Church History In Retrospect
It was in 1953 that the gospel was first preached under the leadership of Pastor M. E. Whyte the leader of the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Jamaica in a bamboo shed at Slow Down, situated between Stony Hill and Golden Spring in St Andrew. The bamboo shed was relocated to Stony Hill on a spot of ground called "The Rock" in 1954. The Rock was a donation from Mother Richards. Once again the structure moved in 1955 to a land donated by Miss Hannah.
A temporary building was constructed but due to problems regarding the land the saints were on the move again. The church then relocated to Isaac's near Stony Hill, but not for long, because of the noise factor. Pastor Whyte's brother-in-law Elder Joe Whyte came to join in the work. By 1967, land was being sought to construct a new property was purchased at upper Brooks Level Road, Stony Hill from Mr. Mason. It took six months to build the new sanctuary. In January 1968 the Emmanuel Apostolic Church – Stony Hill was dedicated to the Lord. Sadly Pastor Whyte was called home soon after the dedication.
Over the next couple of years, the leadership of the church changed. In 1969 the first Pastor, Elder Bonnick, migrated to the United States of America. After a year Elder Gifford Dixon was appointed Pastor. The gospel was taken to the communities of the Prospect, Golden Hill and Ward Close during the 1970's.
In 1983 we became a member of the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ, in Jamaica under the leadership of Bishop Ira D. Thompson.
September 1983 Elder Dixon migrated. Minister Gerald Brown was appointed Acting Pastor. Various situations arose which resulted in a dramatic reduction of our membership.
Due to the ravages of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and other challenges the Golden Hill & Ward Close assemblies were closed.
Minister Devon Brown, only 28 years of age was appointed Pastor in February of 1990. Under his leadership and with the help of God the Ward Close and Golden Hill assemblies restarted and today continue to be a beacon in their communities.
November 1990 ground was broken for the construction of a new sanctuary. On April 15, 1991 work began to construct our new edifice. Pastor Brown was then appointed Overseer for the Northern District of Churches.
The new sanctuary was dedicated to the Lord on April 20, 1996. Officiating at this service were Bishops Sydney Alexander Dunn, Ira D. Thompson and host Pastor, Overseer Devon C. Brown. The guest speaker was Dr. Colin Cawley from Toronto, Canada.
In 1999 we added to the sanctuary, two wings which provides additional seating.
As there was a desire to meet the growing needs of the community of Stony Hill and its environs the Social Ministry was launched. Since its inception packages have been distributed on a fortnightly or weekly basis to shut-ins and the less fortunate in our community. Children's Church was initiated in that same year for children 12 years and under.
In 2001 the church purchased another property on Brooks Level Road which is earmarked to facilitate a Day & After School Care, a Human Resource Multipurpose Training Centre and a home for the elderly.
The church also operates the Brooks Level Basic School and for over 30 years has been providing Early Childhood Education to the community of Stony Hill and its environs. We have an enrolment of approximately 150 students, 7 teachers and 2 ancillary workers.
We also conduct devotions in the primary and junior high schools in and around the Stony Hill community on a weekly basis.
In 2009 our Pastor was appointed the Island Bishop of the Bethel United Churches of Jesus Christ Apostolic, in Jamaica, and in March 2011 he was appointed the chairman of the Jamaica Pentecostal Union Apostolic (JPU).
The church has approximately four hundred (400) members, three Associate Pastors, Elder Mark A. Brown, Elder Adrian Adman and Evangelist Marine Scott, supported by a board of officers and Departmental leaders.
Having obtained help from the Lord we have continued until this day.