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130 years in God's service

Published:Saturday | July 21, 2012 | 12:00 AM
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Derrick Kellier, minister of labour and social security, accepts a plaque from Springfield Baptist's Sunday School superintendent, Esmine Anderson, on behalf of his brother, Ledger Kellier. Ledger was recognised for his contribution to community service. Kellier, who is also member of parliament for South St James, was also honoured.
Deacon Franklin Binns accepts his award from Sunday school superintendent Esmine Anderson during the Springfield Baptist Church's 130th anniversary celebration on Friday, July 13.
Dr Hyacinth Evans gives the keynote address.
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Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:The Springfield Baptist Church culminated its 130th anniversary with a sparkling awards banquet at its education centre in Springfield, south St James.

"This is indeed a cause for celebration. We celebrate 130 years of existence, the work the church has done in community development and continues to do," said guest speaker Dr Hyacinth Evans, professor of teacher education at the University of the West Indies' Institute of Education.

"The Baptist Church in Jamaica has had a rich history and has empowered our foreparents through education, spiritual, and religious guidance, as well as material support, and Springfield Baptist is one of those churches established for the expressed purpose of aiding poor peasants, building the community, and meeting the social needs of its members."

The event observed the theme 'The Caring Church: Celebrating the Past, Creating a Brighter Future', and saw some of most prominent members of community being recognised for their contribution to nation building.

BUILDING ON LEGACY

"The past is a signpost for the future, and we have to build on the legacy our foreparents have left us," added Evans. "The Church, from the beginning, has been attentive to the needs of its members. Today, it has a significant role to play in helping the young and the not-so- young to find their place in today's world and in Jamaica itself."

Fifteen stalwarts from the community were honoured in various categories: Franklin Binns and Authur Henry for contribution to the civil service; the late Wesley Fowles, Ledger Kellier, and Stainton Mitchell for community service; Hyacinth Evans, Cynthia Grant Brown, Mervis Henry, and Marjorie Fletcher for education; Dr Kenneth Baugh and Minister of Labour and Social Security Derrick Kellier for politics; Dr Allison Nicholson and Edna Mitchell in the field of health; while Everton Anderson, chief executive officer at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, was given a special youth award.