Church of the First Born of Jamaica and Overseas Fellowship celebrated its 80th anniversary recently with a special service at Waltham Park in St Andrew.
The service held under the theme: Hitherto Hath The Lord Helped Us, was among a slew of month-activities to mark the special occasion.
Established in 1935 by the late Dr Frank Bent in the community of Jones Town, South St Andrew, the church has blossomed into 46 branches, six of which are overseas.
Jamaica Evangelic Alliance President Dr Alvin Bailey, who delivered the keynote address, lauded the church for having stood the test of time.
“How many churches have started and are no longer in the race. Churches are closing down. The Church of the First Born lives on,” Bailey said.
“In identifying your own unique niche, you have been doing extremely well. Your witness is contained, your work is contained in the word of God. Eighty years and going strong and you can’t go wrong. I absorb great inspiration also. Notice that many of the dignitaries were too busy for your function this evening, Praise God that they have sent representative,” he stated.
Head of the Church, Bishop Reuben Gray, who spoke on the behalf of Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, said that records will show that the church has adapted a holistic approach in service.
While commending the congregation its efforts to change lives, he said that the walls of the church should not restrict the work of Christian ministries.
Marjorie Henry, who spoke on behalf of Member of Parliament for South St Andrew Dr Omar Davies, said that the establishment of the church has played a major role in catering to the spiritual needs of those who had migrated thousands of miles in pursuit of their economic goals.
Henry urged the congregation to give thanks for Dr Frank Bent’s planting of the church and those who assisted him in the early years.
Beverly Prince, the Jamaica Labour Party caretaker for East Central St Andrew, spoke on the behalf of Opposition Leader Andrew Holness.
“We see our young men turn violently at our children and at our females and that is not acceptable,” Prince said, adding that the theme was fitting.
