The Dalkeith Methodist Church is one of the six churches in the Bethel Circuit. The Church was established in 1874 and is situated on Dalkeith Hill, St. Michael..  The Minister in Charge is Rev. Dr. Marcelle Brathwaite.  Our present membership as at 1st September 2020 is 149, comprising 118 Females and 31 males.  
#### Services
The Church meets for worship every Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. and all are welcome.  
**Congregational Stewards**
The Congregational Stewards of the Dalkeith Methodist Church for the Church year 2020-2021 are:
- Bro. Antoine Williams, 
- Sisters Bonita Wharton, Kharla Wharton, Rochelle Roberts and Merlene Hercules.
#### Church Organisations
The organizations of the Church are the Women’s League, Men’s Ministry, and the Church School. Church School is held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m.  The Women’s League meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. There is also a Men’s Ministry and Prayer Fellowship Group.  The Church Choir meets on Fridays at 6:00 p.m.


**Historical Overview**
On the left side of the road on the way to Brittons Hill, is a church whose high bell steeple and high roof have been a beacon of light for many who pass by and especially for the residents of the Dalkeith Village, Brittons Hill, Bay Land and Culloden Road.   This church was built 146 years ago.  
The Dalkeith Methodist Chapel/school was established in 1851. Its original accommodation was provided in a wooden building, but in 1863, the Rev. Henry Hurd purchased land for 83 pounds 6 shillings and 8 pence to erect a new chapel/school. It was situated near the Garrison on Dalkeith Road, about 250 yards from the junction of Dalkeith Road and Britton’s Hill. The membership of the Chapel was 53 and the school’s roll, 72. 
 In 1874, that original wooden structure was replaced at a cost of 260 pounds and re-sited to an area behind the new concrete structure where it served as the venue for Sunday School and Youth activities. The need to expand the facilities for worship in the area led the earliest Methodists Missionaries to construct the Dalkeith Church.  Work on the building was done by the joint labour of local workers, soldiers of the British Regiment and the Royal Engineers assisted, as some of them were Methodists, occupying St. Ann’s Garrison and hence the chapel was to accommodate them and the present members. Mr. John Wilson, a Squadron Sergeant, designed the plan for the church. The Royal Engineers assisted in the construction of the strong, high wooden roof. On 9th March 1874, the cornerstone of the church was laid with Mrs. Henry Hurd laying one of the memorial stones.  The Dedication Service was conducted by the Revd. G. Irvine, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday 28th September, 1874.  The Ceremony was shared by four other ministers, Revds. A. Williams, W. George, J. Hothersal and H. Hurd.  
The present building has a seating capacity of approximately 300 and is an example of Gothic architecture designed by the Royal Engineers.
In 2005, the Church was refurbished and the entire roof was replaced. Additionally, shutters were placed on the windows.   During the period of refurbishment, the Sunday church Services and church school were held in the Britton’s Hill Christian Mission Church. The Dalkeith Church was rededicated in December 2005.  The Church was further enhanced by the extension of the Vestry and included indoor toilet facilities. The Church Hall was also refurbished, which included a new roof.
Dalkeith has the distinction of being the first place of worship in Barbados where electricity was installed. On 29th April 1911, a plaque was presented by the Barbados Light & Power Company Ltd  and placed on the exterior south wall to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Dalkeith Methodist Church as the first place of worship in the island to use electricity.

The Organ was dedicated to the Glory of God in honour of: Sis. Enid Archer, Sis. Hazel Alleyne, Sis. Beryl Clarke and Bro. Erard Crane.  While the church was being refurbished, leading up to the Centennial Celebrations, services were held in the Church Hall.

Some of the ministers who served this Church over the years are:-  The Revs. Irvine, Mattinson, Errie, Barlow, Byer, Cox, Watson, Reid, Silcox, Crosby, Furley, Harrison, Payne, Crosse, Thomas Henry, and Saunders to name a few. 
A successful Centennial Service was held in September 1974 under the supervision and direction of Sunday School Superintendent Ms. Ruth Graham
The Reverend Marcelle Brathwaite, a member of the Dalkeith Methodist Church, made history as the first Barbadian female to candidate for the Methodist Ministry.  Prior to entering the Ministry, Sis. Marcelle served as a Society Steward and was deeply involved in the outreach programmes, mainly to the persons at Glendairy Prison. 
 In 1991, she entered the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) and studied for her Diploma in Theology and concurrently with the University of the West Indies (UWI, Mona Jamaica) for a B.A. in Theology.  She graduated in 1995 and was accepted as a Methodist Minister.
Over the years many Local Preachers have come from among the members: includingg Mr. Arthur Price, Mr. I. Callender, Mr. W. W. Alleyne, Mr. Arthur Curwen, Mr. Ernest Russell, Mr. Winston Brathwaite and Ms. Elma Bryan, Bro. Francis “Woody” Blackman and Bro. Edward Williams.
Currently they are 3 fully accredited Local Preachers; Sis Nkwa Daniel (2008), Bro. Ryan Brewster, Bro. Robert Daniel (2018).

Though Dalkeith Church falls just outside the boundaries of the designated World Heritage Site, its history makes it part of our outstanding cultural heritage as it’s the only Methodist Chapel to house the Bust of co- founder of Methodism, The Rev. John Wesley, and sculpted by renowned Barbadian Sculptor, Mr. Carl Broodhagen in 1937.
There are four (4) main organisations within the church: The Choir, Women’s League, Men’s Ministry and Church School.

### Church Organisations
#### The Dalkeith Women’s League

The Dalkeith Women’s League (DWL) was founded by the English Deaconess, Sis. Gladys Cook on 14th June 1944 (in midst of World War 2, less than a decade after 1937 riots). She saw the establishment of the first President –Sis Ruth Barrow followed by such sisters as Sheila Alleyne, Edith Roach, Una Chase (beloved Mum Chase).  In more recent decades we have seen stalwart leaders such as Mavis Edwards, Undine Hazelwood, Gweneth Coward, Jennifer Cumberbatch, Bonita Wharton, Heather Alleyne, Natalie Collymore and the present president Sis. Anne Murrell.
The Motto of DWL is “Sincerity in Service”.  It is celebrating 76 years of faithful service to the church and to the Dalkeith community and around the island.  The DWL has an energetic dedicated membership of 22 women.  Some of their activities include devotional meetings in church or at homes and conducting the 5th Sunday church service.  The Women’s League participates in exchanges including rallies and socials at other women leagues; instruction in line dancing, flower arranging, use of herbal remedies among others. Informative lectures on Security, caring for the elderly and Palliative care are among the varied activities of the league. Members continue to support the other activities of the church in Missionary and Harvest donations, Choir, HW club, Evangelical outreach. Visits to the Geriatric Hospital, distribution of Christmas hampers continue as well as supporting the rallies and activities of other churches in the community.   DWL meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

#### The Dalkeith Men’s Ministry
The Dalkeith Men’s Fellowship restarted in January 2007.
The following 14 members - Bros. Anthony Armstrong (Vice President), Richard Best, Ryan Brewster(Floor member), Michael Clarke, Robert Daniel (Floor member)l, Louis Forde, Rupert Gittens (Treasurer), Joseph Graham, Elson King, Basil Humphrey, Rudolf Ismael, Victor Marshall, William Morris (Secretary), and Edward Williams (President), formed the revitalized group, which was renamed and rebranded Dalkeith Men’s Ministry effective  1st March 2007 to improve its image and purpose of men for Ministry and Service.
Unfortunately, 5 members have been called to their eternal home since 2007; however, Bros. Charles Bentham, Lennox Layne and Ulric Sue have joined the Ministry, and our membership remains steady at 12 with 10 active members
The Men’s Ministry meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month and its members are actively engaged in the life of the Organisation and the church, through participation in the various programs, events, and projects.  Its main fundraising Event is the Annual All Male Music and Choir Festival in October, while two main social events are the Annual Fellowship Dinner and Scenic Bus Ride are hosted in January and May, respectively.
The Men’s Ministry proudly celebrated and supported the achievements of two of its youngest members - Bro. Ryan Brewster and Bro Robert Daniel - as fully accredited Local Preachers in the MCCA on Sunday January 28, 2018.
In October 2018, the Men’s Ministry launched the “Operation Rebuild 145” Project in preparation for the Church’s 145th Anniversary in September 24th 2019. The project included the painting of all exterior Church walls and repainting the carpark and is expected to be completed in the current church year.
The current Executive Committee members are:
- President - Bro. Anthony Armstrong
- Vice President -Bro. Ryan Brewster
- Secretary – Bro. Robert Daniel
- Treasurer – Bro. Basil Humphrey
- Floor Member – Bro. Ulric Sue
#### Dalkeith Church Choir
Over the years, Dalkeith Methodist Church Choir has earned a reputation of offering some interesting and enjoyable programmes – and the Annual Christmas Programme is among the best.  
This year the Choir and friends will offer the Christmas Programme entitled “Born a King” on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.  The choir takes part in weekly Sunday services, in Circuit Services and joins with other choirs in the island when necessary.   Rehearsals are held on Fridays at 6:00 at 6:00 p.m.
Here are some photos of past Christmas Programmes.


