The Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church marked its 12th anniversary with a revival of its Annual Choir Festival, uniting voices from across the Cayman Islands in a vibrant celebration of faith and fellowship. The event, a hallmark of the church’s calendar, returned after a hiatus, drawing choirs from several Seventh-day Adventist congregations and reaffirming the island’s rich musical and spiritual traditions. The theme explored through the event was “God is still doing great things”.
Following the Impact West Bay evangelistic campaign, the Berea church was founded on March 9, 2013. It began with 46 dedicated members, including seven charter members, and has since flourished into a dynamic congregation.
Since its founding, Berea has been guided by a series of devoted pastors. Caple Thompson served as the first pastor, laying the foundational structure of the new church. He was followed by Shian O’Connor, whose leadership nurtured the growing congregation. Pastor Carlon Nyack brought passionate, fervent preaching to the pulpit, followed by Maurice Chambers, who first served from 2015 to 2020. Vaughan Henry then shepherded the church through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. In September 2023, Pastor Maurice Chambers returned to resume pastoral duties, continuing his legacy of spiritual leadership.
Berea has endured challenges like many growing congregations, including illness and loss within its church family. Yet, its members say their faith in God has sustained them through every trial.
A significant milestone in Berea’s journey was the acquisition of its current church building in West Bay, purchased in 2021 after plans for a different property shifted. The congregation viewed this change as divine redirection and stepped forward in faith to embrace its new home—a move made possible through member dedication, community support, and sponsor generosity.
“After 12 years, we stand on the threshold of another great milestone, completing a sanctuary where God’s name is glorified. Indeed, God is still doing great things, ” shared Pastor Maurice Chambers, Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor.
During the anniversary celebration, hosted by Brother Joshua Lawrence and Sister Dianne Ricketts, the various choirs sang their musical items while attendees sang loud praises.
The church publicly recognizes its sponsors, The Tamasas, Precious Gems, The Longs, Ms. Sharon Buckley, and corporate supporters such as Power Services Cayman Ltd, Klas Crane and Equipment Services, Bethel Pool and Spa, Inter-Island Realty, Cayman Building Supplies, Sire Heavy Equipment Services, Mercy’s Beauty Supply, and ER Construction & Building Contractors Ltd.
Their continued partnership has played a vital role in Berea’s mission and growth. The choir festival serves as praise and thanksgiving and a reminder of the church’s foundation in praise, community, and unwavering faith.
If you were unable to attend the choir festival, the full service can be seen here:
Cayman Islands | Written by: Devarro Whittaker, | Photo Credit: Devarro Whittaker, Joshua Lawrence
