The reunion of Seventh-day Adventists from churches on the East Coast of Demerara was a grand four-day affair. As anticipated, ties were re-established between local and overseas-based ‘East Coastians’ as well as with those who now fellowship in congregations in other pastoral districts. Present and previous pastors of the East Coast Districts were also a part of the celebration. With the exception of the opening reception, events were hosted at the Enmore Community Ground. This was a historic event, being the first of its kind; and it extended from Thursday 30^th July to Sunday 2^nd August, 2009.

A grand opening reception was held at the Belfield Residence of the late Hon. Forbes Burnham. The occasion was attended by over 300 individuals. Pastor P. Bowman, whose idea it was to host the reunion, was the guest speaker and officially declared the activities open. He is from the East Coast village of Plaisance and is also a former pastor of the Lower East Coast District.

Truly, this was a beautiful evening in every way. Each church on the Upper and Lower East Coast was represented. One of the highlights of the evening was the “Meet & Greet” session in which each person present was required to seek out others who shared his birth month. This gave everyone a chance to meet and interact. In the end, each one of the twelve groups representing the months of the year shared a report of what was learnt about group members during the process.

The program, music, food, and drinks were outstanding; and most of all the people felt truly integrated in the spirit of the theme “Reunited in His Spirit to secure our Future”

The service was attended by approximately 700 individuals. Pastor S. Adams was the speaker and the entire program could be described in one word…Exceptional. 

Approximately 1500 persons attended the Sabbath convocation. The main speaker at the morning programme was Dr. Hilton Garnett, President of the Guyana Conference. Dr. Garnett himself hails from the East Coast and used the opportunity to reminisce on his boyhood days in the district.

A section of the congregation. In the fore front are some overseas based atendants along with Pastor & Sister Malcolm LaFleur (centre)



The rendition of an African piece by the Victoria Choir coincided with local Emancipation Day celebrations

Sabbath evening offered a grand social for the young people and everyone who attended reported having a wonderful time.

Sunday saw the largest “Fun Day” ever to be held on the East Coast.    Again, attendance was very good and everyone seemed to enjoy the different sporting events. The “Late for Church” race was definitely the funniest event of the day. 

 
Late-for-church competitors hurry to the finish line

Overall, the entire weekend was a great accomplishment. The organizers are grateful to all who attended and contributed to the success of the first East Coast Reunion.

Copies of the “Reunion Keepsake Booklet” complete with the history of each church on the East Coast, are still available. Anyone who would like to obtain a copy should contact Sis. Bernice Hamblin at millhamcamp@yahoo.com or call 592-220-4655.