22 June 2023 | Watford, UK [Max McKenzie-Cook with tedNEWS]
The Windrush generation’s arrival in the UK in 1948 marked the beginning of a transformative era for British society and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the UK. While their story is not something I witnessed personally, it is however one from which I have benefited, as have many others. While it is easy to catagorise the Windrush generation as a collective group who boarded the Empire Windrush ship from the West Indies bound for Britain, it is the the story of every man, woman and child filled with expectant hope. What was in store for them as they left behind their familiar Caribbean homelands? Fuelled by the promise of a better life in a foreign land, their dreams were often met with the harsh realities of limited employment opportunities and challenging living conditions.
Often restricted to low-paying jobs far below their qualifications and experience, the deeper shock on arrival however was the racial discrimination prevalent in British society of the 1950’s and 1960’s as the ‘diversity’ story was to come much later. Until then, this was the immediate challenge, which could have been an unbearable load — as isolation could have consumed them. But despite these obstacles, their faith in God was an anchor of hope, providing them the strength to persevere.
Yet, even the church community went through a period of adjustment as culture and faith expressions began to merge. Over time, beauty was to be found in the richness of diversity. Worship services began to be filled with new and vibrant expressions of faith that, eventually, became part of the church’s fabric. Lively music, soul-filled hymns, and exuberant worship styles brought to the congregation a new dimension of how to experience joy in the Lord and celebrate his goodness. Church leadership began to evolve and combine as they brought excellence from their homelands to UK shores.
Moreover, the continuing battle to build a new life drove them to see God as their rock and salvation. Resilience and unwavering faith resonated with them and were observed by the younger generation—the second generation born to Windrush parents—growing up in Britain. These individuals, raised in a British context, grappled with the delicate balance of embracing their Caribbean heritage, while navigating the intricacies of British culture. They emerged as bridges between the two worlds, bridging the generational and cultural gap within the church.
The second generation of churchgoers brought a unique perspective that enriched the church’s culture. They blended their British upbringing with their parents’ homeland traditions, creating a diverse and vibrant community. Through their innovative spirit and adaptability, they preserved the essence of their Caribbean roots while shaping a new lens through which to view faith and life.
Personally, I was inspired by my parents, who worked tirelessly at Pizza Huts, local car repair shops, and care homes to provide for our family. Despite the challenges, they maintained their faith in God, which comforted them during difficult times. Witnessing their resilience inspired me to find comfort in God and maintain hope in adversity.
Today, the legacy of the Windrush generation lives on. Their contribution paved the way for a more inclusive, diverse, and culturally rich community. The church is a testament to their unwavering faith, ability to overcome obstacles, and commitment to nurturing a legacy of hope, love, and resilience. It is also a story left untold, a brighter future for all of us to fill.
British Union Conference president, Pastor Eglan Brooks reflecting on the anniversary of the Windrush adds:
“The Windrush Generation changed the face of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom. Despite the many challenges of overt prejudice that screamed; ‘No dogs, no Irish, no Blacks’, the harsh chilling landscape they faced (in contrast to their native sun-kissed shores), the discovery that the streets were not paved with gold, and the ‘Mother-country’ was not as inviting as they were led to believe, they were able to ‘sing the Lord’s song in a strange land’.
The Windrush Generation also created a paradigm shift in Christianity breathing new life into many congregations throughout Britain. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church is just one of many denominations that has benefited from the Christianity of the missionaries to the then, West Indies.
The Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland is richer and more diverse for their presence.”
For further reading:
- British Advent Messenger (1975): “A Century of Adventism in the British Isles/A Brief History of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists”. Chapter 13, The West Indies p.40-44. Click here.
- British Advent Messenger (1992): “Souvenir Messenger 1902-1992”. Decades of Change 1945-1981 p.26-31. Click here.
- British Advent Messenger (2000): “A Century of Adventism in the British Isles”. The Black Experience in Britain: Windrush 2000.” p. 22-24. Click here.
- Worth viewing: Richard Daley’s brief video report about the changing UK church during the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Featured image (supplied by Catherine Anthony Boldeau): Josephine Rodney with her brother Cliff Walker, members of the Holloway church, London, circa 1957.
