Several gospel acts are gearing up to participate in the Jesus All the Way worship-filled gospel concert and charity fund-raiser, which will benefit the Jamaica Seventh-day Baptist Conference historic headquarters at 29 Charles Street in downtown, Kingston.

The gospel concert, set for Sunday, June 29 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, will blend dynamic music with theatrical storytelling and an all-star ministry line-up featuring Kevin Downswell, Rhoda Isabella, Alicia Taylor, Kevin Heath, and Nadine Blair & Perpetual Sounds of Praise. A single live band, classical interludes, and dramatic scripture readings will create a seamless, immersive worship experience.

Proceeds will launch a $5-million campaign to restore the conference’s historic headquarters, which was once the home of Crandall High School — transforming it into a multifaceted hub that will include a modern sanctuary, dedicated youth-development and counselling suites, and fully equipped community outreach facilities.

“We are rebuilding more than with bricks and mortar; we are strengthening and reinforcing a foundation already laid as we move boldly into the future and advance a historical legacy for the next generation and beyond,” Pastor Kevin Carter, president of the conference, told the Jamaica Observer.

Celebrating over 100 years of continuous ministry in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean, the conference remains committed to meeting spiritual and social needs.

“For a century we have proclaimed hope, educated young minds, and served vulnerable communities. This project ensures that our next 100 years of service will begin on a firm, modern footing,” said Pastor Carter.

When asked what type of programmes and services will be available at the conference’s headquarters upon completion of the restoration of the facility, Pastor Carter said, “The Jamaica Seventh-day Baptist Conference has officially been around in Jamaica since 1923. The current facility has existed since that time. The primary focus is to convert this current facility into a modern administrative centre with updated infrastructure. Years ago, it once housed Crandall High School. Some significant deterioration has occurred over time. In this modern era, technological development is critical. The area will also be used for training and development, especially among the youths and emerging ministers. Community outreach is also vital. We intend to provide counselling services to the community in an organised way. Our future ministers will depend on the new facility for self-development and improved communication with the conference. The facility will also be fitted with a special office for the president of the conference and the secretariat.”

The programmes will benefit not only the community but also affiliate churches, church ministers and young people.

The performers, according to Pastor Carter, are driven and ready to give their services to the cause.

“The performers are highly motivated and driven. They understand the cause. The event planner has greatly assisted in building a collegial relationship between the conference and the artistes. The event is aimed at achieving Christian worship and inter-fellowship while promoting the gospel, highlighting the Jamaica SDB Conference and its ministry and to raise funds to renovate the head office, thereby enhancing Christian ministry.”