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On March 30, 2024, the Local Congregation of Saint John, New Brunswick, in the Ecclesiastical District of Ottawa, Canada held its first worship service. The congregation started as a Group Worship Service (GWS) back in 2008.
“We are joyful and thankful to our Lord God. He has granted our prayers to be organized as a full-fledged local congregation,” stated Edward Junel Pillie, head deacon.
The inaugural worship service which was held in a rented hall at 39 King Street, Saint John, NB was led by Brother Moriel Cadacio, district supervising minister. In his homily, he emphasized from the Bible that members of the true Church must possess and remain in their unwavering dedication in worshiping God. He cited the sacrifices of the said congregation’s members before, which proved their loyalty to God. Also included in the holy gathering was the oath-taking of new officers in the Church.
From 2006, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members residing in Saint John, NB had to take a 10-hour drive, to attend worship services at the house of worship of the then Local Congregation of Montreal (now Local Congregation of Beaconsfield) in Quebec. When they were organized as a GWS, worship services started to be held at 2456 Candace St., Saint John NB, residence of the late Ernesto Astrologo, and his wife Milagros, both members of the GWS, located. The worship services were held there for four years until, in 2013, were transferred to a rented hall in Colonial Inn, then to another hall in Holiday Inn, both in Saint John, NB.
“I thank our Lord God for He guided us in all of our endeavors,” said Milagros Astrologo, head secretary.
“This momentous occasion is truly important. We firmly believe that more people will be called [into the Church] in this part of the world,” expressed Brother Cadacio. “The brethren, especially the officers, promise that they will continue uniting with the Church Administration in spreading the Good News of salvation so that there will be more people in this part of the world who will be able to understand and know more about the truth and, hopefully, be baptized into the Church Of Christ.”
Brother Rowell Justin Bermudez is the congregation’s first resident ministerial worker. Succeeding worship services will be held at 130 Mark Drive, Saint John, NB. — With reports from Aisa Grace Custodio of INC News Section
