Reverend Ellwood honoured for dedication and service
Reverend William Carrington Ellwood was warmly celebrated at the North Street United Church where he was officially ordained as a minister of the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman. After serving 30 years in the civil service and holding leadership roles within the church, Reverend Ellwood’s commitment and lifelong service were recognised as an inspiration to others. Fellow clergy praised his dedication, noting that his transition into full-time ministry reflects a deep and enduring devotion to faith and community.
Published Tuesday, May 16, 1972
Ordained United Church Minister
William Carrington Ellwood was ordained as minister of the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman on Sunday afternoon, at a service in the North Street United Church.
The new minister retired from the post of permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education after spending 30 years in the civil service. He was a deacon of the North Street United Church for many years, and the chairman of the former Congregational Union from 1962–64.
The service was conducted by the Rev Raymond Cook, chairman of the Surrey Council, and the act of ordination was performed by the Moderator of the United Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman, the Rt Rev S. H. Smellie.
Top bracket
The Rev S. E. Webley preached the sermon in which he said that the Rev Ellwood’s ordination as a minister seemed the logical culmination of years of full involvement and service in the Church of Jesus Christ.
He had a long record of outstanding service in the church and congregation at North Street. They were pleased and grateful to God that, after all those years of service and association with the church, Rev Ellwood had not grown weary in well doing, but was offering again and afresh to God the remaining years of his life in full-time service to the Christian ministry.
Rev Webley continued that they were also touched by the fact that he had pursued a civil service career and retired from the top bracket. His entry into the Christian ministry was a source of great encouragement and inspiration.
There was room and scope in the service of Christ’s Church for people with varied talents, abilities, experiences and background. Mr Ellwood was coming from the background of the Civil Service and might be called upon to exercise a special type of ministry in the Church.
Rev Webley told the Rev Ellwood that whatever ministry he might be exercising, and whatever service he might be rendering, he should do it all in the spirit of God.
A large gathering witnessed the ordination. The first lesson was read by Mr G. Chambers and the second by Rev M. L. Willis.
N. T. M. Phillips, secretary of the council, read a statement from the council wishing the new minister success. He was presented with two Bibles – one from Rev C. A. Thomas and another from the Cayman Islands.
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