Most Guyanese born by mid-20th century are likely to have attended a primary school administered by a Christian denomination or to have lived in a village on the coastland or hinterland or in urban ‘ward’ that was part of a ‘parish’ under a pastor or priest.
Former President David Granger made this claim while speaking on his weekly programme – The Public Interest. He pointed out that, historically, Protestant churches pioneered Christianity in Guyana over 200 years ago by engaging Africans during the dark era of enslavement. The London Missionary Society pursued its mission of spreading the gospel to non-Christians everywhere. The ‘Society’, though non-denominational, received substantial assistance from the Congregational Church which supported the Village Movement by giving freed Africans a sense of dignity and self-worth.
According to Granger, Congregational churches are old. Mission Chapel Congregational Church; Albion Chapel in Fyrish; Freedom Congregational Church in Stewartville; Ebenezer Congregational Church in Den Amstel; Smith Memorial Congregational Church; Arundel Congregational Church in Buxton and the Ebenezer Congregational Church in Ann’s Grove − are over 150 years old. Longevity apart, Congregationalism bequeathed a legacy of doctrinal tolerance, social independence and communal cohesion to manage their communities.
Protestant churches arrived at different times. Moravians established themselves as missionaries of the Unity of Brethren in Berbice, then a Dutch colony, in 1738. They were prevented from evangelizing the enslaved Africans and were forced to flee after the Berbice Revolt of 1763. They returned, undaunted, over one hundred years later in 1878, establishing a mission at Plantation Graham’s Hall. Adventists, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and several Evangelical and Pentecostal Churches have all become established in the country.
The former president pointed out that the Christian Church played a role in improving village life and opening opportunities not only to evangelize but, also, to educate and empower. The Christian Church was in the forefront of efforts to extend general education and religious teaching, particularly to the non-European population. The Church also established the country’s most celebrated ‘six sisters’ secondary schools − St. Stanislaus College; St. Joseph High school; St Rose’s High School; Queen’s College; the Bishops’ High School and Berbice High School − all of them over a century ago. The Church is owed a debt for pioneering primary schooling. Congregationalists joined the freed population in establishing churches within many free villages, enlisting local deacons and helping to mentor local leaders.
Granger said that the Christian ideal of promoting harmonious social relations is consistent with the doctrine of social cohesion. Diversity is evident everywhere – in schools, offices and factories. Social cohesion recognises that Guyana is now, and always will be, multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural as a means through which people pursue the common good.
He indicated that, today, Christian congregations – which include Africans, Amerindians, Chinese, Europeans Indians and persons of mixed origins − exemplify ethnic diversity. Granger also affirmed the Christian Church contributed to education and economic emancipation thereby helping citizens to enjoy a good life. 󠄀
