Florence hill sda 100 anniversary magazine layout

Florence Hill

Celebrating 100 Years of Praises

Publisher Florence Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church Editors Keneesha Lamb Wendy-Ann Brissett Magazine Design and Layout Chad Smith Pastor Pastor Baugh Elders Elder Shirley Williams Elder Glasford Gordon Elder Gilroy Terrelonge Elder Markland Gordon Centenay Committee Glasford Gordon Gerald Black Kasim Williams Jason Dixon Tasha-Kay Williams Melvaline Terrelonge Natalia Gordon Kelly-Ann Gordon-Johnson Jerome Palmer Keneesha Lamb The Florence Hill Centenary Magazine is published to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church. © 2014. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this magazine may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permission of the editor.

Cover: Designed by Chad Smith the cover was conceptualized

by Jason Dixon and Kasim Williams and includes an image of the Florence Hill Adventist Church and the pathway leading up to the church, which is idyllically located on a hill.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid”—Matthew 5:14 (KJV) “

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Message From...

The Governor-General His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD

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take great pleasure in extending congratulatory greetings to the Pastor and congregation of the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church as you celebrate 100 years of Christian Ministry.

On this spiritual journey you have diligently followed where Christ has led you and your faith in Him has ensured your longevity. This milestone achievement also represents the significant contributions of many persons to the physical and spiritual growth of the church and is therefore deserving of celebration.

You have witnessed and participated in many significant developments in Jamaica’s history. Our nation has been blessed by the scope of your Christian ministry, your work in early childhood education and your efforts to instill social values, hope and pride among people in the communities in which you serve. These and other community outreach programmes have helped to prepare many persons for service to God and country.

As we seek to realize our national goals in accordance with Vision 2030, Jamaicans look to the Church to provide spiritual and moral leadership. With your centenary of faithful service to God and country, I am confident that the Florence Hill SDA Church is equal to the task, will remain true to your calling and will continue to be guided and blessed by the Lord.

Best wishes for a truly inspiring and rewarding anniversary celebration!

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Message From...

The Prime Minister The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, ON, M.P.

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ne hundred years in the life of any institution is a milestone achievement which ought to be recognized and celebrated. I therefore extend heartiest congratulations to the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church on reaching this significant anniversary of faithful ministry to the people of Jamaica.

Over the years, the church has significantly grown both in its membership and infrastructure including the establishment of a basic school under the leadership and determination of the early pioneers—Peter Nooks, Pastors E.H. Schneider, Joe Fletcher and other family members.

This construction fulfilled the vision of the church in creating a learning facility that has made a tremendous mark on the nation’s education system. I pay special tribute to the educators—the Mairs, Dacres, Fergusons and especially the Wrays who have taught and helped to build the school.

Since 2004, the church has ordained two female elders for the first time thus emphasizing gender equality and for this I am very delighted. I encourage the leaders to continue to provide faithful service to the congregation and the rest of Jamaica.

I wish the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church the very best for its 100th Anniversary celebrations and every success in all its future endeavours.

God bless you all.

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Message From...

The Leader of the Opposition Hon. Andrew Holness, M.P.

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am pleased to extend heartiest congratulations to the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in commemorating its centenary.

There can be no denying that 100 years in the life of any organization is an enviable milestone. It is testament to extraordinary forbearance, institutional strength and the church’s unwavering commitment to serving Belmont District and neighbouring communities. Your centenary is indeed a milestone of which you should all be proud.

Let me at this juncture implore members to remain ever mindful of the church’s mandate and primary mission. The Florence Hill SDA Church has an extremely important role to play in our society in light of its capacity and propensity to positively impact the lives of those it serves. This past century has seen the church giving yeomen service to the community through evangelism, fellowship and the various social outreach initiatives upon which you have embarked.

Societies like ours pride themselves not just on spiritual consciousness and Christian ministry, but on the extent to which common values and shared mores serve as compasses that guide our everyday life and interactions with each other.

The past 100 years of evangelism and service to your fellow men have no doubt come with its share of challenges. The Church’s resolve and commendable achievements to date, tell an unmistakeable tale of triumph over adversity, and steadfastness in shaping the society around us.

Amidst the celebration and thanksgiving, I urge you to reflect on the contribution the church has made over the years, identify areas for improvement, and ensure going forward, that the projects and initiatives to be pursued are increasingly relevant and impactful, especially in light of all the negatives our young people are exposed to.

And whereas much of your work depends on the robust partnership you enjoy with stakeholders, it is imperative that you continue to reach out to them and endeavour to do more in the year ahead, even if it has to be done with fewer resources.

Best wishes as you celebrate 100 years of hard work and success.

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Message From...

The President of the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Dr. Eric Nathan

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t is with great delight that I offer my heartiest congratulations to Pastor Baugh and the members of the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church on its Centennial Celebrations.

The Florence Hill Church has remained a hallmark in the Christian virtues of piety, humility, respect, reverence and brotherly love. It also shares in the pride of some of the greatest pastors, evangelists and many professionals, who have had their early beginnings at this Church, and who have made significant contribution to the work of God and to society.

This “lighthouse� has been a tremendous blessing to the social and spiritual development of the surrounding communities.

Indeed, it has been a bulwark against sin, leading men and women, boys and girls to Jesus.

On behalf of East Jamaica Conference, I salute the former Pastor, Pastor Melvin Francis, for the tremendous work he has accomplished in the district. We also commend him along with the elders, officers, members of the Anniversary Committee and members of this great Church for spearheading this programme. I pray that God will continue to use you to advance His cause in your area of service.

God bless!

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Message From...

The Immediate Past Pastor Pastor Melvin Francis

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t is with a sense of humility and in an attitude of gratitude that the Florence Hill Church is proudly celebrating one hundred years of Christ-centred ministry to the territories it serves. The journey that brought us here has not been easy; it was filled with distractions and temptations and sometimes we felt like we wouldn’t have made it. But the God we serve knows the way through the wilderness. Certainly, this old ship headed to Zion has been piloted safely by Him through the many tempestuous storms we faced. It is why we can in unison declare, ‘hitherto hath the Lord led us, we are nearing home.

May I use this opportunity to pay tribute to the pioneers, whose sterling contribution and indelible commitment to the growth and mission of this church is without question. Many of them now sleep in the Lord and we look forward with bated breath to meeting in the morning, to go to a land where we will never grow old.

And how could I not recognize the work and contribution of those to whom the baton has been passed on. I speak of you my dear brothers and sisters. You have been fanning the flame, you have been keeping the fire lit. I laud your commitment and remind you to keep on working as unto God and not unto man.

Please take courage from the fact that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. After all, this is your Father’s world, why should your heart be sad? The Lord is King let the heavens ring. God reigns let the Earth be glad!

Congratulations on this your centennial celebration. All that you are and all that you shall be is but for the grace of the Almighty God. The world around us is dark, but we are the light; let us shine brightly till Jesus comes. And if we are ever tempted to drop the baton, let us sing a song that will cheer us by the way; in a little while we are going home, for the night will end in the everlasting day, in a little while we are going home. God bless you richly.

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Message From...

Chair, Centenary Anniversary Committee Glasford Gordon

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t is with heartfelt gratitude and a sense of Godly pride that I greet the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church family and the extended family and friends across the globe on this our centenary year. To have been born and raised here at Florence Hill and to have had the distinguished privilege of serving in many capacities leaves me with untold emotions.

I salute our pioneers, visionaries, leaders and the brothers and sisters who have made Florence Hill the lighthouse on the hill top.

Through the centenary magazine we hope to reconnect with our brothers and sisters who once worshiped here and to present to the world the brothers and sisters who continue to toil on, watching and praying and who pledge to labour until the Master comes.

God’s richest blessings to our family and friends everywhere.

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A Tribute To Our Pioneers Peter Nooks Peter Nooks was born and raised in the Florence Hill district sometime in the latter part of the nineteenth century. He was the first person in this community to become a Seventh-day Adventist. It is reported that he walked all of 18 miles to North Street Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston to be baptized.

Upon returning home after his baptism, his wife and a free boarder conspired to put him out of the house. He suffered beatings, ridicule, abuse and ostracization. His wife would oft-time hide his clothes or wet them when it was time for Sabbath services.

The earliest meeting place was in his sugar cane boiling house across the Wag Water River. Nooks would offer farmers his labour free for days in order to witness to them.

He became the first elder of the Florence Hill Seventh day Adventist church and was known throughout the surrounding communities as a Christian.

He assisted in raising up Castleton and Devon Pen churches. His legacy lives on in his grand- and great grandchildren and the many conversions to the Seventh-day Adventist faith.

The Florence Hill Circuit of five churches, Andrews and Kencot churches here in Jamaica continue to benefit directly from the witness of Elder Peter Nooks.

Charles E. Clough Charles E Clough came to Lawrence Tavern from Riversdale, St. Catherine and got married to the Post Mistress.

He joined the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church and became the second elder. Clough and his wife both travelled two miles from Lawrence Tavern to Florence Hill taking their little organ to be a part of the worship service each time.

Clough eventually moved on from Florence Hill to work as a licensed Minister in the Florence Hill Circuit and elsewhere in the East Jamaica Conference.

Elder Charles E. Clough can be considered as the intellectual who guided the growth and development of the Florence Hill Church.

Edith Williams Edith Williams is remembered as the faithful janitor of the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church. In those days water had to be drawn from the public entombed spring and the clay cooling jar had to be filled on Fridays.

She carried out her duties diligently with pride.

Sister Edith Williams legacy still benefits the Florence Hill Church through the ministry of her grand- and great grand-children and all the family extensions.

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Stephen Dacres Stephen Dacres also known as Border, the Deacon of New Testament repute, stood out as a beacon in his time.

His ringing of the church bell was a feature for both the Sabbath services and the occasional funerals being conducted.

Dacres was always present at Sunday service and Wednesday night meetings. His place on the church choir with his outstanding tenor has not yet been filled.

Brother Stephen Dacres’ legacy continues here at Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church through the second, third and fourth generations (grand- and great grand-children) who easily make up a choir.

May, Benjamin, Leroy and Agatha Terrelonge May Terrelonge was a second generation Seventh-day Adventist and together with her husband, Benjamin, gave many of their best years to the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist church.

Sister May’s devotion and dedication to service earned her the name ‘Sweetie’ which epitomized her personality.

Those who still remember the couple speak of the beautiful melodies that they shared with the church. Their lives were cut short due to illness but the legacy of the melodies was passed on to their first son Leroy.

Leroy shared the unique tenor which reverberated throughout the wider church community and his wife Agatha complimented him with her beautiful soprano. Sister Agatha led the church choir for many years and was also the church’s musician. Brother Leroy was a most efficient and dependable Deacon occupying other offices such as, personal ministry’s leader and elder.

The legacy of the May, Bejamin, Leroy and Agatha Terrelonge will long be remembered as the grand and great grand-children still provide leadership at the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church and elsewhere.

Charles and Eulalee Gordon Charles and Eulalee Gordon had an age difference of sixteen years but nothing seemed to interfere with the indomitable spirit of commitment and service.

Charles’ conversion to Adventism was like Saul of Tarsus who asked the Lord “what should I do”? He led the church and his family with a dedication second to none.

For over fifty years Charles served as an elder answering the many calls, day and night. His wife Eulalee selflessly provided all the support he needed to travel from Burnside Valley in the west to Devon Penn in the east supporting church growth. Eulalee also occupied offices as janitor, deaconess and treasurer for many years.

The family of Charles and Eulalee Gordon continues to provide leadership to the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church and has been instrumental in establishing the Peat Hill and Toms River churches.

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A TRUE HERITAGE of PRAISE By: Dr. Barbara Nooks-Afflick

LISTEN! The bells are pealing in the distance. The clear sounds penetrating the thick foliage and appearing to be descending to the ear of the listener.

Ding, dong ding. ‘”Come to church, come to church” they seem to be chanting.

It is Saturday morning for the listener.

The day to prepare for church on Sunday.

Clean your shoes, iron your clothes, sweep the yard, tidy the house, dye the floor, (remember that red dye and the coconut brush?), wash your hair.

My family was staunch Methodists. My mother would travel from church to church—”seeking after righteousness” she would say—finally making the Unity Methodist Church, our home church.

LOOK! See those people passing below our house. Bibles and songbooks in one hand and a pearly white bundle in the other, so neatly tied and so carefully held their lunch for the day. After all it is the Sabbath day. Their footsteps hurriedly moving to the rhythm of the bells, or so it seemed. They must be on time for Sabbath school.

Let us return to the evening before, Friday. A special gentleman is returning from his field earlier than usual. The sun is descending. He must get home before the last rays disappear beyond the horizon. He must commence the Sabbath with worship. He must lead his family in worship. Even in his hurry he would stop by our house and leave us something—yam, potatoes, corn or gungo peas—and he hurries on. Soon the harmonious voices of his family, Sister Eula, Owlat, Tita, Frank, Karl, Jeff, Patsy, Paddy, Pat, seem to soar over the hill, through the valley and up the hill again to the ears of an avid listener who sits under the mango tree, her favourite spot on a Friday evening, just to hear the sweet singing ushering the Sabbath—Holy day; Jehovah’s rest; of creation week the best; last of all the chosen seven; Blessed of God to man t’was given. Welcome blessed Sabbath day.

I liked singing. Our family sang songs of praise together every morning and evening. We studied the Bible, Psalm 1, 8, 27, 37, 51, 39, 119, were among our favourites. We had to memorize them all, which served us well later. We prayed every day. We were a happy family. Our father was hard working. God provided for us through him. Bless his soul.

At the age of thirteen I became interested in the Seventh-day Adventist Bible study by mail, the Voice of Prophecy series of lessons. I completed the course. The lessons ended with the question “Will you become a Seventh-day Adventist?” A big NO was always my answer.

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However, the thought did not leave my mind. I interestingly, could not eat pork anymore. No conscious effort of mine. The Lord had a plan for me, for my family, the Nooks family. He used me to start that plan. A number of members of the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adeventist church invited me to a series of evangelistic meetings. Pastor Oliver Brown was their pastor.

I would go to the meetings, not to hear the word, but to meet with the boys. I made sure to sit by a window so that they could tease me. However, the words of truth overcame and penetrated my being. I asked for more. Pastor Brown studied at home with my mother and me. I was still hesitant.

I liked my Methodist church. However, an event at a youth meeting with the Methodist minister caused me confusion. I prayed earnestly to God to show me the way. He showed me in a dream. In the dream I was led out of the Methodist church by the hand of God Himself. I was met at the gate by two members of the Adventist Church who led me to the church.

By this time, Alden, my husband, and I had become great friends. We never talked religion though.

We had many things in common-- first child, quiet, smiling, obedient to parents.

At the age of 18, I decided to be baptized. My mother objected. I obeyed her. I did not yet understand the concept “obey your parents in The Lord”. I was disappointed, but not discouraged. I went to camp with the young people of the Adventist Church and got baptized there. My mother, when I told her, could only say, “that’s why you so meager”. I never turned back. It is now 52 years.

Shortly after, my mother, convicted by the Holy Spirit accepted the Advent message. She became one of the stalwart Labourers for Christ. She led the rest of the Flock to the message, Edna, Leon, Carol, Christopher, Adrian, Papa. Thus the return of the Nooks to the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist church. A tradition revived. Peter Nooks, now deceased laid the foundation for this church. So it is only natural that the Nooks will continue to praise the Lord and continue to serve the community by saving souls for the Kingdom.

The heritage of praise continues as my children and grandchildren are praising the Lord and serving Him in every way they can. GUESS what! The only person to be an Seventh-day Adventist Pastor from Florence Hill Church is my son Travis Wade Nooks-Afflick. May the voice of praise be on our lips as we give thanks to God for being with us until now. We hope to meet Him in the air.

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Journey of the Gordons

The Journey of the Gordons and their influence on the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church began some eighty (80) years ago with Charles Gordon SR. It began with his questioning the substitution of the 4th commandment, to accepting the validity of the Sabbath to abstaining from tobacco, alcohol and unclean foods to becoming a baptized member. He served as Sabbath School Superintendent, Sabbath School Teacher, Lay Activities Leader and Elder and was delighted to experience his brother Richard and two sisters, Rhoda and Indiana embrace the faith.

Sometime later, four nieces also became Seventh Day Adventists, namely, Josephine, Cleopatra, Icilda and Vera. This legacy was passed on to their children and grand-children, who not only embraced the faith but accepted leadership responsibilities.

That, my brothers and sisters has been a journey of faith.

Sister Vera’s story of determination, despite opposition must be told. After many years of persistent witnessing, her husband and mother accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord.

The story at Children’s Chapel is part of a bigger story of one member influencing a family and the untold number of blessings that this family has brought to the church.

These blessings will continue into eternity.

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Alsean Dawn: Sharing her Faith Alsean Dawn was the first child for her parents who were members of the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was loving, obedient and kind.

She loved her younger brothers and sister. She attended Church School and learned so much more about Jesus. She was baptized at age twelve. Summer was coming up and she looked forward to attend the church’s summer camp.

It would be so special to have her best friend Barbara attend Camp with her.

She told Barbara all the fun things that took place at camp and how much she would like her to go with her. Barbara asked her parents if she could go to camp and sure her Mom said yes.

Barbara and Alsean Dawn could not wait for the day to come to board the bus to go to Camp where they would spend seven days together. The day came and off they went to Camp, where they met so many other boys and girls from other churches. Barbara and Alsean Dawn shared the same cabin.

They enjoyed the daily devotions, the art and craft activities, the trips to the beach and the special camp fires at nights where they sang their hearts out.

Each day at the devotions the teacher reminded them of giving their hearts to the Lord. Barbara was not yet a Christian and sure she wanted to give her heart to the Lord but what would her parents say, if only they were here.

Camp meeting would soon be over and Barbara must make up her mind about giving her heart to the Lord. Yes, yes I am going to do it, she told her friend Alsean Dawn and Barbara was baptized.

Camp was over and back home Barbara told her parents how happy she was and began sharing stories with them. Before long Barbara’s mother, two sisters and three brothers gave their hearts to Jesus and became members of the Florence Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church. Today Barbara is a grandmother who continues to share her faith as a nursing educator and an elder. Her son is a minister in Toronto Canada. Her brothers and sisters continue to share their faith through their special music ministry.

Alsean Dawn and Barbara continued to share their faith and remained best friends until Alsean Dawn passed some four years ago.

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