ARCHBISHOP GRANVILLE WILLIAMS, the patriarch of the Sons of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Church passed away this afternoon at his Ealing Grove, Christ Church, home.
Williams had been ailing for some time, but at the start of the year, he had resumed light duties in the church.
One church member told THE NATION he was shocked to learn of the Archbishop’s death as he had recently chaired several meetings on important church matters. He said Williams had been in charge for the full length of the meetings and did not appear to be unwell.
In a recent interview with THE NATION, Williams said “in the name of the Lord” he still expects to return to the pulpit.
He said he had missed the church during his period of illness.
“Everybody would know what sickness does to you. I cannot get around as I would like to do – [as] I am accustomed doing.
“The sickness that I am passing through is not a sickness like other people’s. Mine is a kind of mourning too,” Williams added, but declined to elaborate.
Williams had not named successor although he was in his 90s, but gave the assurance that the church, which has traditionally played an integral role at several ceremonial events associated with the Crop Over Festival, would continue to be involved in those activities even if he was unable to attend. (SAT)
