Press Statement
From a first worship service attended by just 26 people to a growing ministry serving families and communities across New Providence, Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church has marked 25 years of faith, perseverance and service to God and country.
The church is celebrating its Silver Jubilee under the theme, “Honouring Our Past – Embracing Our Future,” drawn from Psalm 145:4. A major highlight of the anniversary celebrations was a Gala Banquet held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Queen Elizabeth Ballroom of the British Colonial Hotel.
Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev’d Dr. Arthur H. Charlton Jr., J.P., and First Lady Dellarease Charlton, Mt. Vernon held its first service on November 4, 2001, in the Papagayo Room at the former Clarion Resort, South Ocean Beach. Twenty-six people attended that service, with seven joining the ministry that day: Rev’d Arthur Charlton; Sis. Dellarease Charlton; Laura Charlton; Ashton Charlton; Sis. Mildred (Jenifer) Winters; Sis. Rosie Miller; and Bro. Kendal Smith.
Those modest beginnings launched what would become a quarter-century journey of worship, outreach and community service.
The congregation subsequently relocated to Wong’s Plaza on Madeira Street, Palmdale, before moving its services to Jordan Prince Williams School in 2006 with assistance from Rev’d Dr. William Thompson and The Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention.
The church had been formally commissioned on April 21, 2002, by Rev’d Dr. Thompson, then President of the Convention, with Rev’d Dr. Charlton installed as pastor.
Another major chapter began when the congregation secured property on Faith Avenue South at the entrance to Pastel Gardens. Ground was broken on July 2, 2006, and the new sanctuary was dedicated on March 18, 2007, under the theme “Moving from Glory to Glory.”
Continuing its vision for growth and expanded ministry, Mt. Vernon broke ground in April 2022 for a larger facility designed to include an expanded sanctuary, classrooms, offices and additional space for outreach programmes.
The church’s 25th anniversary drew congratulatory messages from national, political and religious leaders, including Governor-General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia A. Pratt; Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis; Leader of the Official Opposition the Hon. Michael Pintard; President of The Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention Bishop Delton D. Fernander; and Rev’d Dr. William Thompson, described by the church as its spiritual father.
Governor-General Dame Cynthia, in extending congratulations to Senior Pastor Rev’d Dr. Arthur H. Charlton Jr., Assistant Pastor Rev’d Trevor Moss Sr., the church’s leadership and congregation, described the Silver Jubilee as “a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness and your collective devotion.”
She commended the entire church family for the stewardship, time and talent that helped sustain the ministry over its 25-year journey.
“For 25 years, Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church has endeavored to be a beacon of faith, service, and community for families and individuals across the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” the Governor-General said, highlighting the church’s impact through worship, outreach, education and compassionate care for those in need.
She encouraged the congregation to look confidently to the future, praying that God would continue to bless its mission and guide Mt. Vernon into “even greater seasons of growth and service.
Prime Minister Davis congratulated Rev’d Dr. Charlton and the congregation on 25 years of ministry, noting the role churches play in strengthening families, supporting communities during difficult times and contributing to the well-being of Bahamians.
Opposition Leader Pintard similarly highlighted the church’s work beyond its walls, including its support for families, young people and those in need.
Bishop Fernander saluted the congregation for what he described as a 25-year journey of faith, service and community, while encouraging the church to continue building a legacy capable of blessing and inspiring future generations.
Rev’d Dr. Thompson paid particular tribute to Rev’d Dr. Charlton’s leadership, describing him as a man committed to God, the work of the Kingdom and the vision entrusted to him.
Assistant Pastor and Anniversary Committee Chairperson Rev’d Trevor R. Moss Sr. said the Silver Jubilee was an occasion both to remember those who helped establish the ministry and to look confidently toward its next chapter.
He reflected on the “vision, sacrifice, prayers and faithful service” of those who laid the church’s foundation and encouraged the congregation to continue walking by faith, serving with excellence and remaining committed to its mission.
The anniversary celebrations also provided an opportunity for Senior Pastor Rev’d Dr. Arthur H. Charlton Jr., J.P., and First Lady Dellarease Charlton to express gratitude to the Mt. Vernon church family for the prayers, love, faithful service, encouragement and support that sustained the ministry throughout its first 25 years.
The Silver Jubilee celebrations will continue with a Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church.
The 25th anniversary celebrations will climax with a Women’s Tea Party on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Faith United Church Hall
As Mt. Vernon enters its next chapter, its leadership says the mission remains centred on addressing the spiritual and social needs of people while expanding its capacity for ministry and community outreach.
The Silver Jubilee therefore represents not simply a celebration of how far the congregation has come, but a recommitment to the work ahead — honouring its past while embracing its future.
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