The Methodist Church in Jost van Dyke was reduced to just walls by the hurricanes of 2017. Members of the church and some residents of the Jost van Dyke is now hoping to raise enough funds so the building can be restored. Photo: Provided

A photo of the Methodist Church in Jost van Dyke prior to the hurricanes of September 2017. Photo: Provided

According to the GoFundMe page, for decades, the Methodist Church in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke has served as a visual and Spiritual focal point for visitors and residents alike. The simple classic design with attached bell-tower and cistern stand out as a wonderful example of beach front religious architecture.

The historic significance of the present church walls and roof date back to a hurricane in the early 1920's, the foundation dates back much earlier, according to the GoFundMe page.

“But now the time has come for the building that hosted so many weddings, christenings, graduations and funerals to get its turn at rejuvenation and renovation.

“The congregation of the Methodist Church of Great Harbour Jost van Dyke would like to ask your help at this time to renovate and restore the Methodist Church to its previous glory, with the addition of a small wing to ensure continued service to this remote community.”

The target on the GoFundMe Page is $100,000.

Funds needed to save historic structure

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, Mr Thomas Warner, who is one of the persons behind the fundraising campaign, said he got together with some of the elders of the church to discuss the church building restoration and learnt that the plan at one point was to tear down the historic structure and rebuild a new church with a modern design.

”Part of the plan of the fundraising is so the historic structure can be saved. We have had a number of meetings and I think they [church] are now pretty much convinced that keeping the historic structure was a good idea.”

Warner said one of the tasks that will require the funding is to find an engineering firm that will “come in and tell us how we can support the roof, the walls, which have been somewhat compromised. The idea is to build a steel framework inside the building to hold off the roof and the walls will be mostly cosmetic.”

Mr Thomas said the building will have the same shape, look and historic appeal but it would have a modern physical structure inside the building.

Additionally, a new wing will be built on the side of the Church to house a small apartment for visiting pastors, restrooms, and a community room that will also be used for community outreach and Sunday School and bible study.

The bell tower will also be restored.

How to contribute?

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fundraising drive can contact Pastor Elkanah Seymour, Mr Sherman Chinnery and Mr Thomas Warner on 284-442 3074.

Persons can also make donations to church account #154512, at FirstCaribbean Intl Bank or to the Virgin Islands Methodist Trust (Scotiabank BVI), Checking Account #154512. Contributors are asked to identify the funds as for the Great Harbour Methodist Church, Jost Van Dyke.

Additionally, contributions can be made via the GoFundMe page. See link below:

https://www.gofundme.com/jvd-methodist-church?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_co_campmgmt_w&fbclid=IwAR2cD8mNsJ_7NKtq0RdR3jRw4G5ntkO9QGqcl3O32v0n-k1qGXpQLe15r9E