Jamaican-founded Gateway Church in Ft. Lauderdale celebrates 50th anniversary
Key Points(5)
- <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gateway Church, founded in 1973 by Reverend Noel George Hyatt and Sister Nesta Rose Hyatt, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
- The church, which originated in the living room of the co-founders, both originally from Jamaica, began with a modest congregation of just seven members.
- This institution provides a Bible-based curriculum, welcoming students of all races, colors, nationalities, and ethnic origins.
- They are committed to expanding their initiatives to serve at-risk youth, the homeless, the incarcerated, residents of assisted living facilities, and individuals who are homebound.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following the tragic passing of the founding pastor, Rev.
- Noel George Hyatt, in August 2007, Rev.
Gateway Church, founded in 1973 by Reverend Noel George Hyatt and Sister Nesta Rose Hyatt, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The church, which originated in the living room of the co-founders, both originally from Jamaica, began with a modest congregation of just seven members. Notably, four of these founding members included the Hyatts and their two sons, Dwayne and Noel Jr.
Over five decades, Gateway Church has experienced remarkable growth and transformation, evolving into a non-denominational congregation with a vision to cultivate a multi-ethnic, multi-faceted community of Christian believers.
Their mission focuses on nurturing faith and character while fulfilling God's purpose within the local community, the nation, and globally, by sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 1993, as part of their commitment to this vision, Gateway Church established Gateway Christian Academy. This institution provides a Bible-based curriculum, welcoming students of all races, colors, nationalities, and ethnic origins. The school's educational offerings span from toddlers and preschool to kindergarten and elementary grades.
Gateway Church remains dedicated to growth, continually developing new ministries and human service programs designed to address pressing community issues. They are committed to expanding their initiatives to serve at-risk youth, the homeless, the incarcerated, residents of assisted living facilities, and individuals who are homebound.
Following the tragic passing of the founding pastor, Rev. Noel George Hyatt, in August 2007, Rev. Nesta Rose Hyatt took on the role of Administrative Pastor.
She worked tirelessly to preserve her husband's vision and legacy for seven years following his passing. Eventually, she handed the pastoral baton to the current Senior Pastor, Bishop Dr. Preston Williams II, and his wife, Lady Kathy Williams, ensuring the continuation of the church's legacy of greatness.
In recognition of Gateway Church's significant contributions to the community, City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis issued a proclamation on November 12, 2023, declaring November 18th as Gateway Church Day.
The celebration of this momentous occasion will reach its pinnacle with a gala on Saturday, November 18th, at the Signature Grand. Additionally, special services will be held on Sunday, November 19th, at 10:30 a.m.
Gateway Church's 50th-anniversary celebration resonates with the biblical passage from 1 Samuel 7:12 - "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us!"
As they look back on the past 50 years, the church also looks ahead with anticipation, commending the next 50 years and beyond to God's guidance and providence.
