An exemplar for school chaplains

Former Glenmuir High School principal Monacia Williams says the life and ministry of late school chaplain Alvarine ‘Sister Gem’ Roberts stand as a sterling exemplar for school chaplains, defined by quiet sacrifice, profound compassion and a depth of service whose true reach was often understood only in hindsight.

Roberts, eulogised as a pillar of the institution, died on December 13 last year. She was laid to rest yesterday following her funeral service at St Gabriel’s Anglican Church in May Pen, Clarendon.

While acknowledging that Roberts’ works sometimes unfolded beyond public view, she added, “the hidden works of Alvarine Roberts are hidden in the hearts of many students and teachers alike. I know it is hidden in mine.”

Williams was among several speakers paying tribute to the late chaplain during a memorial service held on Monday at the Sydney Scott Auditorium at Glenmuir High. The solemn, yet celebratory gathering brought together administrators, teachers, students, alumni, board members, clergy and community stakeholders to honour Roberts, who served as chaplain of Glenmuir High and Glenmuir Preparatory School from 1993 to 2023 when she retired.

Reflecting on Roberts’ ministry, Williams said the former chaplain’s life mirrored the message of one of her cherished hymns, Shine, Jesus, Shine. Quoting from its closing verse, As we gaze on your kingly brightness, so our faces display your likeness… mirrored here, may our lives tell your story, Williams added that Roberts’ actions reflected Christ’s likeness and, in doing so, “definitely told Christ’s story.”

SUPPORT FOR ALL THINGS

Williams also underscored Roberts’ role as a source of moral and emotional support to school leadership, particularly in moments requiring discretion and deep empathy. “Sister Gem was my support for all things that required loving one’s neighbour as oneself,” she said. She disclosed that in cases of abuse, Roberts at times became the immediate solution, willingly fostering affected children at no cost to the school.

Her compassion, Williams said, extended seamlessly into moments of grief and crisis. “If there was a death in the school family, Sister Gem became a trusted and willing partner. Together, we would visit and provide the family with a sense of comfort and belonging.”

Williams highlighted Roberts’ pivotal role in shaping the spiritual ethos of the Anglican-based institution. Concerned that the school’s Christian Anglican identity was being diluted, Sister Gem sought to restore depth and meaning to worship.

“Her solution was a hymn of the month,” Williams explained, noting that Sister Gem, alongside former principal Clement Radcliffe, helped to create a school hymnal. She said among Sister Gem’s most beloved selections was One More Step Along the Way I Go, a hymn etched into the memory of generations of Glenmuir students. ‘’Through her ministry, she shaped not only the culture of this school, but the character of generations of students.”

Acting Principal Howard Edwards hailed Sister Gem as “Glenmuir’s Mother Teresa” — a woman whose physical stature belied the immensity of her character. He described Roberts as “a woman of small frame, but towering moral presence,” whose life was marked by unwavering love, gentleness, integrity and compassion.

Edwards noted that she embodied what he termed the “ministry of presence,’’ adding that she was ‘’indeed a gem.’’

“She was a voice of hope in times of struggle, a source of encouragement in our daily school life, and a constant reminder that we are seen, worthwhile and never alone.” Her legacy, he added, is one of faith, kindness and selflessness that has left “a mark on this institution that cannot be erased.”

A GUIDING LIGHT

Attorney-at-law and board member George Clue said that one of Sister Gem’s favourite chorus, Shine, Jesus, Shine, transcended music, and became a reflection of her lived faith. “It became the way she lived. She shone among us as a guiding light, fostering discipline, purpose and spiritual grounding within our school population.”

Clue added, “Her ministry was not confined to sermons or assemblies. It was expressed in every interaction, every prayer and every word of encouragement.” He described her legacy as one marked by “love, peace, faith, warmth, compassion and a steadfast belief that every life mattered.’

Teacher Alona Hall also paid tribute to the authenticity of Roberts’ service. “It was admirable to witness her work, knowing it flowed from genuine love and not merely from duty,” she said. Hall recalled how Roberts would pause staff gatherings to pray for grieving students or colleagues, noting, “Our spirits were always lifted as we sensed how deeply she cared.” That care, she added, extended beyond prayer to visiting the sick and comforting those who mourned.

Clement Radcliffe, former principal, and member of the St Gabriel’s Cure (St Gabriel’s Anglican Church), paid tribute to Roberts’ unwavering willingness to serve the church, schools, and the wider community. Radcliffe highlighted her selfless spirit, dedication, and the quiet, but lasting impact she made through years of faithful service.

Renee Charlton-Wolfe, former principal of Glenmuir Preparatory School, reflected on Roberts’ devotion to service, and her zeal for the spiritual nurturing of children. Wolfe shared that Roberts went beyond the call of duty, ensuring that children were welcomed into the Church by personally arranging transportation, so no child would be left behind.

She added that Roberts had long harboured dreams of establishing a ministry within her Longville Park community, a vision she hopes will be realised in her honour, allowing her legacy of faith, service, and compassion to live on.

Among those paying tribute was former head girl and 2016 Rhodes Scholar Sherona Forrester-Thomas. Former head boy, politician Dr Aujaé Dixon was also among the attendees.

olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com