On Sunday, Jan. 31, state Rep. Robert Lancia of District 16 and his wife Maryann visited the Haitian Baptist Church located at 12 Lincoln Ave. in Cranston to surprise Pastor Paul Aubin and his wife Marie with a citation for their 40th wedding anniversary.

“Recently, following my election to state representative, my wife Maryann and I met a young woman from Haiti. Her name is Guerline Aurelus. Over time, because of her interest in helping those returning from military service, she became part of my Veterans Working Group,” Lancia said.

“She had asked me several times about coming to her church, the Haitian Baptist Church in Cranston. When I found out that her pastor and his wife were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, I offered to come with a citation to honor their milestone,” he added.

Lancia presented the citation on behalf of himself, House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, Majority Leader John DeSimone, and Minority Leader Brian Newberry.

Lancia also took time to speak about his veterans’ legislation, and invited those on hand to a National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday at the Olney St. Baptist Church.

“I’ve always had a heart for the Haitian people,” Lancia said. “I remember when I visited Haiti as part of group sponsored by the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, under the auspices of the United Nations, all while I was stationed there as the first exchange chaplain with the Canadian military from 1998 through 2000. This was before the hurricane, and then the earthquake, hit.”

Lancia was the last regular pastor at the Haitian Baptist Church before he was asked to close the church by his executive minister from the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island. At the time, it was known as the Arlington Baptist Church.

Paul and Marie Aubin met over 45 years ago. Marie noticed Paul playing soccer with friends as she was passing by through Les Cayes, Haiti, in 1972. They began dating shortly afterwards, and married on Jan. 10, 1976. When their eldest child, Joel, was born, they knew they wanted a better life. In 1977, Marie moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., and Paul followed soon after in 1979.

While in Brooklyn, they found a local church led by Pastor Honore Jacques. They then became members of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, also in Brooklyn. There, Paul served as the superintendent of Sunday school.

Music was a big part of both of their lives. Marie often sang solos and performed with the choir. In 1982, along with some friends, Paul formed a quartet called the Messengers of Hope. They went on to record albums and became very popular in their local churches. After having five more children and moving between Brooklyn and New Jersey, Paul and Marie decided to move to Rhode Island in 1989 for a safer, quieter life for their family.

In 1990, in their small apartment in Providence, Haitian Baptist Church was formed. They met regularly for Sunday worship and eventually moved into the building at 12 Lincoln Ave. in Cranston in 1994. Paul served as a deacon and Marie, was active in the women’s group and choir. One more child was added to the large family in 1994. In 2005, Paul took a theology class enabling him to become an evangelist.

“In 2006, the family decided it was time for a change and moved to Georgia for a few years.  They returned in 2011 with Haitian Baptist Church still in their hearts. In 2014, Paul Aubin officially became the pastor of Haitian Baptist Church. Along with the support of his wife and family and many faithful longtime members, Pastor Paul is leading the congregation and continues his ministry to serve the people and God,” Lancia said.

The church flourished after the purchase of the new building, not only in members but also in spirit.

According to Pastor Aubin, “There are many ministries house inside of Haitian Baptist Church. The church has a food bank which is open to the public helping to feed those who are in need, there is a prayer ministry at the church who goes out to the homes of those who request it. There is a men’s ministry, women’s ministry, a youth ministry, children’s church, and these are just a few of the things that the Haitian Baptist Church of Rhode Island does to attempt strengthen the community through its members.”