Empire Club has been lauded for reaching the landmark of 100 years and for the important work it has accomplished.
Such glowing homage was paid by rector of the All Souls Anglican Church in Bank Hall, Rev. Coleridge Darlington as he led a centenary anniversary thanksgiving service yesterday morning which was attended by close to 100 former and current members of Empire.
He spoke to an audience that included the legendary Sir Everton Weekes, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Michael Carrington; president of Empire Adrian King along with Rawle Brancker, Tony King, Michael King, Courtney Selman, umpire Anthony “Indian” Farrell, Senator Gregory Nicholls and many other cricketers, and football and hockey players of the club which is based in Bank Hall.
“Much praise and homage must be given to the benefactors and leaders of your organisation,” Darlington said.
“However, it is not the years that have been most impactful, but what has been achieved in that century where you have offered hope, opportunities and a future not only in sports but in all areas of life.
“That opportunity of change and harmony which has existed at Empire must be built on and maintained as you drive towards attracting new members and pursuing another fruitful 100 years.”
Darlington pointed out that the challenge of ignoring the critics and doing what was right in one’s Christian heart was most meaningful to the existence of the Church as well as clubs like Empire.
“Your leaders and members continue to acknowledge the creator and that formula has proven to be successful and it will continue to be successful as statistics have shown that just a small percentage of persons with criminal records have been those persons who have maintained their upbringing in the church and a structured club.
“We have to get back to being a team, a group of persons working for the benefit of each other and we have seen that in Empire where the club has spread its wings to uplift others and the love, support, attention, discipline and strength has helped many youths to go the right path,” said Darlington.
Before making a presentation to the church, King indicated that Empire would seek to maintain the formula used for the past 100 years as the club continued to offer hope and opportunities for the catchment area of Bank Hall and all of Barbados.
