A Church Born in Revival Reflects on Two Decades of Service Under the East Jamaica Conference of SDAs
The Heroes Circle Seventh-day Adventist Church has marked 20 years of ministry, celebrating a journey that began in revival and has grown into a sustained witness of mission, discipleship and community impact within the East Jamaica Conference (EJC) of Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs).
The milestone was observed under the theme “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Advancing God’s Mission,” with a weekend of activities held June 12–14, 2026, bringing together members, church leaders, community stakeholders and well-wishers in a shared expression of gratitude and reflection.
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Pastor Oshain Stewart, Pastor of the Heroes Circle District of Churches, sharing warm greetings at the heroes Circle 20th Anniversary Celebrations. :: Photo credit: Phillip Castell
The church’s origins trace back to 2006, when Evangelist Claudius Morgan conducted a powerful evangelistic crusade at National Heroes Park. What began as a citywide proclamation of the gospel quickly became a defining spiritual moment for many who attended. As decisions were made for Christ night after night, a new congregation was birthed from the harvest of that crusade under the oversight of the East Jamaica Conference. Click to view photo gallery
Following the conclusion of the crusade, the emerging church family first gathered for worship at the North Street Church Hall before relocating later that year to its current location at 2–4 Geffrard Place, Kingston. From those early beginnings, Heroes Circle SDA Church was established as a congregation shaped by evangelism, grounded in mission, and committed to nurturing new believers.
Many of its current officers were themselves converts from the 2006 crusade, giving the church a foundation deeply rooted in revival experience. Early pastoral leadership under Pastors Devon Osbourne and Hanson Drysdale provided guidance and stability, while Elder Waldon Wright—later Pastor Dr. Wright—served as the first elder. He was succeeded by Elder Dr. Hyacinth Birch, whose 14-year tenure brought continuity, structure and steady leadership during a critical period of growth. Together, these early leaders helped establish a strong ecclesiastical foundation anchored in prayer, Bible study, evangelism and discipleship.
Pastor Dr Waldon Wright, receiving his award for sterling leadership and faithful service to the Heroes Circle SDA Church. :: Photo credit: Phillip Castell
Elder Raj Turner, First Elder, sharing warm greetings with the congregation in attendance at the Heroes Circle SDA 20th Anniversary Service. :: Photo credit: Phillip Castell
Over the past two decades, Heroes Circle SDA Church has evolved into a dynamic congregation with a strong emphasis on holistic development. Ministries established include Children’s Ministries, Youth Ministries, Community Services and Health Ministries. These departments have played a key role in strengthening spiritual life while expanding the church’s outreach in the community.
The church’s commitment to nurturing the next generation was also reflected in a church-led early childhood education initiative that served the community for a number of years. Its impact remains evident in the many children and families who benefited from its focus on learning, character development and Christian values.
Beyond its internal ministries, Heroes Circle SDA Church has maintained a consistent presence in surrounding communities including Fletcher’s Land, Allman Town, Board Villa, Orange Villa and Torrington Park. Through health and education initiatives such as clinics, homework center, reading classes and evangelistic outreach, the church has remained actively engaged in meeting community needs while advancing the gospel message.
Today, the church is led by Pastor Oshain Stewart, with Elder Raj Turner serving as First Elder alongside a committed team of officers and members continuing to advance the mission of God.
Pastor Derek Bignall, former President, West Indies Union Conference, now Jamaica Union, sharing a powerful message of mission in the last days :: Photo credit: Phillip Castell
The 20th anniversary weekend formed a key highlight in the year-long observance. It opened on June 12 with a consecration and communion service held on the church grounds at 2–4 Geffrard Place. The service provided a solemn space for reflection, forgiveness and recommitment ahead of the weekend programme. Pastor Oshain Stewart delivered the message, while greetings were extended by Pastor Dr Adlai Blythe, Treasurer of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
On Sabbath, June 13, the church hosted its main anniversary celebration. Sabbath School was led by Elder Raj Turner and Sis Shanise Turner, followed by a Divine Worship Service that brought together members, civic leaders, conference officials and invited guests.
The keynote message was delivered by Pastor Derek Bignall, former President of the West Indies Union Conference (now Jamaica Union Conference), who emphasized mission and the church’s enduring responsibility in proclaiming the last-day gospel message.
Opposition leader and Member of Parliament, St Andrew Southern, Mr. Mark Golding, bringing greetings to those in attendance. :: Photo credit: Phillip Castell
In attendance were Pastor Dr Meric Walker, President of the East Jamaica Conference; former EJC President Pastor Eric Nathan; and Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament for St Andrew Southern, Mr. Mark Golding, who commended the church’s contribution to community development and social transformation. District church leaders also extended greetings in recognition of the milestone. Representatives of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, including the Fletchers Land Police Station, were also present.
A key highlight of the Sabbath programme was the recognition ceremony honoring individuals whose service has been foundational to the church’s growth. Honorees included Pastor Devon Osbourne and Mrs. Dorett Osbourne (posthumously), Elder Dr Hyacinth Birch, Pastor Dr Waldon Wright, and Miss Marcia Wedderburn (posthumously), all recognized for their leadership, faithful service and contribution to the church’s development. Both services were hosted by Sis. Dannie Clarke from the Trench Town Seventh Day Adventist Church. The event was streamed on Heroes Circle SDA’s YouTube channel, East Jamaica Conference YouTube channel and was broadcasted live on NCU Radio.
The celebrations continued into the streets with a road march led by the East Jamaica Conference Drum Corps. The procession served as a public expression of praise and witness, engaging surrounding communities and reinforcing the church’s presence beyond its sanctuary.
The weekend concluded on Sunday with a river excursion and sports day at Grampa Falls in St Thomas, where members enjoyed fellowship, relaxation and recreation, bringing the weekend observance to a close.
While the anniversary weekend marked a significant milestone, activities will continue throughout the year under the same theme. Planned events include a Back-to-School Treat and Community Health Fair, as well as a Dinner and Awards Banquet, all designed to extend mission through service, outreach and fellowship.
As Heroes Circle SDA Church reflects on 20 years of ministry under the East Jamaica Conference, it does so with gratitude for the past, appreciation for present leadership, and a renewed commitment to advancing God’s mission.