CJC Celebrates Growth Through New Congregations

Rain showers may have covered sections of Clarendon and St. Catherine during two consecutive Sabbaths in April. Still, inside the worship spaces at Ritchies and Mexico, the atmosphere was filled with thanksgiving, celebration, and renewed commitment to mission.

The official organisation of the Ritchies congregation in Clarendon on Sabbath, April 18, 2026, followed by the organisation of the Mexico Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Catherine on Sabbath, April 25, 2026, marked another major milestone in the continued expansion of the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) of Seventh-day Adventists.

With the addition of these congregations, the conference now records approximately 212 organised churches while maintaining 54 pastoral districts, demonstrating steady expansion alongside structural stability. The growth being celebrated through these new congregations is also reflected in the wider development of the Central Jamaica Conference, with membership increasing by 8,884.

The president noted that the growth reflects the maturation of congregations from companies and branch Sabbath Schools into fully organised churches capable of sustaining ministry within their communities.

 

“This is what mission looks like,” said Pastor Nevail Barrett, President of the Central Jamaica Conference. “When we organise a church, we are seeing the results of years of evangelism, sacrifice, prayer, and faithful labour. These congregations are evidence that the gospel continues to transform communities and that God is still building His Church,” said Barrett.

The Conference administrators officiated both organisational services together with district pastors and local leaders. The ceremonies included the formal Act of Organisation, the formation of the church nucleus, the acceptance of members by vote, and the charge to the congregations to continue faithfully in ministry and outreach.

 

At the Ritchies organisation service, held at the Ritchies Sabbath School in Clarendon at 4:30 p.m., members and supporters gathered in an atmosphere of praise and gratitude as the congregation officially transitioned into organised church status under the leadership of Pastor Kevon Richards.

 

Pastor Kevon Richards, host pastor for the Ritchies congregation, said the organisation's service represented a significant source of encouragement for members within the district.

“This moment strengthens our confidence as a congregation,” Richards shared. “It reminds us that ministry is growing, lives are being changed, and communities are still responding to the message of hope. Our responsibility now is to continue building spiritually and remain active in mission.”

 

One week later in Mexico, St. Catherine, members braved persistent rainfall as they assembled for the 3:00 p.m. organisation service that formally recognised 25 charter members of the newly established congregation.

Despite the weather conditions, worshippers remained fully engaged throughout the service, reflecting what many described as the determination and resilience that had characterised the congregation’s journey from its earliest beginnings.

“The rain could not stop what God had already ordained,” Pastor Howard Grant-Langley remarked during the service. “This congregation is standing today because members remained faithful even through seasons of uncertainty, challenge, and sacrifice. What we are witnessing is the reward of perseverance and vision.”

The Mexico congregation’s story was among the highlights of the afternoon’s proceedings. According to the historical presentation shared during the programme, work in Mexico began in 2012 with open-air evangelistic meetings conducted by members of the Duxes and Wakefield congregations. Worshippers initially gathered in community spaces before eventually transforming an old structure at Miss Flowers’ premises into a place of worship.

Years later, evangelistic crusades held in 2019 and 2023 brought renewed spiritual growth to the area, resulting in baptisms and increased community engagement. Leaders also acknowledged the contribution of Elder Cambre Gentles, whose land donation secured a permanent location for the congregation and paved the way for the construction of the church building.

 

Elder Andre Morrison, who played a significant role in the development of the Mexico congregation, reflected emotionally on the journey.

“There were times when all we had was faith and the determination to continue,” Morrison said. “We held meetings in open spaces, cleaned old buildings with our own hands, and trusted God to lead every step. Today proves that when people unite around the mission, God opens doors that once seemed impossible.”

 

The service also included special recognition for community members and supporters who contributed financially and physically toward the construction and completion of the church building. Certificates of appreciation were presented to individuals whose support leaders described as “instrumental” in bringing the vision to reality.

 

This effort was commended by Elder Roxwel Lawrence, Treasurer of CJC, who emphasised that a church organisation is not simply about numbers.

“It is about creating centres of influence where people can encounter Christ, receive support, and experience transformation. These congregations now become lights within their communities,” Lawrence said.

As hymns of dedication echoed through both congregations and members lifted prayers of thanksgiving despite the cloudy skies overhead, the message remained unmistakably clear: the Church in Central Jamaica continues to grow—one congregation, one community, and one transformed life at a time.