BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MEMBERS of the St. Mary’s Anglican Church and invitees from other parishes in St. Kitts yesterday (Dec. 12) gathered in Upper Cayon to break ground at that parish to signal the beginning of construction of the church’s rectory, as well as the rededication of the St. Mary’s Parish Hall.
The buildings were originally constructed in the 1800s and said to have some £500, which was mainly a church effort though a government’s grant.
In giving the featured address at the ceremony, Carroll Boddie explained that the restoration effort has far exceeded that of the one previously mentioned.
She added that in the 1800s the Anglicans had eight schools on the island which were conducted in the various church buildings and the school halls were built to facilitate the first reminiscence of education for former slaves.
Boddie stated that many individuals toady may not have attended schools there but have some foreparents who did and had enjoyed the facility for other reasons.
“So they were garden parties, weddings, birthday parties, fairs, church meetings, dances and concerts and we can’t forget Ms. Enid and her service of songs with Mrs. Baker.
“We know that there is a lot of history here with the schoolroom. After the passage of Hurricane George and the church was severely damaged, we had our services there as well as funerals. Our goal, therefore, for this parish hall is to again built the prominence it once enjoyed in many happy celebrations to build many happy family memories,” Boddie said.
She also said it is the aim of the priest, who is responsible for overseeing the church, that the facility is being used to its full potential to continue that tradition.
“We have plans to offer activities for youth which we hope can become monthly events. The new addition of a kitchen will be used to offer life skills to young people,” she added.
Soil was broken by the Right Rev. L. Errol Brooks on the compound of the church hall, where the rectory is expected to be built.
“We break soil in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son and in the name of the Holy Spirit,” proclaimed Bishop Brooks as he flipped the soil.
The ceremony then changed gears and proceeded to the rededication of the parish hall which was opened with a ribbon cutting done by the mother of the church, Enid Wilson, before the audience proceeded inside the newly-renovated building.
The facility was then rededicated in the name of God.
