The Vauxhall Methodist Church is one of the six churches in the Bethel Circuit.
**Location**
The church was formerly located at Vauxhall, Christ Church.  It is located on Great House Avenue, Adams Castle, Christ Church. This new church Building was opened on May 5th 2011 by Rev Emmassu Pierre Superintendent   Minister at that time. 
**Hours of worship**
The Church meets for worship every Sunday morning at 9:00am and Church School at 8:30am
**Congregational Stewards**
The Congregational Stewards of the Vauxhall Methodist Church for the Church year 2020-2021 are Sisters Mary Layne, Akeeba Layne and Seobiean Alleyne.
**Organisations**
The organizations of the Church are the Women’s League, Men’s Fellowship, the Sunlight Group the Church School and the Youth Fellowship.
### History
#### A Brief Synopsis of the Vauxhall Church Building
Bro. Francis Blackman in his book “Methodism: 200 Years in Barbados” states:
‘The Vauxhall Chapel School was built in 1803.  Initially it was called Bouchers.  The 1874 report to Synod refers to Providence as a Circuit, consisting of the Providence and Vauxhall congregations. The membership of the Providence Circuit at that time was given as One Hundred and forty two (142). In 1905 the Providence and Ebenezer Circuits were amalgamated.  This arrangement lasted for ten years, after which Vauxhall became part of the Bethel Circuit. In 1932 the Church prospered and with it the work of the school, for in 1932 the building had a portion     25ft. X 21 ft added to the east to accommodate the growing school.’
Before 1976, The Chapel served as a Primary School and many members recall having their regular Sunday Morning Worship behind desks.  In 1973, a sub-committee of the Circuit Property Committee met at the Vauxhall site to examine the possibility of renovating the present building. This sub-committee observed that the building was inadequate especially for major events and had little room for expansion and that it was preferred to construct a new building.
In 1977 the then Superintendant of the Bethel Circuit, the Rev. Philip E. M. Saunders approached Mr. Colin Deane of Kingsland Estates relative to obtaining a plot of land on which to build a Chapel for the Vauxhall Congregation. Mr. Deane willingly agreed to meet with the Ministers and the Stewards of the Church on this matter.  The April 1978 Quarterly Meeting was informed that the Deane family of Kingsland had agreed to donate half acre of land for the erection of the new Vauxhall Church Building.  The Meeting agreed to purchase an additional acre of land. By 1980 the documents were handed over to the Rev. Vivian A. Comissiong, Minister with responsibility for the Vauxhall Church. 
In 1992 the purchase of the land was finalized. The Church was to be built on approximately 78,146 sq. ft. of land, all acquired from the Kingsland Estates. The project was to be a  three-phase project. There was to be a sanctuary which could comfortably accommodate three hundred and fifty (350) people. There was also to be an auditorium and a cemetery. The scheme for the erection of the Vauxhall New Church building was submitted to District Conference in 1999. The plans and all necessary documents were approved at that Conference and work on the foundations soon began in earnest with the excavation of the coral rock. 
### A  Rough Road
Although the Project did not initially go as planned with several revisions to the original plans, needed, the members and friends of the Vauxhall Congregation did not lose heart, and continued to pray without ceasing. They held on-site meetings, gave donations regularly and raised additional funds through social activities. They readily acknowledged “that the human mind plans the way, but it is the Lord who directs the steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). They concurred with the hymn writer:

 *Thy way, not mine, O Lord,* 
 *However dark it be!*
 *Lead me by Thine own hand;*
 *Choose out the path for me.*

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

In March 2006 Brother Forbes, Circuit Steward, with the assistance of the Rev. Cuthbert Edwards, District President, other Circuit officers and members of the Vauxhall congregation, made a concerted effort to restart the Vauxhall Church building project. Revised plans were again submitted to District Conference 2008 and approved. Financing was obtained through a loan secured in addition to ongoing fundraising activities.
 The Vauxhall Sanctuary was completed and dedicated on 1 May 2011. The Superintendent Minister, the Circuit Staff and all members of the Vauxhall Church took the opportunity to express their thanks to God, to the Contractor Mr. Craig Dey and his workers, and ALL other persons who would have contributed to making this vision a reality. Special thanks went out to the late Bro. Basil Forbes outgoing Circuit Steward who saw this project to its completion, and to the District President, the Rev. Cuthbert Edwards whose invaluable contributions throughout the years have been a tower of strength and support to the Vauxhall Congregation..

The Church continues to be a beacon in the Vauxhall  Community and will commemorate its tenth anniversary in 2021.

### Vauxhall Organisations

#### Women’s League

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The Vauxhall Women’s League was Formed in May 1982 with Sis. Jean Mayers being our first President and Sis. Carol Taylor being the Secretary.  There were eleven persons who joined in 1982. The Providence League was responsible for starting the Vauxhall league.  In the earlier days The League held concerts with Sis. Marshall and Joseph Niles.  
In the early days, a young person was encouraged to do craft, where she learnt to make stuff dolls and this young lady who joined the league at a young age and is now the President of the Island Women’s League.  Among those who were encouraged was Sis. Amelia Brathwaite who learnt flower arranging and is now responsible with the help of Sis. Angela Hope for the flower arrangements which adorn our Sanctuary on Sunday morning and on special occasions. 
Currently, the Vauxhall Women’s League comprises 13 members.  The President of the league is Wendy Phillips who is also the Vice President of the Island Women’s League.  The Women’s League meet every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at 4:00 p.m.  
The Aims and Objectives of the Vauxhall Women’s League are to
- Seek to build more effective communication awareness among our women;
- Ask women to share their stories, or teach others about their experiences as a woman in Ministry;
- Develop outreach programmes  and encourage more women to come together to do some powerful service in and around our community;
- Conduct more bible study sessions and include other groups to join us;
- To encourage spiritual enrichment of members

**Executive Committee** 
- President:   Wendy Phillips
- Vice president: Marlene Richards
- Treasurer: Chery-Lamm Phillips
- Secretary: Felicite Belle
- Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Vilma Marshall
- Floor representatives: Amelia Brathwaite and Carmen Adams

The Aims and Objectives of the Vauxhall Women’s League are:


#### PROGRAMMING

Bible Study – every quarter to improve our knowledge and to pray fervently for our church universal.

Visits to the shut-ins – Every quarter – to homes and our own people

Bible quizzes – To test our knowledge of the bible.  

Members of the League have previously attended the District retreat held in the various countries such as Tobago, St. Vincent and St. Lucia.  We celebrate birthdays by going to restaurants.
In 2018, Vauxhall took part in a competition entitled “Grow what you eat and eat what you grow" with the twenty leagues.  Our league also donated the Barbados flag, drums and fans to the church as mission and outreach. 

### MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

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The Vauxhall Methodist Men fellowship started in the month of December 1998.
The purpose is to coordinate men’s work in the congregation and to improve the image and purpose of men for ministry and service.
Many of the founding members are now deceased. The current President, Bro Joseph Hope is the only surviving one of the founding members.

The following ten members 10 members are: Bro. Joseph Hope, (President) Bro. Martin Belle (Vice president) Bro Hugo Walcott (Secretary/ Treasurer,) Bro. Trevor Springer (Asst. Secretary/Treasurer,) Bro. Richard Wolcott, (Public Relations Officer,) floor members are: Bros. Olivere Carter, Blair Walcott, Frank Collymore, Arthur Hoyte, Cephas Marshall.
The Fellowship meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month. 
Activities include devotions, lectures and discussions, cleaning and beautification of the surroundings of the sanctuary, visitations to the sick and home bound, Wellness and health events, movie nights, quizzes and concerts. The Vauxhall Men’s Fellowship have hosted and participated in the National Men’s Fellowship and participate in planned services especially for MCCA Men’s Lord’s day and 6 p.m. services. 
The Men’s Fellowship also socialise with other church groups and perform in the Annual Choir Christmas programmes and Lenten activities.

The Fellowship provides financial assistance to the young people and assist with the maintenance of the church building

The Officers are
- President :   Bro. Joseph Hope
- Vice President  :  Bro. Martin Belle
- Secretary/Treasurer :  Bro. Hugo Walcott
- Asst. Secretary/Treasurer :  Bro. Trevor Springer
- Public Relations : Officer  Bro.  Richard Walcott
- Floor  Member  :  Bro. Frank Collymore


### THE MUSIC MINISTRY (THE CHOIR)

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The Choir has been in existence for more than seventy years. Former organists are Sybil Jones (organist for more 60 plus years), Matthew Morris and Ian Harewood. The current organist/Director is Dorian Best.

There are a total of thirteen (13) members. , ten (10) females and three (3) males. Rehearsal takes place at the chapel on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. The Choir continues its ministry to the Church during worship and special occasions. The Choir has been performing well and has grown spiritually.  

The Choir holds an annual Christmas Concert and participates in a drama production for the Lenten/Easter season as well as the Annual Harvest Cantata.

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### THE CHURCH SCHOOL

The Church School meets at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday. The Church school staff include
- Zelda Mondere – Superintendent
- Margot O’Gilvie
- Shenelle Ruck

They are thirty (30) children on roll.  11 boys and 19 girls.  On average nineteen (19) children attend on Sundays prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The students are placed in groups by age with the classes organized for ages 12-16, Ages 8-11 years and ages 5-7 years

The Church School uses the book “Son Seekers” which is very comprehensive and informative.  There is a Student Handbook and a Teacher’s Resource.  

On Youth Sundays, the children conduct worship, therefore, there is no Church School.

The Church School usually participate in the Good Friday Production, Annual Christmas Concert and the Harvest Festival in June. There is usually an Outdoors Church School session where the Children’s Fellowship will be invited to attend. 


#### THE YOUTH/CHILDREN’S FELLOWSHIP

The children and youth meet every Friday at 6:00 p.m.  Activities include Bible Study, games, cooking, hiking, movies, Lectures/Talks, and Art & Craft.

They join with the Church School in conducting Morning Worship on Youth Sundays.

The executive members of the Youth Fellowship include Trencye Thompson, Joshua Blackman
Dimitri Bailey,  Nicholas Bonnett, Janae Atkins, and Destiny Walcott


#### THE SUNLIGHT GROUP
The Sunlight Group has a total of twenty-five members (25) on record.  The Committee comprises of:
- President : Hazel Gill 
- Asst. President : Zelda Mondere 
- Secretary : Patricia  Freeman
- Treasurer : Veronica Wharton 
- Asst.  Treasurer/Secretary : Lenore  Lovell
- PRO: Cheryl Barrow 
- Floor members  :  Shenelle  Ruck,  Maureen  Harris-Ruck,  Felicity Belle

The Sunlight group meets every 1st  and 3rd  Thursdays of each month.  
Activities included – Movie Evening, Impromptu Service, Visits to the Home Bound, Exercise Evening, Health Lectures, talks on Parenting and other issues, a Bajan Evening which included quiz and refreshments.

The fundraising activities include the Tea party and food sales for the Back-to-School project. The group takes part in the Harvest Festival in June.

The Sunlight group meets every 1st  and 3rd  Thursdays of each month.  
Activities included – Movie Evening, Impromptu Service, Visits to the Home Bound, Exercise Evening, Health Lectures, talks on Parenting and other issues, a Bajan Evening which included quiz and refreshments.

The fundraising activities include the Tea party and food sales for the Back-to-School project. The group takes part in the Harvest Festival in June.

**Harvest**
The harvest Festival is usually celebrated with a Cantata presented by the various church organisations




