GUYANA
President Dr Irfaan Ali joined the congregation at St Peter’s RC Church in Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara (ECD) for its 150th anniversary.
Speaking at the end of the Mass on June 29, the President said that St Peter’s is a jewel in the national crown and a proud part of Guyana’s architectural and spiritual patrimony, according to a Guyana Times report.
“Institutions come and go. But few stand the test of time. Few remain relevant, revered, and radiant after 150 years. St Peter’s has done all that and more. It has weathered storms—both literal and metaphorical. It has outlived regimes, reshaped generations, and re-imagined its mission for changing times. And through it all, it has remained true—to Christ, to community, and to calling,” President Ali said.
According to Jonathan Yearwood on the church’s social media page, the President gave “a short but wonderful speech”, stayed after Mass and met with parishioners, took photos with them, and donated tablets for school children.
He also donated to the church’s Building Fund to assist in repairs and maintenance of the building.
President Ali then sat with the congregation and had a traditional St Peter’s breakfast of saltfish and bake, chased down with a bottle of water. Yearwood added “This was completely unexpected, but much appreciated. This is what makes him the ‘people’ person he is. Once again, on behalf of the St Peter’s congregation, I say Thank You President Ali,” Yearwood said.
To ensure that the church and other religious institutions across the country continue unhindered, the President reminded the public that his government will soon launch a programme to support religious institutions throughout Guyana.
According to the Guyana National Trust, St Peter’s church, located on Beterverwagting Main Road and St Peter’s Street in the community of Beterverwagting, was opened and dedicated to St Peter June 29, 1875. The bell and its tower were donated by Francis Faria sometime in the late 19th to early 20th century.
Circa 1920, the church underwent rehabilitative works: the structure was extended to accommodate an apse and an aisle with Gothic arches between it and the nave.
Additional work was done on the building in 1948 which led to the Lady Altar and the altar of St Teresa being included into the structure.
Sometime later, the roof was replaced and in 1974, the church was rehabilitated once again.
Sometime in the latter part of the 19th century, a primary school was opened next to the church.
In 2008, the single-storey timber edifice underwent restoration work which was completed in time for its observance of St Peter’s feast day on June 29, 2008.
