More than a hundred members of the Trinidadian and Tobagonian diaspora came together in Ilford to mark 127 years since Seventh-day Adventism was established in their motherland.
Around 140 guests, some travelling from as far as Birmingham, visited the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Coventry Road, on Saturday July 28.
The enjoyed gospel singing from the Brixton Women’s Choir, a Romanian choir and performances from saxophonist Mark B and singers Milton Bromfield and Bobby Carr, among others.
Church clerk Deborah Laurence, from Chadwell Heath, has been a Seventh-day Adventist for the last 10 years.
“I felt it went really well,” said Ms Laurence, who is of Trinidadian heritage.
“This is the first time we have done this on such a large scale and next year we hope that we will do it on an even bigger scale and more people with recognise Seventh-day Adventism.”
Adventism was established to the Caribbean Island of Trinidad and Tobago by religious book seller William Arnold in 1889.
The church has been a leading institution in providing spiritual and secular education and medical services on the island in little more than a century, according to event organiser Janelle Clarke.
Prior to Arnold’s arrival, the only Christian denominations in Trinidad and Tobago were Anglican, Catholic, Presbytarian, Wesleyan, Moravian and Baptist.
Commenting on the prevalence of the religion now, Ms Laurence said: “It’s a growing religion across the Carribean.
“They have their own schools and their own churches.
She added: “We believe in the word of God and the second coming of Jesus Christ.”
The church was awash with the red, white and back of the Trinidad and Tobago flag.
Among the attendees was also Mayor of Redbridge Cllr Debbie Kaur-Thiara who gave a speech.
More than £300 in donations were also collected from the congregation to support youth charity Kids in Needs of Direction (Kind) and to go towards the repair and maintenance of the church.
“They help children who have fallen on the wrong path and have gotten involved in gangs to get out of that situation,” Ms Laurence added, describing Kind’s work.
“They support them, take them to a shelter and provide for them.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here