Over the years, the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church (CGBBC) has been described as a trendsetter, a catalyst for change, a community of hope, and a blueprint for elevation. Since the 1960s, the church has undergone tremendous transformation, guided by various leaders and spiritual influences. As we reflect on our journey, we acknowledge and honor those who have helped us along the way.

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It was 1960—no electricity, no internet—a time when people were eager to learn more about God. Dedicated individuals from WIVV, a radio station in Vieques, Puerto Rico, came to Cane Garden Bay to distribute Bible lessons to the local community.

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A stalwart member of the community, Mento “Papa” Turnbull—who was also responsible for naming the church—received these lessons at his shop, where others would come to collect them. This continued until the local mailing system was introduced.

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In 1962, American missionaries Jeremy Smith and Missionary Morse helped pioneer what would become the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church.

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By 1964, the Methodists and Baptists were working together to spread the gospel. It was during this time that young people, including a young Melvin A. Turnbull, gave their lives to Christ. Although the missionaries were impactful in many ways, their teachings included a mix of doctrines that sometimes conflicted with Baptist principles. Baptist practices were new to the community, and for a time, being associated with the Baptist Church was met with skepticism.

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In 1968, Pastor Edric Jones arrived from Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in St. Thomas to serve as a missionary in Cane Garden Bay. Under his leadership, several key developments took place. By the mid-1970s, there was an increase in Caribbean nationals relocating to Tortola, which further shaped the church's ministry.

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In 1975, CGBBC established a mission in Road Town, specifically in Lower Estate. That mission, originally called Faith Baptist Mission, is now known as Faith Baptist Church.

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When Pastor Jones departed in 1976, Reverend Dr. Melvin A. Turnbull became the senior pastor of CGBBC, a position he held faithfully for 47 years. On March 26, 2023, during a special installation service at the sanctuary, he officially passed the baton to Reverend Dr. Michael A. Turnbull.

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Milestones and Achievements

CGBBC has accomplished many notable milestones throughout its history, including:

1. A vibrant and influential music ministry

2. The introduction of a monthly ministry calendar focus

3. Ordination of the first female Baptist pastor and deacon in the Virgin Islands

4. Recognition as the largest producer of Baptist pastors in the Virgin Islands

5. Home of the longest-running religious radio broadcast in the Virgin Islands —LIFE Devotional

6. Founding and sustaining Heritage Month celebrations

 

On July 15, 2022, CGBBC celebrated 60 years of faithful service to God and humanity. The church has long played a vital role in promoting social dialogue and preserving the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands, especially through the lens of emancipation, and has remained deeply engaged in youth development through initiatives like Revolution Youth Ministry, daycare programs, and Children’s Church.

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CGBBC is also committed to educational advancement. Over a five-year period, the church adopted and financially supported three of the territory’s schools, contributing a total of $15,000.

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Our Vision and Commitment

Our vision is to become a place where people are made whole. As a unified body, we continue to share God's Word, remaining focused on our guiding mantra:

 

At CGBBC, we GATHER to experience God’s love; we GROW in God’s love, and we GIVE back God’s love to others.