The Southern Asia-Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SSD) celebrated a historic milestone on November 7, when church leaders officially inaugurated its regional Adventist Heritage Center. The ceremony took place during the SSD Year-End Meetings held at the Life Hope Center in Silang, Cavite, Philippines.

In a testament to the commitment of the Adventist Church in the region to preserve and showcase its rich history and heritage, the Adventist Heritage Center opened its doors as a dedicated space for historical documents, artifacts, and memorabilia, church leaders reported. “This repository highlights the growth, contributions, and milestones of the Adventist community in the region,” they said.

Edgar Bryan Tolentino, Spirit of Prophecy coordinator and director of the Adventist Heritage Center in the SSD, emphasized the significance of the Center. “This center is not just a collection of artifacts; it is a living testimony of our journey as a church. It serves as a source of inspiration for our current members and a window for others to understand our mission and values,” Tolentino said.

During the inauguration ceremony, General Conference associate secretary Gerson Santos offered a special dedicatory prayer. Santos underscored the importance of preserving the Adventist legacy and encouraged the Adventist community to use the center as a tool for outreach and education.

The Adventist Heritage Center showcases the history and journey of the Adventist Church worldwide and within the SSD, leaders explained. Highlights include historical video presentations of the Adventist timeline, featuring the “Christ of the Narrow Way” painting by Elfred Lee. This visual journey includes a narration of church co-founder Ellen White’s vision and the prophecy that forms an integral part of the Adventist Church’s identity around the world.

Within the center, the SSD Library houses a diverse collection of literature supporting individuals on their spiritual journey toward a deeper understanding of Christ and the Adventist faith, leaders said. “As the Adventist Heritage Center opens its doors, we hope it will actively become a beacon for both the local Adventist community and the wider public, fostering a sense of pride and connection while actively sharing the timeless story of faith, service, and community engagement,” they said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.