CHURCH HISTORY

In January of 1978, a group of believers from the Open Bible Standard Churches of Trinidad and Tobago held their first crusade at the Cuthbert Peter’s Park in Gouyave.  This crusade was directed by the late Rev. Munroe Cox.  It was at this crusade that God started a work in the lives of many people.  Lives were changed, people were delivered and the sick were healed.  This included the late Sylvester Teka of Maran, St. John’s who was known to be paralyzed for many years.  However, during this crusade the healing power of almighty God came upon his life and he began walking again.  He lived for ten (10) years thereafter and died in March 1988.  This notable miracle will always be remembered.

In that same year fifteen believers were baptized; they included: Rosy Bhola, Jimmy Thomas, Lucy Teka Davis, Marva Duncan Cox, Wilma Joseph, Sarah Teka Salfarlie, Lewis Campbell, Bertha Harris, Gregory Duncan, Sylvester Teka, Daphney Burris, Elizabeth Scott, Florence Pierre and Vera Hall.

At the conclusion of the crusade Rev. Munroe Cox located a building on Lower Depradine Street where these believers gathered to worship God.  This building was once used as a cinema.  Services were held on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  For many fruitful years the work proceeded steadily under the powerful leadership of Pastor Cox.

However, in 1980 God raised another dynamic and spirit filled man to spearhead the work at Gouyave.  Without any delay, Pastor Liam Paryag settled beautifully into his new position and toiled for many long years.  His main objectives were basically to see the local church well grounded and rooted in the word of God, and to ensure that believers were well equipped to face the enemy.

Thirteen years later that is in 1993, God raised up yet another powerful leader to take up the mantle from Pastor Paryag.  He was young, inexperienced but he certainly had a passion for God and his people.  He was eager and determined; he was saturated with visions for the local assembly.  He is no other than, the present Pastor, Rev. Anthony George. 

With the blessings and help form almighty God Pastor George has been able to move the church into a new dimension of praise and worship, prayer, and most importantly with the powerful teachings of almighty God.  He is an individual with a big vision and this has manifested itself in the transformation of the cinema hall to a House of Praise.  It was changed from powdery walls to solid walls.  Certainly, this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes Ps 118:23.

At present, Gouyave Open Bible Standard Church now called ‘House of Praise’ continues to a power place in the town of Gouyave.  It is a home for all, one where individuals can find hope, purpose and direction. Despite the long years of struggles and difficulties, the vision is clear, that is to change lives and save souls.