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marzo 14, 2023
Tucked alongside the location of the Division of Catastrophe Administration’s new headquarters on McNamara Street is a peach-coloured workplace, and simply to the left of the entrance door hangs a little bit signal designating the placement of the Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool Christian Library.
Mr. Vanterpool died in 2021 following his retirement from 40 years of lively itinerate service ministering all through the area earlier than finally returning to his dwelling within the Virgin Islands, the place he continued working with the BVI Methodist Circuit.
All through his lifetime, he curated a love for books and for his neighborhood, and people two passions got here collectively when he and his household determined to open a library for younger ministers and the broader public, in response to his widow, Brenda Vanterpool.
Picture: DANA KAMPA
He started working towards opening the area within the 2010s. Nonetheless, the passage of Hurricane Irma and his relocation to the US for medical care hampered that dream, Ms. Vanterpool mentioned.
Initially of this 12 months, Ms. Vanterpool carried ahead his imaginative and prescient and, with the assistance of mates, formally opened the power.
The honey-toned wood cabinets of the cosy library comprise all kinds of biblical texts, sermon guides, interpretive works, biographies, and different sources for day by day dwelling like cookbooks and marital counselling.
Challenges
It wasn’t simple getting the library up and working, Ms. Vanterpool mentioned, particularly contemplating the 2017 hurricanes tore aside the roof of the constructing, leaving solely the wing the place the library is positioned intact. Nonetheless, she mentioned she was motivated by Mr. Vanterpool’s love for sharing information.
The library held an official grand opening on Jan. 24, and she or he mentioned it has had a heat reception.
“Folks have been so excited,” she mentioned. “As much as this morning, I’ve been strolling down the highway, and each time I do any person is complimenting me and thanking me for doing this.”
Open hours
Neighborhood members are welcome to go to from 10 a.m. to midday on Mondays and Tuesdays, 1-Three p.m. on Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Picture: DANA KAMPA
Ms. Vanterpool added that guests are additionally welcome to inquire about various hours by emailing br*******@ho*****.com
She and Mr. Vanterpool met in seminary, bought married, and spent many pleased years touring to Jamaica, Montserrrat, Antigua, Aruba, Dominica, St. Maarten, the US VI — wherever they felt known as by God to serve.
Now, she mentioned she hopes the library continues to function inspiration for neighborhood members, particularly up-and-coming ministers.
