UHCA BARBADOS DISTRICT
Our History
What now constitutes the Barbados District owes its genesis to the untiring and unrelenting work of the late Bishop Harry Townsend Gentles and a team of dedicated Christian gentlemen who saw the need to uphold the gospel of Holiness and Pentecostalism.
​
It all started in 1949, after Elder Gentles (as he was known then) returned from the U.S.A. in response to a direct call from God. Open-air services were the initial means used, and very soon large followings were attending to hear this great man of God preach. On acquiring a place of worship, Elder Gentles received the support of other great stalwarts such as Pastors Clement Taylor, David Adams and Fitzgerald Ward all of whom had their own churches and who had earlier come out of the established Episcopalian Church to practice the evangelical way of worship. They were able to hold meetings at the roadside and anywhere people would listen and accept the gospel. Many people responded to the call to holiness. In addition, many small churches which were set up island wide embraced the teaching of these pioneers and unhesitatingly sought the assistance of Elder H.T. Gentles.
He was able to use his organizational skills to bring all interested persons together as a group. After preliminary discussions, the group met at the Mount Hermon Church to formalize the amalgamation in 1949. Pastors Harry T Gentles, Fitzgerald Ward, David Adams and Clement Taylor were at that meeting. The first Convention was held in 1950.
​
In 1954, the District had experienced phenomenal growth both in membership and churches. Elder H. T. Gentles in his quest for help sought affiliation with the United Holy Church of America. The General President, at that time, was Bishop H.H. Hairston. Initially and for some years to follow, Barbados was treated as a mission field. Bishop J.T. Bowens and Mother Margaret Bennett (General President of the Missionary Department) took a special interest in the affairs of the work in Barbados. Bishop Bowens visited the island in his capacity as Bishop of Missions on the occasions of District Convocations and Conventions. Mother Bennett also visited the island at least once. Through their efforts, Barbados was subsequently incorporated as a Convocational District. Later, St. Lucia became part of the District with Barbados as its headquarters.
​
The United Holy Church of America, Barbados District continued to grow. At one time, there were twenty churches. By 1974, some of them, for varying reasons, had withdrawn their membership from the District.
​
The first twenty-five years can best be described as the formative years of the Barbados District. It was the period in which the Pentecostal movement endured its worst insults from the more established churches. Its members were branded as “shakers” and semi-literate. Yet, they testified of holiness and sanctification.
​
The years 1974-1999 reflected changes in emphases. There was then a period of consolidation and reconstruction. Focus was on increasing membership of existing churches. Training programmes were initiated and the Bible School established.
​
​
The death of Bishop H.T Gentles on January 01, 1986 marked the end of the era of those great men who had founded the Barbados District. At the time of the passing of Bishop H.T Gentles, a void was created in the hierarchy of the District. With no resident Bishop to take over the rein of leadership, the responsibility for heading the administration of the District was assumed by the International General President Bishop Joseph T. Bowens.
​
The non-resident President needed a team to look after the day to day affairs of the District and thus entrusted the responsibility to a group of four persons who comprised what was then known as the Interim Superintendency Committee. This team included, Elder Jestina Gentles, Elder St. Clair Howell, Elder Donald Padmore and Elder Carlisle Collymore (St. Lucia). This committee ensured that the Ministry of the church continued and fellowship of the saints was maintained as a high priority. Under the arrangement, Elder Carlisle Collymore retained his role of administering the churches in St. Lucia.
Following the passing of Bishop Jestina Gentles in January, 2000, Bishop St. Clair Howell was appointed the third District President. His 1st and 2nd Assistants were Elders Donald Padmore and Bruce Lynch respectively.
​
In 2008, Elder Bruce Lynch was elected 1st Assistant to the Bishop with (the then) Elder S. Patricia Holder as 2nd Assistant. Following the recommendation for her to become a Bishop, she was made Bishop-Elect in 2009.
​
The episcopal consecration of Bishop-Elect S. Patricia Holder in May, 2010 paved the way for her to become Vice President of the District. Thus in 2012, she was elected to this office and Elder Bruce Lynch became 2nd Vice President.
​
After serving as District President for sixteen (16) years, Bishop St. Clair Howell demitted office in 2016, and was thereafter accorded the title President Emeritus. Consequently, Bishop Holder was elected District President in a smooth transition to the top administrative ministerial position in the District.
PHOTO: President Emeritus Bishop St. Clair Howell & his wife Minister Rosetta Howell
Today, Bishop S. Patricia Holder leads the District with the cooperation of her Executive, Bishop Fitz Herbert Kirton - 1st Vice President, Elder Marva Fields - 2nd Vice President, Minister Sandra Gibson - General Secretary and Sister Karin Griffith - Financial Secretary (Acting).
​
Over the years, the gospel was preached; souls were saved and believers were edified. There was also a consistent and intentional programme aimed at making the buildings habitable, comfortable and functional edifices for worship services and other ministry activities.
​
During the presidency of Bishop Jestina Gentles, as well as that of Bishop St. Clair Howell, attention was given to the renovation and rehabilitation of some church buildings and the construction of new edifices to replace those that could not be refurbished satisfactorily. Bishop Howell served as project manager for the capital works that helped to enhance the church’s overall ministry.
​
Today, the United Holy Church Barbados District continues the work of those who established its ministry under the guidance of Almighty God. As part of the ministry of our church, we respond to the needs of members and persons living in the immediate neighborhood of our units. Assistance is given through the provision of grocery items, clothing, school supplies, household items and cooked meals. A Meals-On-Wheels Programme supplies 120 meals daily on a Monday to Friday schedule. Financial grants are also included in some of the donations provided as our resources permit.​
PHOTO: Bishop S. Patricia Holder
Yet another meaningful contribution to the development of our members is provision for financial assistance through a scholarship fund. This venture is financed by a group of members and friends of the church who live overseas. The benefactors provide the resources to finance four (4) scholarships annually for students who are pursuing studies at an accredited tertiary level institution in Barbados or abroad. Each scholarship is valued at three thousand Barbados dollars ($3000.00) disbursed over a two-year period.