Seventh Day Adventist Church, Siloah

Our History

How it Began

Just over 90 years ago, in 1934 an idea was birthed in the minds of some stalwarts from the SDA church in Jointwood.  This led them on a journey across Cockpit terrain to the lush Nassau Valley where is nestled the district of Siloah. E.R.E Anderson, Alexander Allen and T. Walcott were among those who laboured tirelessly through visitations and diligent bible studies to introduce persons of the community to the Sabbath truth.

By 1940 there was a little company of believers in Siloah making it necessary for an official place of worship. The first bamboo tabernacle was erected on land belonging to Elder D.E Walcott. On May 4th, 1941, Pastor E. E. Parchment had the distinct honour of baptizing four precious souls.

Heeding the great commission to preach, teach and baptize an evangelistic series was conducted by Brother Laing in January 1942. As the gospel proclamation was sent over ‘vales and hills ‘fifteen persons responded to the call through baptism. On the 12th of April that same year, the SDA Siloah was organized with a membership of thirty one persons. Through the kind donation of a community member named Mr. Vassel they received land on which to construct a permanent church building. (E.E. Parchment. Progress on the work at Siloah, The Jamaica Visitor, July 1942.2)

Cottage meetings and bible studies were the major evangelistic tools used to enlighten communities in the early days. Through such efforts the Windsor Sabbath School was organized in 1959 under the leadership of Pastor Harold Bennett. ( Stockhausen, A.C. British West Indies, The Inter- American  Messenger,  January 1959.9)

Having been given such a solid foundation those who came in later years were enthused to carry on the church’s mission of honoring God, edifying the saints and evangelizing the world.  As we reflect on our heritage, on the sacrifices made by men and women who had only feet or bicycles as transportation, had only lanterns or moonlight but were never deterred by weather or terrain, we raise our  thanksgiving like  Samuel saying, “Hitherto hath God helped us.”

PIONEERS AND LEADERS

PASTORS

  • Pastor Ashton Parchment    
  • Pastor Harold  Bennett    
  • Pastor  Roy Gordon
  • Pastor Donald  Smith     
  • Pastor Donald  Kent   
  • Pastor Patrick Omaro      
  • Pastor Milton  Gregory
  • Pastor K.G. Samuels    
  • Pastor Barrington Campbell      
  • Pastor Errol McLean
  • Pastor Alexander Bernard     
  • Pastor  Donald  Hill      
  • Pastor Audley  Birch
  • Pastor Mario Parchment        
  • Pastor Jermaine  Dodd  
  • Pastor  Flecon Moodie
  • Pastor  Emerson Reid    
  • Pastor  Earl Bailey     
  • Pastor  Jeremy  Earle
  • Pastor  Rockey Blair
  • Pastor Fitzroy Bailey (current)

ELDERS

  • Elder D.E. Maxwell             
  • Elder Jones          
  • Elder Zowhor  Allie     
  • Elder E.R.E. Anderson
  • Elder Percival Duncan
  • Elder William  Campbell
  • Elder Powell
  • Elder A Mowatt        
  • Elder Albert Kanhai     
  • Elder  Joel  Anglin
  • Elder James Rowe
  • Elder Melbourne  Allie
  • Elder Almando  Allie
  • Elder Leroy Rowe
  • Elder Richard Brown
  • Elder Patrick Bryant
  • Elder Charles Dale
  • Elder George  Miller
  • Elder Nigel  Malcolm
  • Elder Denzil Bagaloo
  • Elder Phillip Miller
  • Elder Clinton Bent

Some now sleep, ‘not having received the promise’ but rest in hope of the ‘glorious appearing of our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ’. As pilgrims we are progressing upward and onwards, though we have been fraught with many challenges which sometimes seem to threaten our existence and relevance.  Our God has been faithful in His promises hence we carry on, marching under the blood stained banner of  Prince  Immanuel.

The Story Continues

During the last thirty years the SDA church Siloah has increased significantly in numbers thereby outgrowing the original edifice. Through the efforts of  Pastors  Errol  McLean  and  Burrows a Sabbath school was organized in the Aberdeen district. Due to  the devastation from Hurricane Ivan  the structure was destroyed. In  2009 the Domotto Sabbath school was organized  under the leadership of  Pastor Flecon Moodie. Today that little company continues to brighten its corner and grow its membership. Currently a new sanctuary is being erected  in Siloah  to house the present membership and those who will come in response to the Three Angels Messages.

 Believing in holistic development we have embarked on social welfare,  educational,  and other programmes. Some activities and events were:-

  • Building or repairing houses for indigent
  • Operating soup kitchen
  • Distribution of food packages
  • Assistance with medical and funeral expenses
  • Conducting JAMAL classes supervised by Drusilla Allie Thorpe
  • Offering CSES classes. An idea conceptualized by Charles Dale and Lazbourne Allie, taught by Melbourne Allie  Oneika Cunningham,  George  Miller and Pauline Anglin Allie
  • Host an annual Back to School fair where bursaries ,text books and other school supplies are given.
  • Host Family Life events for singles and  married individuals both in the church and community.

The SDA church Siloah continues its pilgrimage, “Celebrating  God’s faithfulness, Inspired by hope.”