Statia Methodist Circuit
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Bethel Methodist Church dates from 1843. It was built to replace an earlier chapel that was destroyed in 1843 by an earthquake that was felt as far away as New York.
In 1896 a tower was added. Above its door you see a stone with “JJvP” engraved in it: a reference to John James van Putten, one of the most prominent members of the Methodist community in 1896. A bell cast in London in 1894 hangs in the tower.
Methodism was introduced to St. Eustatius by a slave called “Black Harry.” Despite fierce persecution his group of followers continued to grow until it became the largest denomination on the island.
On the island there are two Methodist-congregations: Bethel and Jeems.