Clinton Pickering, Freelance Writer
MONTEGO BAY, St. James:
DIVINE WORSHIP at the St. Paul's United Church in Montego Bay last Sunday took on added significance, as the congregation celebrated the 10th anniversary of the installation of the Honourable Clarence Nelson as custos of St. James.
Custos Nelson, who is an ordained elder of the church, was joined by family members, justices of the peace, and friends in the service of reconsecration.
"You have led us with dignity and grace. We love you very much and we admire you for the way in which you have carried out your duties as custos of this parish," Dorothy Hanson, president of the Lay Magistrates' Association, said, in extending congratulations.
And, in a message read by Mrs. Hanson, Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke said Custos Nelson "has been outstanding". His Excellency commended the custos and noted the "commitment and the dignity with which he carries out his responsibility."
CHURCH ROLE
In responding, Custos Nelson said he chose to be at church to "prayerfully and humbly give God the praise and the glory," the best way to commemorate his first decade of public service. He also paid tribute to the St. Paul's congregation for the role it has been playing in his life.
"You have been the rock from which I have operated," he said. "I have matured in a way that only God could have done and I believe I am just ready for the office now."
He recalled that when he was to be installed in 1995, he was advised by the Governor-General to go to the people of St. James with "cap in hand", and he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love that he has received.
Custos Nelson said he saw the office as a ministry and that he was pleased that he had not been subjected to political interference.
