Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool, MBE, a true and humble man of God, was a beloved son of the Virgin Gorda soil. He spoke the Word of the Lord quietly and clearly; and listened patiently to others, remembering that each has his or her story. He, too, had his own story, of which we count it a privilege to have heard him repeat whenever he got the opportunity, as he was mostly stationed in other Circuits. Rev. Vanterpool would fondly say of Valley Methodist Chapel, “This is where I was hatched, this is where I was matched, and God willing, from here I will be dispatched.” On the occasion of the 210th Anniversary of Methodism to Spanish Town in October 2004, Rev Vanterpool penned:
“The Valley Methodist Chapel holds a special place in my heart.It was here that I was baptized and attended Sunday School, Morning & Evening Services, as well as “Wesley Guild” as a youngster. It was to this beloved chapel that I returned to be comforted during the funeral services of my brother James, and my parents Jacob and Etma Vanterpool, both of whom served as Methodist lay preachers.Approximately 30 years following baptism, I was married to my wife Brenda Louise at the Valley Methodist Chapel.God willing, I look forward to completing my cycle at the place where it all began” (210th Anniversary Booklet, VMC, Oct 2004).
At that time, Re-Dedication of the Chapel, Valley Methodist Congregation honoured Rev. Vanterpool with the Release of a Limited-Edition Commemorative Coin, in consultation with the Connexional and District Presidents of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA). Rev. Vanterpool was at that time the Leeward Islands District President. On the obverse of the coin was a rendering of the Chapel and inscription “The Love of Christ Constrains Us” with the years 1794-2004 and Methodism in Virgin Gorda, BVI. On the reverse of the coin was a portrait of Rev. Selwyn Lorenzo Vanterpool and the inscription “First Native Virgin Gordian Ordained 1974”. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these coins went towards offsetting the cost of repairing and refurbishing Valley Methodist Chapel.
Rev. Vanterpool lived his philosophy, which included “A quiet inner confidence and faith that God is with him to equip and enable him to meet whatever the challenges are.” He valiantly championed the cause of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ until the end with his quiet demeanour, knowing deep within as the hymnwriter penned, “There’ll be peace in the valley for me some day, There’ll be peace in the valley for me” (Thomas A. Dorsey, Voices In Praise #354 chorus).
Sincere sympathy to Sis. Brenda (widow) and their Children, Sis. Calmelita (sister), Sis. Dawn (niece) and the rest of the Family, as they continue to hold on to the hand of the Master. The peace of our Lord be with you always.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Faye J Reese-Charles, Congregational Steward On behalf of Rev. Celina Walton-Charles, Resident Circuit Deacon Valley Methodist Congregation Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
