The unveiling of the exhibition took place earlier on Wednesday, 12th December, 2012, at 10:30 am, at the National Museum, where Pastor Kelvin Jones, a pioneer of the Antioch Baptist work, officially opened in prayer, followed by Pastor Lincoln Connor, who gave the welcome remarks.
Bishop Ron Collins, President of the St. Kitts Evangelical Association, in his supporting remarks, highlighted that the upcoming year 2013 will be a year of celebration, not only for the Antioch Baptist Church, but also for the nation that has been transformed in so many areas by the ministry of the church. He further remarked that the St. Kitts Evangelical Association will be making an application to the National Awards Committee, to give due recognition to the great William M. Connor who was the first ordained pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church, in 1963, two months after the institution was ordained on 19th May.
The exhibition features a display of the church’s rich historical past. ”It is one that has affected and continues to affect the community, a nation, a region and the world,” stated Ms. Hazel Brookes, chair of the exhibition.
“The exhibition is designed as a travelling or touring exhibition, designed to take a very small space, easily dismounted and remounted. It will allow for the widest possible audience nationally, it will attract new audiences in the national medium and it will spread the knowledge of the Baptist movement in the federation”, she further mentioned.
Joining to celebrate with the Antioch Baptist Church, were two government officials, Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Condor and Marcella Liburd, Minister Responsible for Religious Affairs; and Mr. Tapley Seaton Q.C., President, of the St. Christopher National Trust, who gave the vote of thanks.
They also preluded some of what is to come next year. The Antioch Baptist church is extending to the public, an invitation to view the exhibition at the National Museum, which will end in two weeks time, after which the exhibition can be seen at the Antioch Baptist Church, in West Basseterre, on the Infirmary Road.
The Antioch Baptist Church program of activities in celebration of 50 years of ministry continues on 1st January 2013, with the launching of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations; Week of Prayer & Special Events; and Travelling Exhibition in February. Other anniversary events include Community & Ministry Expo, Media Emphasis and Flash Bob, Jubilee Journey to the Cross, Dedication of Dr. William Connor at the Memorial Square and a grand Youth Summer Festival in July 2013.
In the near future, The Antioch Baptist Church, “Catch of the Vision”, will embark upon building a new Worship and Multi-Purpose Facility. The facilities will include Early Childhood, Banquet Hall, Library & Bookstore, Conference Hall, Classrooms, Medical Centre and Gym.