IT WAS A NIGHT that will long be remembered.
Those who possessed doubts about the amount of talent within our churches were reassured last Sunday night at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.
Hundreds sat glued to their seats as tributes were paid in sign language, dance, drama, music, poetry, prose and speech to mark the appreciation and thanksgiving service put on by the District Board of Administration of the Barbados District of the Wesleyan Holiness Church for Dr Carlyle Williams, who this year stepped down after serving for 24 years as district superintendent of the Wesleyan Church.
However, it was Shelly Rice’s dramatized rendition, which sought to capture William’s early years as a believer that had the audience in fits of laughter.
Her serious message was delivered in the funniest of ways.
Other cultural delights came from the Mount of Praise Dancers. Colourfully attired, they danced to You Haven’t Seen Your Best Days Yet – a fitting tribute to Williams, who was hailed throughout the night, as “a faithful servant”.
Romaine Mayers, of Messiah’s House, also masterfully performed a rhythm poem entitled The Growing Process, while Oreka Hill, Williams’ granddaughter, performed the National Anthem on violin.
Other highlights of the night were selections from the 1980s gospel band The Redemptions; the Wesleyan District Chorale; Bayley’s Primary School; Dominic Haynes, and Sylvester Walrond, who gave a beautiful rendition of May All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful.
In addition, individuals representing the Wesleyan’s Southern, Western, Northern, North Eastern and Central zones performed brilliantly in their tributes to the former district superintendent, his wife and family. (CH)
