Vision Pentecostal Church of God on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn on Sunday, Oct. 11, celebrated Vincentian Day, with past and present members coming together in fellowship.
“It gives us an opportunity to reflect on how the church’s longstanding members have helped shape our lives, while expressing love and appreciation for the friendships and meaningful relationships we have built,” Curlina Hills, a Vincentian-born evangelist and member of the Church, told Caribbean Life.
“It is also a time to celebrate our shared journeys, honor our heritage, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a church family,” added Hills, who is also an attorney by training.
She said among some of the current prominent Vincentian members of the church, which is largely Barbadian, are the Hills and John families; Sis. Pearl DeFreitas, Besenia Blugh and Ogarro; and Bro. Alaska Edwards and Bill Samuel.
[caption id="attachment_86304" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Sis. Pearl DeFreitas.Nelson A. King[/caption]
Evangelist Hills said the late Sis. Carmelita Joseph and Clare Clark also played vital roles in the church.
Joan Hills also told Caribbean Life that the celebration was “about family and unity, and how Vincentians bonded together as one when we arrived (migrated to Brooklyn).
“Some people had no place to stay, no work, or proper papers,” she said. “We shared one apartment, supported each another, and helped each other get through difficult times.
“We looked out for one another and built a community together,” Joan Hills added.
[caption id="attachment_86305" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Firstman "Bardo" Hills with his wife, Joan Hills.Nelson A. King[/caption]
Barbadian-born Pastor Melchior “Harry” Springer said that the Vision Pentecostal Church of God started in November 1977 in the Brooklyn home of his late father, Pastor Denzil D. Springer.
In 1978, Pastor Melchior Springer said the church moved to its first home at 1074 St. Johns Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
A few months after, Pastor Springer said “a contingent of saints from St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined the church.
“Those saints made a tremendous impact on the church, with their energetic worship and strong sense of community,” he said.
“They left such an indelible mark on the pastor and the church that Pastor Denzil Springer designated a day as Vincentian Day to honor and appreciate that first wave of saints from the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines," he added. “From that day forward, Vincentian Day has been an annual tradition at Vision Pentecostal Church.”
Over the years, Pastor Springer said the annual service has “remained strong and has been well supported by people of the Vincentian community, as well as by people from other Caribbean countries.
New St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States Roland “Patel” Matthews said it was “a joy and a privilege” to celebrate Vincentian Day at the church.
[caption id="attachment_86306" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Vincentians in national colors —green, gold and blue — among some members of Vision Pentecostal Church of God.Nelson A. King[/caption]
“What a blessing it is to come together as a people to honor our heritage, celebrate our culture, give thanks for our nation, and acknowledge the goodness and faithfulness of Almighty God!” said the former Member of Parliament, thanking Evangelist Hills for the special invitation.
“To the pastor, church leaders, members, visitors and everyone joining in this special celebration, I am truly honored to be invited to this occasion,” he added, stating that since his appointment of Consul General in March, he has had “the privilege of being invited to several churches celebrating International Day or Caribbean Day.
“However, this is the first occasion that I have been invited to celebrate a day dedicated to Vincentians,” Matthews continued. “This is indeed truly remarkable. We are a people with a story. We are a people with a history. We are a people who have faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and continued to press forward with courage and determination.
“We have been ravaged by storms and hurricanes. We have experienced the eruption of La Soufriere volcano, and we have risen like the phoenix from the ashes,” he said. “Our resilience as a nation has been tested, and we have come through with flying colors.”
[caption id="attachment_86307" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Pastor Melchior “Harry” Springer with Evangelist Curlina Hills.Nelson A. King[/caption]
Matthews said the celebration was “a powerful reminder” that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is “truly blessed when its people acknowledge God, seek His wisdom, practice righteousness, and demonstrate love and compassion toward one another.
“Our children and young people need to understand the sacrifices of those who came before them,” he said. “They need to appreciate our history, respect our elders, preserve our traditions, and recognize the importance of education, hard work, integrity and faith in God.”
The consul general noted that October is celebrated as “The Month of Independence” for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He said the theme for the 47th year of independence is “Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our Nation.”
“Happy Vincentian Day 2026, Vision Pentecostal Church!” Matthews exclaimed. “May we always be proud of our heritage, steadfast in our faith, united in our purpose, and committed to serving God and humanity. God bless Saint Vincent and the Grenadines! And may God bless us all!”