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Pastor Joseph Smith was appointed President while Pastor Wellesley G. Gunter was appointed Secretary and Mr. Neville Condappa, Treasurer. The first major task for the administrators was the citing of the Headquarters for the Field. With much prayer and diligent search, the present site of 7 ½ acres of land along with the estate office was rented with an option to purchase. Workers and church members rallied to the task and renovated the building, cleaned up the surroundings and had it ready to begin operation by September 1, 2002. Everyone is as convinced now as then that God’s hand has led us to this spot. 

Towards the end of September 2002, the Administrators of the Division and the Union conducted a survey and found the Field ready for Mission status. The date was set for the Inaugural Session, which was held on December 29, 2002, and the Field became a Mission on January 1, 2003. the property was fully acquired in 2004, and the building was renovated and extended for the official opening in February 2005.

The Mission has experienced significant growth. Over 4,000 members have been added by baptisms and transfers; four churches have been organized; four church buildings completed and dedicated, two new congregations raised up: Word of Hope and Mount Edgecombe; over 52% increase in tithes and offerings in 21 pastoral districts. The schools have also tremendously increased enrolment and seen significant improvement in external examinations passes and accessions to the faith.

Miss Marion Barrett succeeded Elder Neville Condappa as treasurer on January 1, 2004. Pastor W.H. Gunter served as interim treasurer from May to December 2003.

At the last West Indies Union Conference Session (held at Northern Caribbean University in November 2005), Pastor Michael Harvey was voted as President and Pastor Wenford Henry as Executive Secretary of North Jamaica Mission. These appointments replaced Pastor Joseph Smith and Pastor Wellesley Gunter who served as President and Executive Secretary respectively.

Since August 1, 2006, North Jamaica Mission ceded St. Mary to the new field, NorthEast Jamaica Field, which left them with the parishes of St. Ann and Trelawny, with a population of over 300,000 and a church membership of approximately 11,685, a ratio of one Adventist to every 26 persons.

As of October 1, 2006, North Jamaica Mission no longer had the services of Miss Marion Barrett. 

During the West Indies Union Executive Committee Meeting held on November 15,2006 at the Union's headquarters in Mandeville, Jamaica, Elder Dane Ellis was appointed as Treasurer for North Jamaica Mission effective December 1, 2006.

We give thanks and praise to God for His leadings in the formation, growth and development of this Mission; and we are assured of His continued blessings as we move towards conference status and ultimately to Heaven at last. Thanks to the Union Officers for their vision and foresight, and to the officers of Inter-American Division for their continued support and guidance. Let us raise our “Ebenezer” for hitherto hath the Lord helped us.

History of North Jamaica Mission

PO Box 4422, St. Ann's Bay PO, St. Ann, Jamaica
Ph. 876.972.8594 or 876.794.8843 | Fax. 876-972-8608
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