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Joining Reverend Valeska Austin (the only female pastor in the history of the 170-year-old church) and her congregation in celebration were Special Guests: The Rev. John B. Macaulay, a British national who was born in Sierra Leone, Africa, and Leader of the Guyana Parliamentary Opposition, Brigadier (Ret’d) David Granger.
Reverend Macaulay travelled from London specially for the anniversary celebrations. He delivered the Sunday sermon, while Brigadier Granger brought greetings and delivered brief remarks.
A history of the Ebenezer Congregational Church (1834-2013), compiled by Deacon Aileen Grainger, was read to the congregation by Rev. Valeska Austin in her capacity as General Secretary of the Guyana Congregational Union. The report told of the significance of the Ebenezer Congregational Church to the educational and general development of the community of Den Amstel, setting the tone for a symposium, slated for September 10, on “The importance of Congregationalism to Education in Guyana, and its impact through the years.”
Other special invitees present included Chairman of the Hague/Blankenburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Mr. George Nedd; Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Ms. Penelope Mc Intosh; as well as executive members of the Guyana Congregational Union; Officers of the West Demerara Group of Churches, and other supporters, who brought greetings on the special occasion.
The church was honoured as well to have amongst the congregation Den Amstel’s oldest resident, the renowned centenarian Mrs. Ursilla Victoria Forbes, now 102 years old. Remarkably, Mrs. Forbes is undoubtedly one of Guyana’s few recorded centenarians.
Liturgist Brother John Adams M.P. extended a special welcome to Mrs. Forbes, who delighted the cheering congregation by gracefully standing up without having to be guided. She acknowledged his greeting, then looked around and smilingly waved to the congregation with a look that said, “Mission accomplished! Thank God for sparing my life, so I could be part of this momentous occasion.”
Accompanying her to church was her eldest daughter, Ms. Doreen Lacaille. The two live just a stone’s throw away from the Den Amstel church.
But what was most amazing about Mother Forbes was that she sat up for the duration of the four-hour service, which began at 10:00 hrs. She also was alert throughout proceedings, and appeared to be enjoying every minute of it. At no time was she seen leaving her seat for any break, and at the end of the celebration, she stayed back awhile as members came to greet her.
There must have been something extra super special about Sunday’s service that gripped worshippers’ attention, since not even the babies in the congregation cried or showed any sign of agitation or discomfort.
Meanwhile, Guest Speaker Rev. John Macaulay, who based his sermon on the anniversary’s theme, ‘Reaching forward in Christ’, called on the congregation to be ever conscious of who God is; to recognize that He is in charge, and to keep on moving for the Lord.
Admonishing the congregation to be aware of the tactics of the devil and to keep their eyes ever on Jesus, Rev. Macaulay declared, “Let your faith be activated. Don’t look down. If you stop, the devil will catch you. Move forward in the Name of Jesus!”
He congratulated the church, and acknowledged its work and impact on the community. Rev. Macaulay also reminded the congregation of its responsibility to maintain respect and support for the pastor, who is God’s representative in the church.
To the representatives of all churches present, he reminded, “When they (pastors) speak, they do so under the Anointing. If you bless them, God will bless you. Just be obedient and leave the rest to God,” he concluded.
