Foursquare Gospel Church recognises long‑serving ministers
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Reverend Derrick Ashmeade makes remarks at the appreciation service held at Foursquare Gospel Church in Annotto Bay, St Mary.
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From left: Lynneve Flemming, Winston Flemmings, Levan Blye, Jennifer Spicer‑Davis, Stanley Brown, and Derrick Ashmeade, organiser of the appreciation ceremony.
Six clergy members were honoured Sunday during an appreciation service at the Foursquare Gospel Church in Annotto Bay, St Mary.
Those recognised included Reverend Stanley Brown, Reverend Jasmine White, Reverend Winston Flemmings, Minister Lynneve Flemmings, Minister Jennifer Spicer-Davis, and Minister Levan Blye, each with decades of service across various communities.
Richard Davis, president of the Foursquare group of churches in Jamaica, praised the honourees for what he described as their “stellar performance, contribution, and commitment” not only in preaching and teaching but also in guiding and assisting residents, including the less fortunate. “We have gathered here to honour and to celebrate those among us who have worked tirelessly and have answered the call,” he said. “Your labour is not in vain. God Himself is your strength, God Himself is your reward. Continue to serve with joy and humility.”
Coordinator Reverend Derrick Ashmeade recalled the early struggles of establishing a place of worship in Annotto Bay. “It was a rough period getting to where we are now in this building. We were stoned by some, and we were told that no church was going to be built here at this spot in Annotto Bay, but the grace of God brought us through,” he reflected. He added that the six ministers were best remembered for their passion in serving the least among them.
Guest speaker Minister Tanessia Davis emphasised the importance of answering the call to service, describing it as obedience to God and humanity. “You have been through a lot, and you have been through pain, but you remain committed to what God has called you to do,” she said. “You have worked in the vineyard, and God honours you today. Today we stand as physical men honouring, but God Himself has honoured you. This is a start of great things and not the end. It is the beginning of a new chapter.”
Greetings were also brought by Christopher Brown, member of Parliament for Southeast St Mary; Dion Hunter, councillor for Buff Bay division in West Portland; Reverend Fitzroy Thomas; and Reverend Jasneth Bailey.
Gareth Davis Sr