Church on the Rock (COTR) Kingston has announced a week of celebrations to commemorate its 40th anniversary of impactful ministry in Jamaica. Founded in 1984 by the late Apostle David G Keane and Pastor Denver Keane, COTR Kingston was established with a vision to create a vibrant community focused on spiritual and social transformation. The ministry later expanded with COTR Montego Bay in 1989 and COTR Ocho Rios in 2002, further solidifying its influence across the island. Over the past 40 years, Church on the Rock has become known for its dynamic worship services and community outreach programmes.

Under the leadership of Apostle Franz Fletcher and Senior Pastor Dianne Fletcher, the church continues to serve inner-city communities with excellence in worship, arts, and social ministry.

This year, COTR will officially launch the HoneyHill Community Transformation Foundation and the HoneyHill Community Transformation Intervention Institute (HCTII) to deepen its impact in Cassava Piece, White Hall Avenue, Mannings Hill Road, and surrounding areas. The initiative focuses on education, health, and social development for both the elderly and youth. “Over the years, our church has been instrumental in outreach beyond our walls, impacting areas like Trench Town, Denham Town, and Tivoli Gardens,” said Apostle Fletcher.

“Ministry, for us, goes beyond leading people to Christ. It’s about providing practical opportunities for daily living and empowerment. In 2022, I received a vision to establish the foundation and institute, which officially opened in October 2023, offering training in Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Digital Literacy, and Social Graces, in partnership with the HEART College of Hospitality in Runaway Bay. Our work is far from done,” he added.

To celebrate this milestone, COTR Kingston will host a series of events from October 20 to October 27, under the theme Ignition.

The activities are designed to engage people of all ages and include the following:

• October 20: Pre-anniversary service featuring special guest speaker Bishop Christine Haber
• October 24: Anniversary Gala at Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, with guest speaker Rev Dr Iva Gloudon, former Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador to Jamaica
• October 25: Youth and Young Adults Summit with guest speaker Pastor Sara Cowan Conner from Dallas, Texas, USA
• October 26: Leadership Summit featuring Pastor Che Cowan, Senior Pastor of Life Church, Victorville, California, USA; Rev Dr Iva Gloudon; and Pastor Sara Cowan Conner
• October 27: Anniversary Service at 9:30 AM, followed by the production “Give Him Glory: A Celebration in Music and Dance” at 6 pm

“This 40-year milestone is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of our church community,” said Apostle Fletcher. “With Proverbs 31:8-9 as our guiding scripture, the theme Ignition is a call to action for those who have been dormant in their gifts and callings. We are excited not only to reflect on the past but also to embrace the future that God has in store for us and the communities we serve.” The weeklong celebration aims to foster unity, inspiration, and empowerment, as COTR continues its mission to uplift individuals and families across Jamaica.