“The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3, KJV).
These words capture our gratitude as the Atlantic Union Conference celebrates two historic milestones in 2026: the 125th anniversary of the union and the dedication of our new headquarters in Westborough, Massachusetts. Together, these occasions give us an opportunity to reflect on God’s leading, honor those who came before us, and prepare for the work that remains.
IN THE BEGINNING
As the cradle of Adventism, the Atlantic Union territory occupies a distinctive place in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pioneers such as William Miller, Joseph Bates, Ellen G. White, Stephen Haskell, and many others from this region prayed, sacrificed, and labored to establish a movement that would carry the Three Angels’ Messages throughout the world. The seeds they planted have grown into a worldwide church of more than 23 million members.
Their experience reminds us that the growth of this movement did not come through human effort alone. God guided His people step by step, opening doors and sustaining them through seasons of progress, hardship, questions, and change. Ellen G. White expressed it well: “In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God!” (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 196).
MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH
That same gratitude filled our hearts as we dedicated the new Atlantic Union Conference headquarters during our 125th anniversary year. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, I noted, “This nation is 250 years old, and the Atlantic Union is half of that. We praise God for the long existence, mission, and ministry of the Atlantic Union Conference.” The convergence of these two milestones brings our heritage and our future together. We celebrate the foundation laid by faithful men and women while recognizing that God has entrusted the mission of this union to us in the present generation.
The new headquarters is not simply a building. It is a resource for ministry—a place from which we can support our conferences, strengthen our churches and schools, equip leaders, and advance the gospel throughout the Northeast United States and Bermuda. Its dedication is also a reminder that everything God places in our hands must be used for His glory and the fulfillment of His mission.
As we give thanks for God’s blessings in the past and present, we now turn our attention to the opportunities before us. Through the North American Division’s All Things New initiative, the Atlantic Union family is joining churches across the division in a renewed commitment to evangelism, discipleship, and service. Members across this vast territory that includes the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and many islands in the Pacific, including those that are part of the Guam/Micronesia Mission, are being called to participate in sharing the hope of Christ and preparing people for His return.
Our history is worth celebrating, but it is not ours merely to preserve. The faith, dedication, sacrifice, and missionary spirit of those who came before us must continue through us. With grateful hearts, let us honor our heritage, embrace the work ahead, and consecrate ourselves anew to the mission God has entrusted to us.
United in purpose and dependent on the Holy Spirit, may we faithfully proclaim the everlasting gospel until the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Click HERE to watch a special commemorative video highlighting 125 years of ministry in the Atlantic Union.
