About the Church History

The history of the Richmond Park Church of the Nazarene is wrapped up in the history of the Church of the Nazarene in Jamaica as Richmond Park became the first organized church of this denomination paving the way for 30 others to come across the length and breadth of this island Jamaica.

The first entrance of the Church of the Nazarene in Jamaica was through a religious radio programme, “Showers of Blessings” which began to be aired on radio on 02 September 1956. There were exceptional positive responses to the broadcast in Jamaica. Although there was no other form of Nazarene work on the island, the name of the church became quite familiar in many households. In the meantime, Mrs. Mamie Hendricks and Mrs. Winston Lyons took on the responsibility of promoting the Church of the Nazarene in the island. In December 1965, Dr. E. S. Phillips, Executive Secretary for World Missions, visited Jamaica. Their main purpose was to meet with Rev. Oswald Simms, pastor of an independent Holiness group of about 60 members. Dr. Phillips was impressed with the sincerity and dedication of both Rev. Simms and the members that he told them they would be most welcome to join the Church of the Nazarene but on an individual basis. Over half of the people signed an official request for membership. In January 1966, Rev. and Mrs. Ralph Cooks, Indian missionaries serving in Trinidad, were assigned by the General Church Board to open the work in Jamaica. The Cooks arrived in Jamaica on 21 March 1966 almost 10 years after the first “Showers of Blessing” programme had been aired. The Cooks were introduced to the Lyonses, Mrs. Lillie Mae Burke and other key persons who would assist in advancing the work. Mrs. Burke was particularly instrumental in obtaining the Government of Jamaica’s approval for the start of the new work signaling the official entrance of the Church of the Nazarene and its proposed educational programme.

THE BIRTH OF RICHMOND PARK CHURCH OF THE
NAZARENE

On October 9, 1966, Dr. E. S. Phillips organized the Cross Roads Church of the Nazarene (later renamed Richmond Park) with 44 full and 8 associate members. The majority were from Rev. Simms’ congregation but some were products of a crusade that was held months earlier. Rev. Simms was appointed the pastor and the congregation met for worship at the then Grantham College on Penrith Road in Cross Roads, St. Andrew. Three months later, on January 1, 1967, the charter membership list was closed and in a moving ceremony led by Dr. V.H. Lewis, general superintendent, Pastor Simms was ordained into the Ministry of the Church of the Nazarene. Christian Service Training courses were taught to develop churchmanship and to produce qualified teachers and lay leaders. Hundreds of people enrolled in the “Search the Scriptures” correspondence courses offered by the Church of the Nazarene and promoted over the air. A full church programme, including Sunday School, missionary society, youth organization and vacation bible school were instituted. In late 1969, Rev. Simms decided to once more go independent and some of the members followed him. Most however remained and a strong nucleus was left to carry on.

Property was acquired for the church in the Richmond Park in January 1969 on which there was a house which was converted to church use. A large adjacent lot was later purchased and with the aid of alabaster funds, construction of a beautiful and spacious church building begun. On August 18, 1970, Rev. John Smee and wife arrived in Jamaica and Rev. Smee was installed as pastor of the Church and gave leadership to the building project. The sanctuary located at 131 Maxfield Avenue, Kingston 10, was completed and dedicated in 1971 and the church was renamed Richmond Park Church of the Nazarene. Students of the Bethany Nazarene College provided pews and other furnishing for the church which became a center for district activities.