THE Congregational Mission Chapel Church in New Amsterdam, Berbice, has been designated a National Heritage Site by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

The 151-year-old edifice was first consecrated for worship in February 1819 to commemorate the spirit of the people, dating back to the days of slavery when fellowship was practised under a tamarind tree in the compound, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

GINA said it was enlarged in 1822 to accommodate a growing congregation but the original buildings were destroyed by arsonists in the aftermath of the 1823 East Demerara slave uprising.

During all the subsequent rehabilitation works done, caution was exercised to preserve the unique features and the structure was named a historic one by the Government of Guyana in 1976.

Commenting on the new development, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Ms Sonya Roopnauth said:” So very often, we take for granted all the things that we find beautiful in Guyana.

“We walk around and don't realise what we have right under our noses. I think Mission Chapel is a very good example for that. We take for granted our rich history that is so important to us."

She added:” We should stop and recognise our history and what it means, whether it's our people, our buildings, our sites or national monuments. This is one of those things that commemorate more than just a building."

The officiating pastor at Mission Chapel, Reverend Leander Warren said he was elated that the Church was able to stand all the vagaries of the weather and financial constraints to now become a National Heritage Site.

He thanked the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, for their contributions towards helping the Church achieve that unique status.

This naming was part of the activities organised by the Ministry to celebrate November as Tourism Awareness Month.

The Ministry will be dedicating a series of imperative signs which will be erected at some of Guyana's more commonly known heritage sites, as a component of the OAS-funded Caribbean Heritage Project.

Also at the recent Mission Chapel dedication were New Amsterdam Deputy Mayor Claude Henry, Community Relations Officer, Mr. Faizal Jaffarally, Manager of Scotia Bank, Mr. Ashton Ward and members of the church, in front of which was placed the sign designed by engineer Mr Bert Carter.