Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Rowley is introduced by President of the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Dr. Kern Tobias, second from left, to Pastor of the Mason Hall SDA Church Ein Kirk ,on his arrival at the 75th Anniversary Celebrations. Also in this photo is Pastor Vishnu Persad, President of the Tobago Mission of SDA. File Image from Office of the Chief Secretary FB
October, 24, 2022 || || CARU Staff ||Annette Lewis
A Nucleus of Adventism in Tobago Is Honored by Political Leaders
Reflections of the Mason Hall Seventh-day Adventist Church’s influence in the community, marked the congregation’s diamond jubilee service of thanksgiving. On October 15, 2022, key national leaders attended the historic service and shared their personal encounters with the 75-year old church. 

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, told the gathering, “Standing before you is one of your very own, who started his education downstairs in that old house where the Seventh-day Adventists [were] represented. Having walked that school from the age of five – today, whatever you think of me, whatever honor or recognition you give to me, the foundation of what I am is my upbringing on this ground right here. . . in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. So today I ask you, more now than ever, to defend these principles; your country needs you. If Mason Hall ever needed you, it is now; if Trinidad and Tobago ever needed you, it is now; answer to the call as I know you would”. Dr. Rowley re-affirmed values that were applicable to everyone on life’s journey.
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine embraces a pupil of the North Regional SDA Primary School in Mason Hall shortly after his arrival at the church. File Image from Office of the Chief Secretary FB
The Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, who is a Seventh-day Adventist, reminded the gathering of how God used this Seventh-day Adventist Church to bless the island, and stated, “You are privileged to be sitting in the same place with two leaders, both of whom are raised by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. With about 15% of the island affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, it means that there is something about us; [there is] something about being a leader in the church that trains young people to be outstanding citizens. The Adventist people have impacted not only the local community, but the whole nation. We can say with considerable pride that the Adventists have had a crucial role in the development of Tobago”.

Seventy-five years ago, the Mason Hall Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church rose as a lighthouse in the community. The nucleus of Adventism began with Mr. Fitzgerald Louis, the first Seventh-day Adventist in the village of Mason Hall, who spent each Sunday preaching the gospel from village to village. This nucleus of Adventism included the Tobias family whose faithfulness still influences the Church through the leadership of Dr. Kern Tobias – the Caribbean Union Conference President. 
Pupils of the North Regional SDA Primary School participate in the service. File Image from Office of the Chief Secretary FB
Dr. Tobias exalted the grace and mercy of God, then shared his journey, “This church was already eight years [old] when I was privileged to be born into a family that was one of the beneficiaries and contributors to this special family. We can all agree that we have come this far by faith – hitherto has the Lord led us. As a church you have been involved in the mission – the Lord will bless and will heal the land”. He thanked God for the improved quality of life advanced by the Church in the village and referenced Brother Stephen McLeod who, at 104 years strong, is still a member pf the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “When one accepts Christ and agrees to live by the word there is a better quality of life”, Dr. Tobias concluded.

Pastor Vishnu Persad, the Tobago SDA Mission President, encouraged the members to renew their commitment to God as they [celebrated] this historic occasion. 
From L to R: Eucklyn Chapman, Anniversary Committee Elder Sharlene Frederick-Turner, Mrs. Linda Tobias and Dr. Kern Tobias. File Image from Office of the Chief Secretary FB
The enthusiastic applause from a crowd of more than 300 members and community friends, in response to the speeches, spoke volumes about the impact of that church in the life of the community. The essence of Christianity continues to be disseminated by the sons and daughters of the congregation, who are enlisted in service to God and to others. The growth of the church is measured not only in the number of its congregants, but also in the quality of service given by members who are dedicated to the mission and primarily, Christian education.
Caribbean Union Conference | 868 223 3885|info@carusda.org | www.caribbeanunionadventists.org