Inauguration into the sisterhood of churches in the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventist
On September 24, 2022, the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Administration inducts Immanuel Seventh-day Adventist Mission as a Church, into the Sisterhood of Churches of the Seventh-day Adventists.
This brief History will show that when ”GOD Is With Us,” and we are United in Christ, wonderful things can, and will be accomplished, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Immanuel SDA Mission, with Pastor Carveth DeLeon its Current Pastor, grew out of the Adventist Congregational Church which had branched out from the Cambridge Seventh-day Adventist Church.
From the early days of the Adventist Congregational Church.
In 1985, the Adventist Congregational Church was incorporated under the leadership of Pastor James Archer, an experienced ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister from the Caribbean. He pastored several Seventh-day Adventist congregations in the Caribbean, before migrating to the United States. The vision of the church was to advance the Kingdom of God here on earth, particularly in Cambridge and surrounding communities, by proclaiming the Good News, and representing Christ faithfully, in preparation for His Second Coming.
Some of the foundation members were, Pastor James Archer, Elder Yvonne Archer, and children; Assistant Pastor Aubrey Williams, Olga Williams; Elder Rupert Clarke and family; James Harewood, Daisy Harewood; Carmen Kentish, Ruby dePeiza, Beverley Blair, Valrie Duhaney. Many persons, especially immigrants from the Caribbean, joined the Church, because, in addition to obtaining sound teaching and preaching of the Word of God, they experienced the church to be a very warm, welcoming, loving, and caring place.
Purchase of Church Property and Capital Improvements
A Significant achievement under the selfless, compassionate, caring leadership of Pastor James Archer, was the purchase of the Church property at 171, Hampshire Street, Cambridge (our current location), in this historic city of Cambridge.
In December 1995, the Adventist Congregational Church purchased the Church Property from the Church of Scotland, who had acquired it in 1918 from Clara Tuttle, Trustee of the Free Baptist Church. The Church was built in 1903. Prior to that, the lot was undeveloped. With tremendous sacrifice the church mortgage was paid off in April 2006.
In 2011, major improvements were done to the basement to convert the entire basement floor from dirt to concrete, replace the back wall of the foundation, facilitate two bathrooms, and future enhancements. Many thanks to Pastor Orlando Hall who volunteered to be the Project Manager. Members also volunteered and painted the basement. This sets the stage for Pastor Archer’s vision to equip the basement with a Soup Kitchen, procure a mechanical lift for the Church, develop a Preschool, offer Tutoring and GED classes, as community ministries.
Members and friends gave sacrificially and generously, of their time, talents, and financial resources. Noteworthy Fundraising Events were, Food Fairs spearheaded by Mother Iris King, at Central Square and Harvard Square in Cambridge, featuring Delicious Vegetarian West Indian dishes; Excursions led by Carmen Kentish; Elegant Banquets at VFW Hall; and, of course, Concerts at our Church conducted by our Organist Brother Alex Santos.
Growth and Leadership Development
The Church experienced growth by engaging in Bible Studies, Prayer Meetings, Social Events, and Community Outreach Programs. As a result, the Church grew in strength, both spiritually and numerically, via Baptisms and Profession of Faith.
The Church lived through its share of joys and challenges. However, through it all, the congregation was very thankful, for they experienced the Goodness of GOD, and knew that “GOD Is With Us”. This became the theme for
our Annual Anniversary Celebrations. We thank Pastor Archer, his wife Elder Yvonne Archer and their children for their loving, sacrificial service.
Many other local leaders and pastors of other SDA churches assisted with the spiritual growth of our church. Dr. Ives Robert’s memorable Homiletic Course taught members the art of sermon preparation and delivery. After graduating from this course, several graduates were given the opportunity to preach. Elder Iris King, Elder Ivy Palmer, and Elder Claudette King would preach regularly. Evangelism, Revival Meetings, Anniversary Celebrations, were some of the catalysts that drove the growth. We were blessed with dynamic and inspiring sermons delivered by Pastor Ives Roberts, Pastor James Yansen, Pastor Orlando Hall, Elder Fitzgerald Reid. Elder Cardinal Welch, Elder Cephas Greenidge, and Elder Jacob Morrison also blessed us with uplifting sermons.
Of significant importance was the Reconciliation Service held in 2012 between the Adventist Congregation Church and the Cambridge Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor James Yansen organized and officiated at this Service held at the Cambridge SDA Church. Elder Trevor Baker, former President of the
Northeastern Conference, delivered the moving Sermon. In attendance, were Pastor James Archer and Elder Yvonne Archer. They were graciously honored at this Service.
Transition to Seventh-day Adventist Community and Mission Formation
On September 05, 2015, members of the Adventist Congregational Church were received into fellowship of The Waymark SDA Church on Profession of Faith. Cornel Miller was the Pastor and Juan Damon, the Assistant Pastor. Some affiliates later joined by baptism. We are thankful to Pastor Juan Damon for his work in our Church, especially in the Youth Department.
In July 2017, the Northeastern Conference accepted the members’ request to form a Mission with the new name Immanuel Seventh-day Adventist Mission, and continue worshiping at 171 Hampshire Street, our current location. Dr. Lazarus Castang was the Pastor and Elder Odette Palmer-Lee, was appointed the First Elder.
In July 2018, the Northeastern Conference installed Pastor Carveth DeLeon. In August 2021, Immanuel SDA Mission and Emmanuel SDA Church (Providence, RI) were combined to form one district, with Pastor DeLeon continuing as Pastor of both congregations. By the Power of the Holy Spirit, the Immanuel Seventh-day Adventist Mission continued to grow spiritually, numerically, and advance, under the wise and steady leadership of Pastor Carveth DeLeon. Noteworthy, were the additional members added to the congregation during the pandemic. Attendance at Sabbath Services, weekly Prayer Meetings and Bible Study, increased significantly on the virtual platform, and on the hybrid platform, when the church resumed in-person Sabbath Worship in July 2021.
The Immanuel Seventh-day Adventist Mission continued with its capital improvements of the Church Building. The Church upgraded its HVAC system, installed new windows in the Sanctuary, renovated a coat closet to create a dedicated pastoral office space, replaced the carpets, and made improvements to the basement area.
Continuing the Mission after Inauguration
Our mission is to reach Cambridge and surrounding communities with the distinctive Seventh-day Adventist message of Hope and Wholeness.
By the Grace of GOD, Immanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church will continue to move forward, and upward, completing its mission through the Power of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming the Good News, as we await the soon coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.