Near 200 Year Mission House Restored

Restored Room Serves As Main Library

One of the most ambitious, noteworthy and charming enterprises currently coming to fruition in Eleuthera is the setting up of a cultural, training and mentorship centre in Rock Sound. The old 'Clinic' there, is being painstakingly rebuilt to serve as a library, internet café, reading room and museum for South Eleutherans to both enjoy and most importantly use. 
 
Initially a Methodist manse built around 1830; the building after almost two hundred years was condemned. The people of South Eleuthera petitioned and were granted use of the building by the Government in 2003. A local representative body under the guidance of Chandra Sands (whose father Albert Sands was a leading figure in South Eleuthera, and supporter of the venture until his death in 2005) was formed and they agreed that it should continue to play a holistic role for South Eleutherans, primarily its youth. It is being restored to its original nineteenth century architecture with a spacious verandah and balcony overlooking the Sound, and sumptuous wood paneled rooms with period furniture; and being fitted to serve as a rallying point for facilitating modern day learning, vocational skills training, and as a major cultural attraction for Eleutherans and visitors alike.
  
The restoration of the building commenced in April 2005 and as of today approximately $500,000.00 has been raised for that purpose. Whilst the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) of the Bahamas has provided a considerable amount of the funds, the largest share has been gained through various fundraising activities and the outstanding generosity of local inhabitants and visitors.

Read the full article in The June Issue of The Eleutheran

One of the projects' leading fundraising events is the annual cultural and heritage fair which takes place on July 12th.  This year will be the fifth such event, and over the years its popularity has grown with its combination of colourful stalls, art and culinary competitions and the very best in Bahamian music including; Eleutheran bands such as the Rum Runners, Thurston and the Boys and Eleuthera Express, also national stars such as Funky D, KB, and Terez. (This year the activities for the day will culminate with a performance by Geno D.)