Philip Saunders’ “solid example of ministerial integrity” to the Methodist Church was reflected in the large turn-out of ministers from across the Caribbean at his funeral service yesterday.
Connexional President of the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas, the Reverend Otto Wade, headed the list of top Methodist officials flying in to pay final respects to Guyana-born Saunders, who served the church in various islands for more than 60 years.
The thanksgiving service at James Street Methodist Church lasting for close to three hours, celebrated the 91-year-old Saunders’ life and contribution with performances by the Bethel Chimers, the combined choirs of all the Methodist circuits in Barbados and a moving rendition of The Holy City by Gaye Gajadhar.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart was among the diverse attendance that included members of the Rotary Club, which bestowed this Rotarian of the cloth with the club’s highest honour.
In the eulogy, Reverend Duane Samm, Superintendent Minister of the Tobago Circuit, spoke about a true leader, a mentor for young Methodist ministers, and a man who moulded, encouraged and “influenced many to give their lives to God and to serve Him”.
Saunders’ daughter Alison Saunders shared a reflection on the father, husband and friend.
“We learnt about the value of showing affection,” she said, adding that through his daily interactions her father taught her and her sister Angela about the importance of true friendship.
Alison added that her father was devoted to her mother Marjorie, to whom he had been married for 58 years.
