Selwyn Lorenzo Vanterpool, the son of Jacob and Etma Vanterpool was born at the Valley, Virgin Gorda.  He received his early education at St. Mary's Primary School in the Valley, Virgin Gorda and the Virgin Islands Secondary School in Road Town, British Virgin Islands.

Rev. Vanterpool entered the United Theological Colleage of the West Indies in September 1968.  He graduated with the Diploma of Ministerial Studies and the Licentiate of Theology from the University of the West Indies.  Later on, he also did a Masters Degree in Pastoral Counseling alongside a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage Counseling.  

On completion of his theological training, Rev. Vanterpool married Brenda Louise Bhola at the Valley Methodist Chapel on August 17, 1972. They have three wonderful children- Beverly, Kenneth and Karen.

Prior to entering the ministry, Rev. Vanterpool served the British Virgin Islands government for seven years in the Civil Service. He served faithfully in positions such as Chief Clerk to the Registrar's Office, Clerk to the Legislative Council, and later on as a Clerk to the Attorney General. 

Rev. Vanterpool served the Methodist Church for over 40 years until retirement in 2007.  Over the years, he served in many circuits including Montserrat, Antigua, Aruba, Dominca, St. Maarten/St.Martin, BVI, St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John. He carried out many roles at the district and connexional levels including serving as the Leeward Islands District President and General Superintendent for two terms between 2000 and 2006.

Rev. Vanterpool's community work includes service to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force as Chaplain and Chairman of the first Police Advisory Committee from 1992 to 1995.  Over the years, he was the recipent of many awards including in 1989 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded him with an M.B.E. for outstanding service rendered in the BVI as well as regionally.