That word of caution came from Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) at a ceremony held on September 15, 2019, to rededicate the North Sound Methodist Church.

"I am happy to see that after two years, the church is right back where it used to be in all its glory,” Hon Wheatley declared.

He also reminded members, “I want to leave you with a word of caution to not to lose focus on what the church is here for.

Importance of Church

Honourable Wheatley underscored the important role Methodism has played in the territory, saying, “I must commend the Methodist Church for when you came to Virgin Gorda, unlike most other churches, you came into both communities, both Valley and North Sound, most other churches stayed in the Valley,” he said.

The District Representative added that Methodism understands their role but noted, “Whereas it’s good to have beautiful churches, lovely pews and air-conditioning and fans, we shouldn’t be too caught up with the physical structure but the function of the church.”

He stressed that the role of the church is to serve the community and the spiritual needs and that the Methodism Church has gone beyond that.

In the area of Education, Hon Wheatley said the Methodists and Anglicans were the two first to play a significant role in the education of the territory "and I must compliment them for growing from strength to strength over the years.”

He also admonished that, “Though we have had the reverends who would have established many things, we should never overlook the lay preachers who participated in these churches,” he said, as he took time out to recognise the late Samuel David Wheatley, who was one of the lay preachers at the church.

Among those in attendance was Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL).