4 Jun 2025, 11:43Valdeiza CostaBury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom
Celebrating 125 Years: A Legacy of Worship at Bury St Edmunds SDA Church
This past weekend, 31 May to 1 June 2025, the Bury St. Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church—affectionately known as "The Little Green Church" or "The Tin Tabernacle"—celebrated a remarkable milestone: 125 years of worship, witness, and service to God and the community.
The theme, “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Building the Future,” set the tone for a weekend of heartfelt thanksgiving and spiritual renewal. Across the Sabbath and Sunday, members, former pastors, special guests, and visitors gathered in unity to reflect on the journey God has led the church through, and to recommit themselves to the mission ahead.
The Sabbath morning service was a highlight of the weekend. A powerful sermon, “God is Looking for You”, was preached by local pastor Anthony Opoku-Mensah, based on Genesis 3:1–9, beautifully read by Samuel Teixeira, a young 15-year-old boy born and raised in the church. The message spoke deeply to hearts, especially to the younger members of the congregation, many of whom were moved and inspired to respond to God’s call. The worship experience was made even more meaningful through special music: Ruby Pierce, one of the church’s founding members, honoured the past by singing “Bless This House O Lord I Pray”, while 10-year-old Anna Costa offered a glimpse of the future by performing her own composed and heartfelt hymn “Goodness of God”. The congregational worship was led by a joyful team including Mark Baptiste, Rachael Shone, and Liona Tsapo, with Kara Baptiste on the piano. Together, they embodied the joy of celebrating the present through music and praise.
The afternoon programme began with a historical reflection presented by local historian Martyn Taylor, who shared the building’s fascinating origins. This was followed by deeply moving messages from former pastors David West and Claude Lombard, and from Pastor Sorin Petrof, director of Media and Communication at the South England Conference. Each of them spoke powerfully about heritage, calling, and the relevance of the Adventist message in today’s world. Their presence reminded us that the seeds sown long ago are still bearing fruit today—and will continue to do so as we follow Christ’s leading.
We were honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Thetford, who spoke warmly about the church’s positive role in community cohesion and support, especially for minorities and migrants. Her empathy, humility, and passion for social justice inspired all who listened. Her visit reminded us that the church is called not only to preach the gospel, but to live it through compassionate, inclusive service.
The afternoon also featured a soul-stirring musical performance by the church’s African group, who sang in both English and their native language, filling the sanctuary with joyful praise and a sense of global unity. It was a wonderful moment that reminded us that God’s family transcends borders and cultures.
To conclude the celebrations, the entire congregation joined hands and lifted their voices together in the hymn “To God Be the Glory”—a deeply touching and unifying moment of thanksgiving and praise.
A Church Committed to Mission in Action
The 125th anniversary was more than a historic moment—it was a declaration of purpose. In 2024/2025, the Bury St. Edmunds church has renewed its commitment to being the hands and feet of Jesus through a wide range of initiatives:
The Wellbeing Hub offers arts, crafts, and puzzles as tools for mental wellness, mindfulness, and emotional healing.
Health checks—including glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and lifestyle assessments—are regularly conducted with the help of healthcare professionals.
Translation services ensure our Portuguese-speaking community is fully included in worship and fellowship.
Fellowship breakfasts and lunches bring people together in love, in the spirit of Hebrews 13:2.
Autism Awareness Day and Africa World Heritage Day have been joyfully celebrated, affirming the beauty of every life and every culture God has created.
And in September, we will hold our annual International Day of Fellowship, honouring the unity in diversity that reflects the Kingdom of Heaven.
The church building itself is also regularly used by local organisations for community meetings and activities. This is a space not only for worship but also for welcome—a sacred ground where faith and service meet.
A Time to Remember, A Call to Go Forward
Valdeiza Costa, one of the event organisers, shared:
“It was deeply moving to see so many people from different generations and backgrounds come together to celebrate this moment in our church’s history. The joy, hard work, and sense of community that filled the building were a true testament to our mission and our future.”
As we thank God for 125 years of blessings, we look ahead with courage and hope. Our mission is far from over. With Christ as our cornerstone, we remain committed to being a church that loves, serves, and builds bridges in a world that needs healing.
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” — Matthew 16:18
To God be the glory—yesterday, today, and forever.
This past weekend, 31 May to 1 June 2025, the Bury St. Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church—affectionately known as "The Little Green Church" or "The Tin Tabernacle"—celebrated a remarkable milestone: 125 years of worship, witness, and service to God and the community.
The theme, “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Building the Future,” set the tone for a weekend of heartfelt thanksgiving and spiritual renewal. Across the Sabbath and Sunday, members, former pastors, special guests, and visitors gathered in unity to reflect on the journey God has led the church through, and to recommit themselves to the mission ahead.
The Sabbath morning service was a highlight of the weekend. A powerful sermon, “God is Looking for You”, was preached by local pastor Anthony Opoku-Mensah, based on Genesis 3:1–9, beautifully read by Samuel Teixeira, a young 15-year-old boy born and raised in the church. The message spoke deeply to hearts, especially to the younger members of the congregation, many of whom were moved and inspired to respond to God’s call. The worship experience was made even more meaningful through special music: Ruby Pierce, one of the church’s founding members, honoured the past by singing “Bless This House O Lord I Pray”, while 10-year-old Anna Costa offered a glimpse of the future by performing her own composed and heartfelt hymn “Goodness of God”. The congregational worship was led by a joyful team including Mark Baptiste, Rachael Shone, and Liona Tsapo, with Kara Baptiste on the piano. Together, they embodied the joy of celebrating the present through music and praise.
The afternoon programme began with a historical reflection presented by local historian Martyn Taylor, who shared the building’s fascinating origins. This was followed by deeply moving messages from former pastors David West and Claude Lombard, and from Pastor Sorin Petrof, director of Media and Communication at the South England Conference. Each of them spoke powerfully about heritage, calling, and the relevance of the Adventist message in today’s world. Their presence reminded us that the seeds sown long ago are still bearing fruit today—and will continue to do so as we follow Christ’s leading.
We were honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Thetford, who spoke warmly about the church’s positive role in community cohesion and support, especially for minorities and migrants. Her empathy, humility, and passion for social justice inspired all who listened. Her visit reminded us that the church is called not only to preach the gospel, but to live it through compassionate, inclusive service.
The afternoon also featured a soul-stirring musical performance by the church’s African group, who sang in both English and their native language, filling the sanctuary with joyful praise and a sense of global unity. It was a wonderful moment that reminded us that God’s family transcends borders and cultures.
To conclude the celebrations, the entire congregation joined hands and lifted their voices together in the hymn “To God Be the Glory”—a deeply touching and unifying moment of thanksgiving and praise.
A Church Committed to Mission in Action
The 125th anniversary was more than a historic moment—it was a declaration of purpose. In 2024/2025, the Bury St. Edmunds church has renewed its commitment to being the hands and feet of Jesus through a wide range of initiatives:
The Wellbeing Hub offers arts, crafts, and puzzles as tools for mental wellness, mindfulness, and emotional healing.
Health checks—including glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and lifestyle assessments—are regularly conducted with the help of healthcare professionals.
Translation services ensure our Portuguese-speaking community is fully included in worship and fellowship.
Fellowship breakfasts and lunches bring people together in love, in the spirit of Hebrews 13:2.
Autism Awareness Day and Africa World Heritage Day have been joyfully celebrated, affirming the beauty of every life and every culture God has created.
And in September, we will hold our annual International Day of Fellowship, honouring the unity in diversity that reflects the Kingdom of Heaven.
The church building itself is also regularly used by local organisations for community meetings and activities. This is a space not only for worship but also for welcome—a sacred ground where faith and service meet.
A Time to Remember, A Call to Go Forward
Valdeiza Costa, one of the event organisers, shared:
“It was deeply moving to see so many people from different generations and backgrounds come together to celebrate this moment in our church’s history. The joy, hard work, and sense of community that filled the building were a true testament to our mission and our future.”
As we thank God for 125 years of blessings, we look ahead with courage and hope. Our mission is far from over. With Christ as our cornerstone, we remain committed to being a church that loves, serves, and builds bridges in a world that needs healing.
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” — Matthew 16:18
To God be the glory—yesterday, today, and forever.
