Last updated: February 25, 2009
Our History
In the beginning...
The Pentecostal Gospel Temple came into existence in 1963. Today this is seen as
the leading of the Lord, as the work is now well established in East Kingston.
Reverend Wilbert Obadiah Stewart, having left his usual place of worship, sought
the face of God and desired to start a work, especially since saints had indicated
their desire to support him. The Lord directed and first service was a prayer
meeting held at his home. Services continued two nights weekly in his backyard,
in the open-air under a cherry tree, with the sky being the only roof we had over
our heads. Of course services could only be kept on fair nights.. .ha! ha! ha! It
was during this period that Carolyn, was conceived and they gave thanks to God.
This period was quite transient, as very soon, a property at 111 Windward was purchased as the site for a place of worship. An old house there was remodeled and became a place of worship for about a year or two. Our baptismal pool was constructed under an Ackee tree outside. Boy! Did we enjoy the stars and the heavens during those days?
FIRST DECADE
A structure was then erected for worship with the intention for it to be used as a Church hall at a later date. It could truly be said that it was “built by members” with much sacrifice of money, time and skills. This Church Hall was dedicated on the 6th of November 1963 with the Dedicatory message given by Rev. W. O. Stewart.
In three years there was much growth, but the founder was not to have experienced this, as he became sick and was not fully involved in the work during 1964-65. On the 13th of November 1966 he died. Oh what a weeping and wailing, for although we had confidence he had gone to be with the Lord, we missed him dearly for he was just a wonderful man. Indeed, to know him was to love him. The mantle, as Pastor, was passed on to his wife, Evangelist Carmen Stewart, who then became the spiritual leader and shepherd of PGT.
After five years of worship in the Church Hall, and with the growth, which
was experienced there was need for a larger building. Additionally, his wife
founded a preschool for children in the age group of 3-6 years, in his
honour. Adjoining premises at 109 Windward Road was acquired and the
Wilbert Stewart Basic was started. Over the years, it has had tremendous
recognition and growth and is presently the leading Basic school in its zone.
The new church building started and a further three years were spent in building and
worshipping in a partially completed Church. However, the Sanctuary was
completed and was dedicated on the 22nd of May 1972. Our Pastor, Rev. Carmen
Stewart delivered the dedicatory message. In honour of our Founder’s dream and
efforts to establish a church on the premises, the late Evangelist Lucille Miller, at the
dedication, unveiled a plaque. It still is proudly mounted on the wall at the main
entrance from the lobby in the present sanctuary.
page 1 page 2 page 3
In the beginning...
The Pentecostal Gospel Temple came into existence in 1963. Today this is seen as
the leading of the Lord, as the work is now well established in East Kingston.
Reverend Wilbert Obadiah Stewart, having left his usual place of worship, sought
the face of God and desired to start a work, especially since saints had indicated
their desire to support him. The Lord directed and first service was a prayer
meeting held at his home. Services continued two nights weekly in his backyard,
in the open-air under a cherry tree, with the sky being the only roof we had over
our heads. Of course services could only be kept on fair nights.. .ha! ha! ha! It
was during this period that Carolyn, was conceived and they gave thanks to God.
This period was quite transient, as very soon, a property at 111 Windward was purchased as the site for a place of worship. An old house there was remodeled and became a place of worship for about a year or two. Our baptismal pool was constructed under an Ackee tree outside. Boy! Did we enjoy the stars and the heavens during those days?
FIRST DECADE
A structure was then erected for worship with the intention for it to be used as a Church hall at a later date. It could truly be said that it was “built by members” with much sacrifice of money, time and skills. This Church Hall was dedicated on the 6th of November 1963 with the Dedicatory message given by Rev. W. O. Stewart.
In three years there was much growth, but the founder was not to have experienced this, as he became sick and was not fully involved in the work during 1964-65. On the 13th of November 1966 he died. Oh what a weeping and wailing, for although we had confidence he had gone to be with the Lord, we missed him dearly for he was just a wonderful man. Indeed, to know him was to love him. The mantle, as Pastor, was passed on to his wife, Evangelist Carmen Stewart, who then became the spiritual leader and shepherd of PGT.
After five years of worship in the Church Hall, and with the growth, which
was experienced there was need for a larger building. Additionally, his wife
founded a preschool for children in the age group of 3-6 years, in his
honour. Adjoining premises at 109 Windward Road was acquired and the
Wilbert Stewart Basic was started. Over the years, it has had tremendous
recognition and growth and is presently the leading Basic school in its zone.
The new church building started and a further three years were spent in building and
worshipping in a partially completed Church. However, the Sanctuary was
completed and was dedicated on the 22nd of May 1972. Our Pastor, Rev. Carmen
Stewart delivered the dedicatory message. In honour of our Founder’s dream and
efforts to establish a church on the premises, the late Evangelist Lucille Miller, at the
dedication, unveiled a plaque. It still is proudly mounted on the wall at the main
entrance from the lobby in the present sanctuary.
page 1 page 2 page 3
