From Students to Sanctuary: A Story of Growth
ALVARADO, TEX. – The Shekinah Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant, faith-rooted community.
The church’s journey began in 2011, when a group of Haitian students at Southwestern Adventist University sought a spiritual family away from home. They gathered on campus to sing in Creole, pray together and share beloved Haitian traditions—building lasting bonds and friendships.
As students graduated, Daniel Brice stepped in to pastor the growing group in Grand Prairie, Tex. In 2013, the group became an official church company, welcoming families from throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The congregation began holding Sabbath services, prayer meetings and community outreach events, which deepened its sense of purpose.
In 2015, Shelot Pierre returned from graduate studies and became the church’s official pastor. That same year, the congregation was formally accepted into the Southwest Region Conference, connecting it with the wider Adventist Church. Pierre’s leadership energized the church, especially through youth ministries, family programs and evangelistic outreach.
By 2019, the Shekinah Haitian Company had doubled in size and was granted full church status. The congregation expanded its service efforts by hosting food drives, health fairs and celebrations of Haitian heritage. It also welcomed new members from diverse backgrounds, creating a culture of inclusion and belonging.
After eight years, Pierre accepted a call to serve in Florida. On Oct. 7, 2023, the church welcomed Marc Vilmeus as its new pastor. The congregation embraced his vision of deepening spiritual growth through Bible study, prayer and expanded ministries.
In 2024, the church achieved a long-awaited milestone by purchasing its own building in Alvarado. No longer renting, the congregation finally had a permanent spiritual home. A year later, in 2025, the church celebrated this momentous achievement, joined by officals from the Southwest Region Conference and Southwestern Union, leaders from Southwestern Adventist University, former pastors and longtime members who had supported the church since its earliest days.
With a new home, the Shekinah Haitian church looks forward to expanding ministries, welcoming new members and increasing its impact on the local community. The congregation remains anchored in its core values of faith, fellowship and service, while embracing every opportunity to share God’s love.
Throughout its journey, the church has remained true to its Haitian roots while embracing its place within the global Seventh-day Adventist family. Each milestone is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the strength of the community built together.
By Rose Jean-Louis
