40 years ago a vision was conceived, a dream was nurtured, and a commitment was made. 40 years ago, action was taken and the Sunflower Pathfinder and Adventurer Club of the Woodbourne Seventh-day Adventist Church in Yallahs, St. Thomas was born. To launch a year-long period of celebration to commemorate its 40th Anniversary, the executive of the club hosted the Sunflower Pathfinder Club’s 40th Anniversary Sabbath Celebration on February 3rd 2024.
It was indeed a grand and blessed occasion that involved the dedication of a newly installed flag pole, an investiture service and an awards and recognition ceremony. In the evening there was a Road March to Heartease Square where a Pathfinder exposition and Vespers Service were held. The guest speaker for the Divine Service was Pastor Joel Jumpp, Youth Director of East Jamaica Conference.
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The Sabbath School program was planned and executed by former members of the club under the theme “We have come this far…”. The Adult Sabbath School Lesson Review was conducted by the founder of the club, Elder Sylvia Collins-Duncan in partnership with Brother Milton Dunn. Following the Sabbath School, those in attendance were asked to focus their attention on the outside for the Dedicatory Flag Raising Ceremony, which was conducted under the official eyes of Area Coordinator Latiya Thomas who also led an inspection of the parade. The privilege was bestowed on newly minted Master Guide Daneillia Burke to be the first person to officially raise the Jamaica flag on the church grounds.
It was then time to transition to the Divine Service. This section began with the procession of the flags. It was a sight to behold, as all uniformed personnel in attendance, more than one hundred in number, marched into the sanctuary to the beat of “Onward Christian Soldiers''. The recital of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Bible and the AY Ideals followed.
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From the Sunflower Pathfinder and Adventurer Club, seven (7) Adventurers and twelve (12) Pathfinders successfully completed the requirements for their respective classes to be eligible for Investiture during 2023. They were all sharply dressed in their uniforms and regalia. This was made possible by the hard work and dedication of the leaders of the club who went to Central, North and West Jamaica Conferences to source berets, scarves and honor patches for the members. Some pathfinders had as many as 16 honor patches, some of which were earned at the IAD Camporee in April 2023 at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium. Pastor Jumpp commended the leaders for their hard work and charged the Pathfinders and Adventurers to pattern the character of Christ, not only at church but also at school, home and play.
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The previous members of the club were recognized for their contribution and sustenance of the club over the years. These include founder and first Pathfinder Director Master Guide Collins-Duncan, other Directors Sister Fracelle Nooks as well as Brothers Orville Williamson and Lennoy Prendergast. Master Duncan took us down memory lane and shared with the congregation on the early years and development of the club. She mentioned persons who were instrumental during the infant stages of the club such as Henry Shirley, Conrad Raymond, Alrick Williams, Gene Gibbs, Pauline Fletcher, Heather Sherwood-Smith and Phillip Hyman.
To mark the special occasion, some of the current Pathfinders were also awarded for their outstanding performance in 2023. Najive Bogle was awarded for being the first Pathfinder to complete all the requirements for Investiture. Khlsea Campbell was recognized for receiving the highest score on the EJC Pathfinder exams and Kamaurie Rankin was presented with the Mission award for inviting a non-Adventist to join the club. Pastor Jumpp was called upon to present the Sylvia Collins-Duncan Pathfinder of the Year Award to Serina Bassant for her hard work, consistency and dedication. There was a rousing response of approval from the congregation for Serina Bassant, which is testament to her deserving this award. The Jade Fray Spirit of Pathfinder Award was presented to Kamani Davis who is an outstanding child preacher and ASI member.
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The sermon was presented by Pastor Joel Jumpp who reminded us that like Sunflowers we are to look to the Son of God for guidance, sustenance protection and provision. He encouraged the members to let their light shine before man and glorify our Father in heaven.
The Sunflower Pathfinder Club’s 40th Anniversary Sabbath Celebration was well supported with members in attendance from the Cougars (August Town), Orion (Albion), Trailblazers (Johnson Town) and Aquarius (Harbour View) Pathfinder Clubs.
The celebrations included a Road March to the Heartease Community Square. All the clubs present, as well as the East Jamaica Conference Drill Squad and the Morant Bay and Orion Pathfinder Club Drum Corp participated in the Road March. Club brochures inviting community members to join the club as well as Priorities Magazine and other evangelistic materials were distributed to those who came to their gates or along the streets to witness the Road March.
At Heartease Square, those in attendance were treated to a display by the EJC Drill Squad. It was well received. Several parents and children who witnessed the parade in action, heard the drums playing and saw the Road March enquired about how they can enroll in the membership of the club.
A power packed vesper service was highlighted by a super charge by Pastor Miguel Layne and an appeal by Evangelist Jeffrey Harriot. Five persons responded to the altar call and their names were recorded by the church’s interest coordinator.
It was indeed a memorable commemoration of this significant milestone in the history of the Sunflower Pathfinder Club. May the best days be ahead.