Elmslie Memorial United Church embarks on a milestone by celebrating 90 years since the construction of the iconic white concrete block structure in 1922. The 90th Anniversary will be celebrated through a number of events leading into the holiday season. On December 1^st a Banquet dinner will be hosted at Cayman Prep School offering a time for celebration, fellowship and reflection. In true Christmas spirit the celebrations continue with an old time Celebration Bazaar at the church on December 6^th beginning at 4:30pm. Lastly, on December 9^th the Elmslie Church congregation invite you to the Anniversary Service at 10:30am and to the evening Sunday School Musical Performance at 6:45pm on the same day.

These events help in the celebrations of Elmslie Church’s rich history;  situated on the waterfront in George Town this site has seen three churches built and destroyed before monies were raised for the construction of a new building. This building means a lot to many Caymanians particularly the family of that Capt. Rayal Bodden who in 1920 had to  travel to Jamaica and learn how to make concrete blocks for the construction of the church. The church took two years to build as Capt Rayal Bodden taught labourers how to make concrete blocks as he embarked on his first attempt at building a church rather than him sharpening his ship building skills. The church is named in honour of Rev. James Elmslie who served as Pastor from 1846 -1863. Rev. Elmslie first arrived in Grand Cayman with one task and that was to offer ministerial help to Caymanians. James Elmslie started six churches with up to 1000 members out of the 2000 inhabitants at the time. His work is seen throughout the Cayman Islands today with the nine United Churches throughout Grand Cayman.

Plagued with hurricanes and devastation experienced by past church structures, the congregation pooled their resources and generosity to build the present site we know and love. The mission was to “build a church that would be expressive of their reverence for God, their loyalty to Christ and the progress which the gospel had made among them.”  The designed plans were for Elmslie to be in the shape of a cross, with a tower and belfry capable of accommodating 550 people. This was quite a task to build in 1920 nevertheless the upturned ship hull ceiling design showcased Capt Rayal Bodden taste in building ships.

As Elmslie Memorial United Church celebrates 90 years of the dedication of the church building, the Cayman Islands community is invited to participate and join this joyous occasion through the activities planned for early December. Please call 949-7923 for more information.

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