Baptist adherents to converge on Falmouth

Western Bureau:

As part of The Jamaica Baptist Union's 167th General Assembly and 5th Believers' Convention, the historic town of Falmouth in Trelawny will be hosting an open service today, starting at 6 p.m.

Baptist adherents drawn from the 43,000-strong membership will converge on the town which has had a solid Baptist footprint, thanks to the pioneering work done by famed Baptist missionary William Knibb.

Reverend Everton Jackson, the chairman of the local planning committee, said that on each occasion when the Believers' Convention is held in western Jamaica, they have taken the event to a site famous for its association with the Baptist movement.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

"The last time we were on Sam Sharpe Square. It's like going back to where it all started. An emancipation vigil of an evangelistic nature," said Jackson.

In looking at the history of the Baptist movement in Trelawny, Jackson said the parish has played a transformational role and has been responsible for addressing numerous issues involving justice.

"Trelawny has been strong in Baptist. We want to go there to bear witness to God's people. Identify with people who have fallen victim in one form or another. Introduce a radical transformation that will help to bring justice for all," said Jackson.

The much-anticipated event, which will take place at the William Knibb Baptist Church, will feature performances from the William Knibb High School Choir, which is expected to entertain with dub poetry and dance. Rev Davewin Thomas, the pastor of the Burchell Baptist Church, another historic church, will deliver the sermon.

The day's event will climax with a major concert, featuring top-flight gospel artiste Jermaine Edwards.