The Methodist Church of Haiti is celebrating its 200th anniversary. Founded as a mission in 1817, it is the oldest Protestant church in the Caribbean nation. Special events in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, in early February drew attention to the church’s history and its contributions to the country.
A worship service held on Sunday February 12 to mark the bicentenary drew an estimated 1,000 people. In a rousing sermon broadcast live from the Methodist Church at Bird College, Bishop Gesner Paul called for government reform and an end to corruption. His impassioned demands were met with shouts of approval and loud applause.
The Methodist Church of Haiti is a district of the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and Americas. Founded by missionaries from England and Ireland, the church has survived political repression and natural disasters.