History of William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church HISTORY
THE FALMOUTH congregation had no minister until 1827 when the Rev Thomas Burchell took over. He actually began his work at Hampstead in Montego Bay in January 1824, but due to ill health, he returned to England. On his return in 1827, many who had been converted under Rowe gathered to welcome him. By the
strong appeal and voices of the slaves in Falmouth, he started public worship and in May, formed the Falmouth Baptist Church with a membership of about 50. His assistant, Rev James Mann, became the first pastor.
In March 1930, the stalwart and emancipator, Rev William Knibb, came with his wife and two children from Savanna-la-Mar to Falmouth. Foresight led him to purchase the premises used as a chapel, and four lots of land, for £3,000.
THE REBELLION YEARS
Knibb’s work was interrupted by the Christmas Rebellion of 1831, which affected Trelawny and St James in particular, and in which the Baptist deacon, Sam Sharpe, featured significantly. At the proclamation of martial law, the chapel in Falmouth was taken over as barracks for soldiers. Knibb refused to desist from his efforts till that greatest of curse – slavery – was removed.
Knibb and Burchell returned to Jamaica at the end of 1834. With a grant from Parliament and churches in England, a larger chapel was rebuilt in Falmouth at a cost of £6,000. It seated 1,600. In this chapel, at midnight on the July 31, 1838, as the clock began to strike 12, Knibb exclaimed: “The monster is dying, the monster is dead”. Full freedom had come at last!
THE POST-EMANCIPATION YEARS
In 1840, when Knibb went as deputy to England, J.E. Stephenson acted as pastor. After many years of service as a faithful and affectionate pastor, Knibb, tired and worn out, passed on in 1845. He was greatly mourned. His body rests in the churchyard (behind the chapel building).
In 1846, the Rev Thomas Abbot, a former assistant of Knibb, was called from St Ann’s Bay to become pastor of the three churches in the circuit – Falmouth, Refuge and Duncans. Abbot’s health failed and he returned to England in 1847. His assistant, Rev Robert Gay, succeeded him.
During the cholera outbreak in the island in 1850, Falmouth’s population of 6,000 was reduced by a third. Gay and his wife sailed for England leaving his assistant, Rev Ellis Fray, Knibb’s son-in-law, to carry on the work. He acted from January 1856 to September 1861. In 1860, when the ‘Sixth Revival’ broke out in Jamaica and thousands were converted, the Falmouth circuit was richly blessed. About this time, Rev Thomas Lea of Stewart Town was invited to the pastorate and he remained until 1866. Succeeding him was Rev John Kingdom, pastor of Waldensia and Unity churches.
THE EARLY 1900S
Certain changes during the latter part of the 19th century had its effects on the life of the church. For example, the fall of the price of sugar resulted in the decline of the sugar industry in Trelawny. One-half of the sugar estates ceased to operate and more enterprising people were migrating to Kingston. Consequently, by 1900, Falmouth’s population fell to 4,000. This affected the life and work of the church so that when Kingdom resigned after 48 years, there were only about 300 members. Rev George Stone, who had been a Baptist missionary in India, succeeded
him, but resigned in 1917 to serve in Cuba.
REV R.A.L. KNIGHT AND MRS KNIGHT
The Rev R.A.L. Knight, MABD, a master at Calabar High School, succeeded him in 1918. The church’s variegated career continued until the building was destroyed in August 1944 by a storm which devastated the north coast. With the assistance of the government and the whole island, the present chapel to seat 600 was built and dedicated in 1948. Having served for 40 years, Rev Knight resigned in 1958 due to ill health. He passed on in July 1976. He was buried in the churchyard.
THE POST-INDEPENDENCE YEARS
The Rev Fergus Lewis was called from the Port Antonio circuit to carry on the work. However, due to ill health, he had to resign at the end of June 1962 before making the contribution he desired.
In 1964, Rev Lester G. Carruthers assumed responsibilities in the circuit which was then comprised of Falmouth, Granville, Bounty Hall, Wakefield, Hasting and Unity churches. Reorganisation led to the creation of two circuits, one of which Falmouth, Granville and Bounty Hall churches continued to be pastured by Rev Carruthers, while the other came under the leadership of Rev A.C. Walker.
The Rev Carruthers has been described as a devoted pastor, a sound preacher, and a tireless worker. It was on his recommendation that the two parcels of land opposite the church be purchased and a building to be used for educational purposes be constructed thereon. He had a strong concern for stewardship and evangelism. Rev Carruthers resigned in 1973 to pastor the Port Antonio circuit of churches.
Organisations within the church were the Sunday school or youth arm of the church, Youth Fellowship, Women’s Federation, Brotherhood, the choir and 13 classes of members’ organisations within the church.
THE 1970S
Rev Cawley Bolt assumed duties as pastor in July 1974 and performed satisfactorily in the circuit of churches. He resigned in 1983 to take up a new position with the Jamaica Baptist Union in Kingston, Jamaica.
1980S
Rev Harris Cunningham and family joined the circuit in March 1983. He
resigned from the circuit in 1991. The Rev Vincent Fletcher of the Kettering circuit of Baptist churches was assigned to the Falmouth circuit as moderator for one year.
On April 1, 1992, the Rev Eron Henry assumed duties as pastor. On June 11, 1992, he was officially inducted. Rev Henry continued the traditions of the ministry and the rich legacy of the William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church. In 2004, Rev Henry had his wish come true with the establishment of the Greenwood Mission. He resigned in December 2005 to take up duty with the Baptist World Alliance in Washington, USA.
The Rev Dr Prince Clemmings, a retired pastor, then served as moderator (18 months). He spent many hours beyond the call of duty serving the circuit and spearheaded the celebration of the 180th anniversary of the church.
2000
On August 1, 2007, along with his wife and two young sons, the energetic and vibrant Rev Devere U. Nugent from the St Leonard’s circuit in Hanover assumed pastoral responsibility of the Falmouth circuit.