FLANKER, ST. JAMES — Celebrating six decades of ministry under the theme "Built By Faith, Growing in Grace," the Flanker Seventh-day Adventist Church marked its Diamond Anniversary with a series of commemorative events highlighting the congregation's humble beginnings, spiritual growth, and community impact.
The weeklong celebration, spanning October 3 to 11, 2026, encompassed a dynamic schedule including an Evening Road March, Community Health Focus Day, nightly revival services, a Meet & Greet at Harmony Park, and a grand 60th Anniversary Award Banquet at the Royalton Hotel in Trelawny. The emotional centerpiece of the anniversary was a special tribute honoring the church's early pioneers—specifically highlighting two living founding stalwarts still present in the congregation: Sister Esmina Edwards ("Sister Eddie") and Sister Sonia Gordon.
A Legacy Built Under Open Trees
Sixty years ago, the Flanker congregation was born out of vision, faith, and manual labor, transitioning from open-air worship under trees to zinc-and-board structures, and ultimately to its current permanent sanctuary. Initiated in 1958 when two young missionaries—Brother Herbert Walker and Brother Kenneth Spence—were sent into the White House and Flanker communities by Montego Bay Adventist Pastor Noel Fraser, the daughter congregation was officially organized in 1966.
Among the foundational believers honored, Sister Esmina Edwards was recognized as one of the church's steadiest hands and earliest leaders. Serving as the leader of the Dorcas Welfare Ministry, Sister Edwards—a skilled dressmaker—personally sewed clothing to sell at half price, reinvesting all proceeds into feeding and clothing impoverished local families. Beyond her community welfare work, she lifted her voice alongside Brother Spence’s handheld accordion in early open-air meetings, eventually becoming choir director and establishing the church's long-standing music tradition.
Equally celebrated was Sister Sonia Gordon, whose dedication to the church began in childhood before she was old enough to hold an official church office. As a young girl growing up in Flanker, Sister Gordon would run straight from school every Friday evening and return early Saturday mornings to clear brush and goat pens from the rough land on which the sanctuary now stands. Her childhood spirit of dependability carried into adulthood, where she served for decades as the church’s treasurer.
"Standing Before You is a Miracle"
The presentation held special significance for Pastor Corben Crew, a "son of the soil" whose own Christian journey and decades-long gospel ministry were birthed through the persistence of these very pioneers. Delivering a moving reflection, Pastor Crew expressed profound gratitude for the living legacy of Sister Eddie and Sister Gordon.
"Standing before you is a miracle because the two individuals you are now honoring are two individuals that I came here and found in the church," Pastor Crew shared.
Recalling his youth in upper Flanker, Pastor Crew admitted that as a boy, he initially resisted the church's outreach efforts and even teased members as they walked through the community singing Christmas carols.
"To be honest with you, I didn't love the Adventist church... But they persistently came, they persistently prayed, they persistently witnessed until my stubborn head started getting enlightened," Pastor Crew recalled. "Those of you who are helping people, don't just help and when they drive you away, you go away. Stay there. Because she stayed there, maybe that's the reason I am even alive now. Because the individuals that I used to hang out with, most of them are gone."
(Pictured L-R) Sister Sonia Gordon, Pastor Corbin Crew, Sister Esmina Edwards, and Brother McNab gather during a special tribute service. Pastor Crew and Bro. McNab honored living stalwarts Sister Gordon and Sister Edwards for their decades of faithful service and dedication during the Flanker SDA Church’s 60th Anniversary celebrations. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Remembering the Foundation
In addition to Sister Edwards and Sister Gordon, the anniversary service paid homage to a long list of pioneers, clergy, and early believers who anchored the work. Notably, citations were read for several stalwart members and pastors who served the church with distinction throughout the years. Pastors recognized and pinned during the award service included Pastor Wilton Bygrave, Pastor Deron Miller, Pastor Corben Crew, Pastor Donovan Williams (Vice President of the West Jamaica Conference), Pastor LC Thomas, Pastor Conrad Duncan (Vice President for General Administration and Director of Stewardship and Disaster Response Ministry in the Florida Conference), and Pastor Chadrick Cunningham, their current district pastor
“It is an honor to build on the foundation of sacrifice and dedication set by Flanker Church’s early leaders,” shared Pastor Cunningham. “For 60 years, by God's grace, this church has served as a beacon of hope—transforming lives, meeting community needs, and leading many to Jesus Christ.”
Former district pastors Pastor Wilton Bygrave and Pastor Deron Miller, along with current district Pastor Chadrick Cunningham, stand together at Flankers SDA Church holding commemorative plaques recognizing their dedicated service and honoring the church's founding pioneers. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Pastor Vincent Rose, President of the West Jamaica Conference, commended the dedicated efforts of the members, leaders, and ministers during the opening Friday evening vespers charge. He emphasized that the church has served as the vital "salt of the earth" that preserved the Flanker community, noting that while the conference deeply appreciates their past contributions, much work still lies ahead under God's guidance.
As its Diamond Anniversary concludes, the Flanker Seventh-day Adventist Church looks forward with the same faith that built its foundation 60 years ago and birthed congregations like Providence Heights—remaining a sanctuary of hope, growth, and service for generations to come.