Congratulations and Reflection on the 175th Anniversary of the Methodist Church in St. Maarten

Dear Clergy, Officers, Members, and Friends of the Methodist Church of Sint Maarten.

I wish I could have been physically present to celebrate this unique milestone with all of you, but regrettably, I am unable to. However, I hope this message finds you in the best of spirit of fellowship. May the Lord bless you with his grace and grant you his peace as you celebrate this historic and glorious occasion.

I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to extend my warmest congratulations to the entire Methodist congregation as you mark this momentous milestone: 175 years of witness, worship, and dedicated service in Sint Maarten.

For nearly two centuries, the Methodist Church has stood as an unshakeable pillar of faith, resilience, and community on our beloved island. From the early days of its establishment to the present, this church has been far more than a house of worship; it has been a beacon of hope, a sanctuary during times of hardship, and a guiding moral compass for generations of Sint Maarteners.

To reach 175 years of active ministry is a powerful testament to the enduring grace of God and the unwavering commitment of the men and women who have nurtured this faith community across centuries.

While my own spiritual journey has led me to serve within a different Christian denomination, the Methodist Church holds an irreplaceable and cherished place in my heart. Faith in Sint Maarten has never been confined strictly by denominational borders; rather, our churches are interconnected strands of the same rich tapestry that weaves our island society together. In other words, like our beloved island, our faith is borderless.

For me, the Methodist Church is strongly linked to memories that shaped the very foundation of my life. As a child, every single Sunday was defined by a sacred routine: walking hand-in-hand with my grandmother to attend service at the Methodist Church.

Sitting beside her in those pews, listening to the swelling harmony of traditional Wesleyan hymns, feeling the cool breeze pass through the wooden shutters, and hearing the uplifting messages from the pulpit instilling dignity, service, and love for one’s neighbor no doubt left an indelible mark on me. I did not merely observe the faith of my grandmother; I absorbed the warmth, order, and community spirit that the Methodist Church effortlessly cultivated.

Though my adult worship takes place in another sanctuary, those Sunday mornings with my grandmother taught me values that continue to guide me today in public service: integrity, stewardship, compassion for the vulnerable, and a deep responsibility to care for the collective well-being of our people. That is the nature of abiding and fearless faith that groomed me and generations of Sint Maarteners both high and not so high.

I often reflect on the foundational pillars that make a society prosperous and resilient. True national strength cannot be measured solely by good fiscal health, balanced budgets, or economic growth indicators. A nation’s real wealth lies in its social fabric, its moral integrity, and the strength of its institutions.

In this regard, the contribution of the Methodist Church to Sint Maarten’s development is immeasurable.

In education, that education that empowers while instilling strong values the Methodist Church played a pioneering and pivotal role. Long before modern state infrastructure existed, it stood at the forefront of educating our people, equipping generations with the knowledge, discipline, and moral grounding required to uplift themselves and their communities.

Similarly, through various outreach programs, women’s and men’s fellowships, youth ministries, and community care, the church has consistently stepped into the gaps to feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, and support the marginalized. Its engagement with and involvement in the society at large is, in my view, worthy of emulation and praise.

Also, in the aftermath of the severe natural disasters and economic challenges that have tested our island over the decades, the Methodist Church has repeatedly served as a physical and spiritual refuge, demonstrating what it truly means to build upon a rock.

As you celebrate this 175th anniversary under the guidance of God, we must look forward with hope and vision. The world around us is changing rapidly, presenting our island with new socio-economic challenges, shifting cultural dynamics, and complex global realities. Now, more than ever, Sint Maarten needs the steadying influence of faith institutions that stand firm on principles of love, justice, and social responsibility.

I encourage the leadership and youth of the Methodist Church to carry this torch with pride and vigor. May you continue to be a voice of conscience, a champion for the vulnerable, and an active partner in the spiritual and social upliftment of our island. The seed planted 175 years ago has grown into a magnificent tree; it is now the duty of this generation to tend to its branches so that future generations may find shelter beneath them.

In conclusion, as a daughter of this soil who still holds those childhood Sunday memories dear, I thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your 175 years of uninterrupted service, for your prayers over our nation, and for the quiet ways you shape the hearts and minds of our people every day.

May Almighty God continue to shower His rich blessings upon the ministers, lay leaders, officers, congregation, and the entire Methodist community of Sint Maarten. May your sanctuaries remain places of transformation, your fellowship remain warm and welcoming, and your light continue to shine brightly across our island for generations to come.

"To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." — Ephesians 3:20-21

Happy 175th Anniversary!

‍