By Claude Wilson Freelance writer
For 40 years of ministering service to Burchell Baptist: Rev. Dr. L. Leo Robinson accepts the citation from Baptist Circuit secretary Millicent Jackson (second left) witnessed by member Doris Sterling (left), and Rev. Robert Daley, Pastor of Point Baptist Circuit.
WESTERN BUREAU:
HEAVY SHOWERS, welcomed as "divine showers of blessing", last Sunday did nothing to dampen the celebratory spirit of the "Service of Recognition" honouring Rev. Dr. Lester Leo Robinson for 40 years of service to the Burchell Baptist Church community in Montego Bay.
With the Rev Dr. George Simpson, pastor of the Mount Carey circuit of Baptist churches, officiating, the programme saw several speakers, including the Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, praising the service of the Reverend Robinson.
In his tribute, the Governor-General said that on many occasions he had sought the spiritual counsel and prayers of Reverend Robinson who he said came to Montego Bay at a time when Jamaica was searching for a philosophy and a way of life that would bring a blessings to all. "He has left his mark in this regard," Sir Howard said.
Bringing greetings on behalf of the Jamaica Baptist Union and the Caribbean Baptist Union, Rev Neville Callam described Rev. Robinson as a man of faith who reached out to shepherd God's people.
"Dr. Robinson is a man who is committed to proclaiming God's word, to teach God's truth and to demonstrate God's care," said the pastor of Tarrant Baptist Church.
He reminded the large congregation that since the work of the Baptists started in Jamaica in 1783, God has provided many great leaders of the church and the community. Numbered among such leaders were George Lisle, Moses Baker, George Gibbs, Sam Sharpe, James Phillips, William Knibb, S.S. James and even more recently Sam Reid, and Lester Leo Robinson of Montego Bay.
Reverend Lester Leo Robinson was ordained as minister in August 1960 and inducted into pastoral service at the Burchell Baptist circuit in October of that same year.
For 40 years, according to the many citations, he would shepherd his flocks simultaneously as he served the Montego Bay community as a marriage officer, Justice of the Peace, teacher and counsellor.
A graduate of Emmanuel University in the US, with a Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Laws degrees, the former teacher is the current chaplain for the Association of Past Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and provides ministerial support to many organisations in the western city.
The "Service of Recognition", set in the elegance of the Burchell sanctuary, richly decorated with floral arrangements, was further enhanced by the rich sacred music presented by the Burchell and Tower Hill Baptist choirs and a moving performance of the Burchell Dynamic Gospel Band.
In responding to the overwhelming show of gratitude, Reverend Robinson quoted from the scripture, in Philippians 3: 13-14. "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus".
Participating ministers included Rev. Karl B. Johnson, moderator of the St. James Baptist Association, Rev. Dylan Toussaint, who delivered the sermon, Rev. Lindsay Moncrieffe and Rev. Neville Callam.
- Contibuted
