PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar was in attendance on Sunday when the Arundel Congregational Church in Buxton celebrated their 170th Anniversary with a thanksgiving service under the theme, “Preserving our Inheritance, Honouring our Calling”.

President Ramotar was joined by Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Odinga Lumumba and celebrated with the congregation by belting out songs of praise.
The Head of State lauded the work the church has been doing in the community and urged its members to continue in this regard. “I know this church has been doing a lot for this community and I urge you to continue doing so,” he said.
President Ramotar going back in time explained to the congregation that he was born and christened in the Caria Caria Congressional Church in the Essequibo River. He noted that he is very proud to be associated with the church which has always reached out to the less fortunate.
“In Caria Caria it was the only house of worship we had and I also attended the Congressional school,” he said.

The Head of State referred to parts of the scriptures from the Holy Bible, adding that the Congregational churches have fulfilled their task of assisting to make people’s lives better, and have done so with distinction.
“There are two quotes I think this church has lived up to – well one from Deuteronomy and the other from Matthew.” He also noted that the church calls on us to be modest and when we are helping we need not broadcast it. President Ramotar said that he has always tried to practice these same principles while executing his duties as a leader.
Also speaking briefly was Leader of the Opposition, David Granger as he joined in congratulating the church and its members on achieving their 170th year of existence. He gave a brief history of the existence of the church and urged the members to continue in their service to the community.
The church was first built on a plantation south west of where it now stands. During those days, there was tremendous fear that the Atlantic Ocean would soon claim the building and the land on which it stood owing to erosion. The large plot of land, on which the church now stands, was donated by Mr. Carter, a former slave and grandfather of the late George Carter, who later became a staunch deacon of the Arundel Congregational Church.

(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)