The Voice News August Edition
Long Island Gets Its First Anglican Female Deacon
Long Islanders turned out in large numbers to witness history being made on Tuesday evening July 17th. Mrs. Paulette Maria Cartwright, a former school teacher, was ordained to the Holy Order of Deacons in the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands. The weather was perfect with a “sweet Long Island breeze” providing cooling that was better than any air-conditioning system. In front of an overflowing congregation at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Clarence Town, Mrs. Cartwright took the oath of office, promising to be “diligent in the reading of the Holy Scriptures, and seeking the knowledge of things to deepen her faith, and make her stronger and more able to minister of Christ.”
A large contingent from Nassau, led by The Most Reverend Drexel Gomez, Chief Celebrant, and Bishops Laish Boyd and Gilbert Thompson, Concelebrants, attended the Ordination. The preacher was The Reverend Kingsley Knowles, Rector of St. George’s, New Providence.
A native Long Islander, Paulette was born on September 17th 1955 to Arthur and Olga Major in the settlement of Berry’s. Her early years of academic learning took place on Long Island, with secondary education continuing in Nassau at C.C. Sweeting Senior High.
Following graduation from secondary school Paulette was employed as an Accounts Clerk/Cashier at Barclays Bank in Nassau for five years, before joining the teaching profession. Mrs. Cartwright is a 2007 graduate of Codrington College, Barbados, and also a graduate of the College of The Bahamas, with a degree in Secondary Teacher Education. She is married to Mr. Andrew Cartwright and they are the proud parents of three sons and a daughter.
Mission And Ministry Alive In Andros Parishes
Having just been appointed Priest in Charge of the five churches in Andros in the middle of January, 2007, The Rev’d. Donald Kerr hit the ground running. In six (6) short months he has accomplished a number of things, including air-conditioning all five parishes, a strong outreach ministry, and bridging the gap between the church and wider community. This is due in part to his high energy level and excellent marketing and people skills, but more importantly because of his serious commitment to “making a difference” in the lives of the people whom he has been called to serve, especially the youth
46 CONFIRMED
On June 17th forty-six (46) persons were confirmed in what is considered to be the largest confirmation class in the history of the Parish. The Most Reverend Drexel Gomez administered the Sacrament of Confirmation, assisted by Father Kerr. Archbishop challenged the newly confirmed to practice Godly principles in their daily lives, and encouraged them to continue to be supportive of their Priest.
ACTIVE YOUTH MINISTRY
The Youth Ministry continues to grow, as Fr. Kerr provides opportunities for the young people to participate in Diocesan events.
On Friday, June 29th, eleven (11) altar servers from St. Stephen’s Parish, Central Andros, participated in a Lock In at Christ Church Cathedral. The event was hosted by St. Ambrose Guild. The young persons were exposed to lectures on Aids Awareness, Grooming and Etiquette and Crime. They also participated in a number of social activities, and to their parishes energized and motivated.
CHURCH AND COMMUNITY
Father Kerr is committed to the Church leading the way in nation building, and he seeks to involve the Church in the wider community. In this regard, St. Stephen’s Parish, Central Andros, hosted the 10th Annual Crab Festival Church Service. The service was held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Calabash Bay, and was broadcast live on 104.5FM. The preacher for the special event was the Venerable Archdeacon Dr. Etienne Bowleg, who spoke on the importance of Christian Fellowship.
Fr. Kerr was the preacher for the Central Andros Independence Church Service, which was held on July 9th at Queen’s Park, Central Andros. Taking his text from the book of Micah, he told Androsians that just as in the days of old, men and women of today must still come to the knowledge that “their true good, their perfection, lay in the performance of God’s will and in the fulfillment of His resurrection”. Fr. Kerr said that these requirements are two-fold, involving duty to God and duty towards their fellow human beings.
AIR-CONDITIONED CHURCHES
As summer temperatures continue to rise, Anglicans in Andros will soon be “cooling out” in their air-conditioned churches. Father Kerr has confirmed that air-conditioning units have arrived, and that over the next few weeks, the necessary installation work will be completed.
“We want to ensure that our members on Andros enjoy the same comforts that their brothers and sisters are enjoying in New Providence. We know that in order to accomplish this, It will require a lot more work, but we will do our best to get the job done. We are pleased with the results to date, and look forward to even greater things in the future”, said Fr. Kerr.
Fr. Kerr is the first “son” of the historic parish of Mary Magdalene Church, West End. He was ordained Deacon on December 21, 2004, and Priest on May 1, 2006. Prior to his current appointment, Father Kerr served as Assistant Curate at Christ The King, New Providence. He is a graduate of Codrington College. Prior to testing his vocation at Codrington, he was employed as an Accountant both in New York and in New Providence.
Memorial Plaque In Honour of Late Archdeacon William Edward Thompson
The memory of the late Archdeacon William Edward came alive last Friday evening when the parish of St. Agnes honoured his work and ministry by erecting a plaque in his honour. Located on the southern side of the sanctuary immediately opposite his mentor and predecessor, the late Canon Milton Edward Cooper, the marble tablet hails him as “Rector of St. Agnes Grants Town 1967- 1999, Educator, Scholar, Historian, Community & Nation Builder, Servant of the people.”
The unveiling and blessing of the plaque was a high point of celebrations to mark the 162nd Anniversary of the historic Church, where the late Archdeacon grew up and then served as Rector for 32 years. The setting was the traditional Evening Song, Sermon, Procession, Blessing of the Plaque and Benediction.
Hundreds turned out for the special service, joined by Archbishop Drexel Gomez, childhood friend and confidante, Coadjutor Bishop Laish Boyd, protégé of Archdeacon Thompson, and Assistant Bishop Gilbert Thompson, brother. Archbishop Gomez, in his sermon, shared some of the special attributes and characteristics that distinguished his of childhood friend.
“Willie had the gift of intellect and could have made a very good living based on this gift, but he chose to become a Parish Priest,” said Archbishop Gomez. Archdeacon Thompson graduated with a Second Class Honours Degree in Theology from the University of Durham, England. He also earned a Masters Degree in Theology from the University of Durham.
Archbishop Gomez also talked about his friend’s modesty. “Willie was modest. For many years he served on the Bahamas Christian Council, and was asked on numerous occasions to become the Chairman. Accepting this position would have placed on a higher level on the protocol list that the Bishop. For this reason he would not accept the position, simply because his modesty would not allow him to do anything to lessen the office of the Bishop,” said Bishop Gomez.
He also described Archdeacon as someone who had a passion for learning and people.
“He had a passion for education, and sacrificed for many young Bahamians to be educated, especially at the secondary level. He was a supporter of Independence and understood that in order to build a strong nation, we would have to build people through education, continued Bishop Gomez.
He also spoke about Archdeacon’s concern for how people lived, and his hard-hitting sermons on morality. “This was because Willie was a caring person, and this care manifested itself in being concerned about how people lived, “said Bishop Gomez. Archdeacon Thompson had a passion for education and a passion for people. He made space for people and helped them to understand their role in the wider society. He impressed upon people the importance of education and morality in nation building, and was not afraid to speak out on issues that he felt would impede our growth.
Archdeacon Thompson was appointed Rector of St. Agnes in 1967, succeeding the late Canon Milton Cooper, and served with distinction until December 31, 1999.
St. John's College celebrates 60 years
St. John's College celebrated sixty years of "an excellent tradition in quality education" with a gala banquet last Friday. The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and culture Carl Bethell brought greetings. The guest speaker was the Most Rev. Drexel W. Gomez, the Lord Archbishop of the West Indies, Primate and Metropolitan, and the Bishop of Nassau and The Bahamas including the Turks and Caicos Islands.
"St. John's College has contributed significantly to the spiritual, moral and social education of our people over the years," said Archbishop Gomez.
"It has a heritage of which we could all be justly proud, and for which we give God the praise."
In 1947, under the direction of Bishop Spence Burton, St. John's College came into existence to provide secondary education for all Bahamians. It was located on Market Street on the site that is now known as the Dean William Granger Out- Reach Centre. Since it was the first school of the Anglican Diocese, it was named after the Patron Saint of the diocese, St John the Baptist.
In January 1979, the primary and secondary schools were moved to the present site on Bishop Eldon Drive off Bethel Avenue.
Pictured from left at the banquet are Miss Berthamae Tynes, Mrs. Julie Ward, Miss Rosalie
Johnson, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon Carl Bethel, Mrs Joanne
Boyd, Principal Miss Cleomie Woods, Bishop Co-adjutor the Rt. Rev. Laish Boyd, the Most
Rev. Drexel W Gomez, Senior Mistress for the Prep Department Mrs. Geraldine Romer, Mrs.
Daisy Rolle, and former principal Fr. Harry Ward. Not pictured are former principal, Mrs.
Arlene Nash-Ferguson, and Mrs. Josephine Evans.
St. Agnes Prayer Ministry Celebrates 22nd Anniversary
With voices of joy and praise, members of St. Agnes Parish Prayer Ministry entered the church doors with thanksgiving in their hearts in celebration of their 22nd Anniversary on Friday, 25 May 2007 at 7:00 p.m. under the theme, “Your Hands Lord, Will I Hold” Hebrews 10:19-25.
The faithfulness of the Lord was evident as His own dear presence cheered and guided them through His message to them in song, Word and the fellowship of prayer warriors from the Anglican and other denominational faith from the northern, southern, eastern and western areas of the island.
The Prayer Band of St. Agnes Parish began its ministry on Friday May 17, 1985 under the leadership of Sister Rosemary Archer in Our Lady’s Chapel. Accepting the call with Sister Archer at the time were: Mrs. Josephine Pinder, Mrs. Hilda Ferguson-Morrison, Mrs. Rowena Bowleg, Mrs. Annie Miller, Nurse Olive Godet (all deceased), Mrs. Olga Lockhart and Coral and Bertram Kemp. Sister Archer was President of the Prayer Band for 20 years. Mrs. Relinda Arnett took over the presidency in 2005 putting her trust in Jesus to lead her.
Today the Prayer Ministry boasts about 25 members, some 13 of whom can be found in St. Agnes Parish on any given Friday evening lifting up the name of Jesus and praying on behalf of our nation, church, families and our communities in particular and our global family in general.
The Executives of the Prayer Ministry are:
Mrs. Relinda Arnett - President
Ms. Cleomi Turner - Vice-President
Mrs. Patrice McDonald - Secretary
Mrs. Michelle Simmons - Assistant Secretary
Ms. Maxine Williamson - Treasurer
Mrs. Beverley Robinson - Assistant Treasurer
Mrs. Rosemary Archer - President Emeritus
In his sermon, Archdeacon I Ranfurly Brown, Rector, admonished everyone to place meaning and commitment into anniversary celebrations. His challenge was for the organizations as well as individuals to find out God’s call for them and not to duplicate what others are doing. Focusing on the theme, he pointed out the important role of hands to support, comfort, lift, punish, restore and to let one know that someone cares.
Archdeacon Brown then reflected on the use of the hands of Moses, David, Saul, Nehemiah and Jesus. “Jesus’ hands were healing hands – transforming hands – redemptive hands”, he said. The question he asked of persons present, “What other hand would you hold?”
In conjunction with their anniversary celebration, on Friday 18th May, 2007 Archdeacon Brown spoke to the Prayer Group at their regular Prayer Meeting. He advised the group that the introduction of prayer groups within the Anglican Diocese was not an easy road. He urged the group to reach out and extend their hands to all, be careful not to think themselves better than others, and to BE STILL before God and to Wait on the Lord.
Finally, he challenged the group to launch a Telephone Prayer Ministry so that persons in need can call in to be prayed with and counseled. Every member of the St. Agnes Prayer Ministry accepted this challenge knowing as in the closing
hymn sung at their Anniversary Service, “He’ll Take Me Thru”.
I’m a glad pilgrim on my way going to glory-land,
Jesus my only hope and stay holdeth me by the
hand, It is such joy to understand things that I
never knew, Keeping my promise to the Lord I’m
going thru. I’m His, what a wonderful feeling in
my soul, He’s mine, He’s protecting me from the
heat and cold; I’ll do whatever He bids me I will
do, I know my Redeemer will lead me safely thru.
Archdeacon Cartwright Celebrates 25 Years
Hundreds joined Archdeacon Keith Nathaniel Cartwright on Sunday, June 24th at a Pontifical Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Christopher’s Church in Lyford Cay New Providence, in celebration of his 25th Anniversary to the Priesthood.
Chief celebrant for the special occasion was Archbishop Gomez, and special guests included Their Excellencies The Hon. Arthur Hanna and Mrs. Hanna and former Governor General, Sir Orville Turnquest and Lady Turnquest. Immediately following the service a reception was held at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church Parish Hall. The past 25 years of ministry have seen many successes for Archdeacon Cartwright ,and his work can been seen in a number of new and renovated buildings throughout the Diocese.
In 1980, at the tender age of 22 years, Archdeacon Cartwright graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honours from Codrington College, and returned home to begin his work in the Church of God. Because he was too young for ordination, he was subsequently sent to Grand Bahama to take up a post at the Freeport Anglican High School, while assisting the late Canon Eric Sam in starting the Church of the Ascension in Lucaya, Grand Bahama.
During this time, he entered studies at the University of Miami reading for a Master's Degree in Education Administration. He graduated in May 1982. It was during his studies that the Bishop asked him to serve at Christ The King as the assistant to the then Canon Foster B. Pestaina.
On 18th June, 1981, Archdeacon Cartwright was ordained Deacon at his old Parish Church, St. Agnes, in Nassau, and a year later he was ordained to the sacred Priesthood on the Feast of St. John the Baptist, 24th June 1982, at services at Christ Church Cathedral, Nassau. In Grand Bahama, Archdeacon Cartwright held responsibility for the Youth work of the Northern Arcdeaconry,and he also became the President of the Grand Bahama Schools Physical Education Council.
He left Grand Bahama on 2nd August, 1984 for Exuma to become the Rector of St. Andrew's Parish with its six churches and to be responsible for Holy Innocents Church in Ragged Island.
During his stay in Exuma, Archdeacon Cartwright built the new St. Mary Magdalene's Church in Williamstown, completed the Parish Community Centre in George Town, extended and completely renovated the Church in George Town and built two community centres, one in Harts, in the West, and one in Williamstown, in the East. During his eight years in Exuma, he was also the Rural Dean for the South Central Bahamas of the Diocese, with responsibility for Exuma, Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Ragged Island and Rum Cay. He also built the new Holy Innocents Church in Duncan Town, Ragged Island .
Bishop Michael H. Eldon appointed Archdeacon Cartwright the Rector of the Church of Christ The King, Freeport on Friday, 29th May, 1992 and one year later he was made the Archdeacon of the Northern Bahamas with direct responsibility for Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Cat Island and San Salvador. During his time on Grand Bahama, Archdeacon Cartwright oversaw the construction of the new Church of St. Jude's in Smith Point, ably assisted by the then Deacon Michael Gittens.
He served as Archdeacon of the Northern Bahamas until Bishop Eldon's retirement in August, 1996. In January 1998, Archdeacon Cartwright was appointed to the newly created Southern Archdeaconry of The Turks and Caicos Islands and The Southern Bahamas, with direct responsibility for the Churches in Exuma, Rum Cay, Ragged Island, Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Inagua, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay and Providenciales. He vacated the rectorship of Christ The King in Freeport, Grand Bahama at the end of April 1998, having just completed the construction of a Social Outreach and Christian Education Centre, providing a new vestry and robing area, two new conference rooms, and extended office facilities. Archdeacon Cartwright became the Rector of St. Christopher's Parish Church in Lyford Cay, New Providence, in May 1998 and serves the western end of New Providence along with his duties as Archdeacon of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Southern Bahamas. Immediately upon his arrival at St. Christopher’s, he restored and renovated the Rectory.
As Archdeacon, he has overseen the extension and renovation of the Rectory in Crooked Island, the restoration of St. Michael's Church in Moss' Town, Crooked Island and the Chapel at Sts. David and Augustine's Church in Long Cay. The Church of St. Clement in Acklins Island has been completely renovated and furnished, and he has extended All Saints Church, Church Grove, Crooked Island with a new vestry, office and restroom facility. He also completely restored and extended the historic Church of St. Christopher and its rectory in Port Nelson Rum Cay . Archdeacon Cartwright has also been “building lives” over the past 25 years. He has fostered some 33 children, some of whom have responded to the call to the Sacred Ministry, and who are now serving along side him in the Anglican Diocese. For his many years of unselfish service to the Church and the community, Archdeacon Cartwright was honoured by Rotary International with the prestigious Paul Harris Award.
The VOICE congratulates Archdeacon Cartwright on achieving this significant milestone and prays for his continued success in Mission and Ministry.
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Long Island Gets Its
1st
Female Deacon
Mission And Ministry
Alive In
Andros Parishes
Memorial Plaque In
Honour
of
Archdeacon
Thompson
Archdeacon Cartwright
Celebrates 25 Years
Christianity
Recent Elections
Resulted In
Heightened
Polarization
Presentation by
Archbishop
Gomez to
the General Synod
of
The Church of England