Tribute to the Memory of
Mr. Ivan Gustavius “IG”Campbell
From
The Bethlehem Alumni whom he Served.
(Written by Lucinda Peart Class of 1962)
“IG” – the Composite Educator
To us, his students of the 50s and 60s, “IG” was the remarkable, composite educator. He was science teacher, literary genius, hymnologist, Christian, humorist, and cartoonist.
“IG” was as much at ease with Science content, the scalpel, the formaldehyde, the beaker, and the microscope as he was with the literary geniuses of that beloved part of his colonial education. Students were entertained with such relevant, impromptu icebreakers as quotes from Shakespeare’s “the quality of mercy is not strained; /It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven/Upon the place beneath…/It blesseth him that gives and him that takes…” The Merchant of Venice (IV.i.)
I’d omit this quote-Or, “And this our life, exempt from public haunt,/Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything.”. As You Like It (II.i.1–17).
As a humorist, when “IG” laughed, both his hearers and he experienced seismic exhilaration. Of course his characteristic cough and mopping of the eyes followed. He used humour even in disciplining his students. When a weird response was made/given? for a question, he pleaded with the gods, saying, “Angels and ministers of grace have mercy!” Be sure that that plea was answered by future knowledge of the facts. We remain unclear whether he was lecturing the process of digestion or cautioning us about the road to obesity, when he recited the ditty: “It’s a funny thing, as funny as can be; That what ‘Miss T’ eats turns into ‘Miss T’”
The cartoonist in him silently satirized late comers to his classes. They would be met with a chalkboard cartoon, depicting a woman lying on a bed, her feet hanging over the bed-foot. The cloud would read: “Lying longer in bed!”/ “Too long in bed!”
We were also blessed to have our highly respected – even revered – tutor as lay preacher on some Sundays; certain of the fact that we would be inspired and entertained with his stories, parables and history behind one of the hymns. One of us who (fancied herself) -thought she was -his favourite, still repeats his popularly quoted stanza from JG Whittier’s hymn-
“I know not where his islands lift/Their fronded palms in air/I only know I cannot drift beyond His love and care.”
Indeed, “IG”, you have drifted right into God’s face-to-face love and care, where you have already been greeted by hundreds of your students and by such other Bethlehem professional greats as Basil MacLeavy,
P.E.S Craig, Audrey Cooke and Millicent Knight.
And so, “IG”, we shall always celebrate your greatness of personality, character, knowledge and pedagogy. You remain our model teacher even as we have also ridden on the gentle waves of the ripple effects of your holistic teaching.
Yes, “IG”, you live on in us and in our offspring, substantiating Ovid’s truism that “All things change, but nothing dies. “
So, along with John Donne, we say, “Death, be not proud, though some have called thee/ Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; /…One short sleep past, we wake eternally/ And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.”
Bye “IG”! You will be there to welcome us in the morning.
AKIM STEVE CLAYTON (ASC)
In Acrostics
ASK (ASC) him any favour; consider it already well accomplished
Kindled kindness to all for him knew no bounds
Imitating daily Jesus, his Master and Saviour,
Made him The Admired, The Adored, The Respected.
And so we celebrate Akim
Admired, adored, respected
Boy on whose life we have long reflected
Child so mannerly and magnanimous
Forever we’ll sing this blessed chorus:
Akim the kind; Akim the humble;
Akim, the man who rarely grumbled.
Sunshine: flowing fluid golden in easy, handsome smile
Tenderhearted, outwardly unruffled by personal injustice
Effervescent artist, perfect, glittering artisan – proud handiwork
Vigilant as an eagle for the welfare of family
Eager to excel, eager to serve, eager to please.
Clay? No! Welded of sterner stuff than clay!
Limitless in easy-temper, peacemaking, respect for women
Altruistic – he gave his lungs, in giving life to others
Yes, Akim will remain immortal on earth as he is in heaven
Together with the saints earth bound and those who have flown to their
Omnipotent Father – his unfailing Father
New electrifying life he now forever enjoys!
So we immortalize Akim
Akim ascended in a flash
Before the bamboo was dashed
Before the fruit had crashed
But our hopes are not dashed
Because in the twinkling of an eye
We’ll unite with him in the shocking cloudy sky
Forever with the Lord
Singing with one accord: Alleluia! Alleluia!
For the Lord God Almighty reigns…
Alleluia
Holy
Holy are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb…
Tribute
to the Life of
Mr. Evon Clarke (“Bigs”)
From
His Neighbours
in Buena Vista Circle & Buena Vista Drive
“A Heart of Gold Turned a Golden Heart”
Lord Byron’s truism refers to Evon:“Whom the god loves dies young.”
If the Buena Vista neighbourhood knew that God would have taken back Evon to Himself so soon, we would have publicly awarded him the “Medal for Model Community Committed Compatriot”.
The record of this gentle, soft-spoken giant makes a long poetry of incomparable service to us. Here are the stanzas:
Friendliness, Gentleness and Courtesy: A warm welcome to new residents, being uniquely pleasant to all.
His standard courtesy, soft voice and winning smile made him readily approachable and opened the door to seek his assistance.
In Jamaican parlance, the brother was just plain “mannasable”!
Genie-like Helpfulness: Free consultancy on hip replacement surgery.
His eyes would glisten if he could see his elderly “patient” walking without a cane.
On the type of car that would be safe and free from police hassle; workers for different tasks; jumpstart cable and voluntary operating; pressure washer with an operator; landscape groomer, …
Lending scale and weighing luggage late into the night for early morning flight.
Comforting an anxious mother as he pressed the gas of his “ambulance” to reach the UHWI to save her daughter’s life.
Twice lifting that same mother, in her illness, from her car to upstairs.
His vehicle, the Circle taxi in times of need:
When he helped one neighbour to her workplace, his response to her thanks was,
“Yuh want mi to come back foh yuh lata. Ma’am?”
Who filled the potholes with bought asphalt? Evon!
Buena Vista Eye: Not nosey, but empowered with a security tool, he was caringly watchful.
Evon’s CCTV Cameras covered several neighbours.
We owe him a debt of gratitude
The Working Community’s Alarm Phone: When “Girls Galore” hiccupped its warm-up fumes at 4:00 a.m., it was time to be on the go like Evon.
Exceptional Animal Lover and Amateur Vet.
Maybe that was the reason for his ungated yard.
Evon cried when his pet goat died in “kidbirth”.
A neighbour’s injured dog went by himself to Evon’s garage and received tender, healing attention.
That was Evon!
And we community members were beneficiaries of his heart of gold, “as big as a cloudless sky.”
Evon, the light that still shines from your house is a symbol of the lighthouse that you were to this community.
You have taught us that“Our lives are not measured in years, but are measured in the lives of people we touch around us.” (Peeta Mellark)
Evon, your exemplary touch of good-neighbourliness is permanent; we pattern your lifestyle.
Farewell our dear Evon!
Your heart of gold is now the golden heart that decorates our lives and homes
And gives us a little glimpse of Heaven.
Be at peace until we see you again!
The weather weeps with us as we in the Buena Vista Circle and Drive try to dry our melting hearts at the Homegoing of Evon/ “Bigs”.
We offer our condolences to his son, his mother, sister, nephews and other relatives.
Contributed by Audrey (USA), Verna, Claudette, Dottie, Marcia; Patrice, Wray and Wrayon; Roselee, and Lucinda, on behalf of the neighbourhood.
Tribute to the Life of
Sister Bethude “Peggy” Peart
From
The Female Spouses of the Moravian Manses
(Written by Lucinda “Lucindagrace” Peart)
“Peggy, the Prudent Poetry of the Parsonage”
The name, Bethude “Peggy” Peart has been indelibly etched in the historical granite of the Moravian Church as a woman involved in ministry from the pulpit of the manse. Her emulative dedication to church, community and nation-building spanned over four decades, but the quintessential fragrance of her effective influence has paralleled that of the alabaster box of ointment used by another noble woman.
Two seminal incidents became the genesis of Peggy’s becoming the capable wife of the Late Rev. Vincent Ignatius Peart in 1950: First, God subtly inspired the teenage Peggy through Presbyterian Scottish missionaries. Rev. Matthier taught her to type and presented her with a book, entitled, The Little Minister. Second, Mrs. Iris Sangster, daughter of another missionary, groomed her in the creative life skills of crocheting, tatting, knitting, embroidery, elocution, drama and vocal music which “Sis. Peggy” executed well in the development of her supportive ministry.
The Moravian Ministry may be divided into four phases: the colonial, the independence; the post-independence; and the contemporary. Petite Peggy’s productive manse life was a colossus across the first three phases.
In those good old days, the minister’s wife was expected to support her husband in ministry, and Sis. Peggy did so, not just because it was an expectation from the several congregations they served, but, as she said, even if she had not married a clergyman, she would have served the Lord in the church at the same extraordinary level.
In every congregation they served – Carisbrook (St. Elizabeth); Beaufort (Westmoreland); Albion (St. James); Bethany, and Mizpah (Manchester); and Harbour View (Kingston) – Sis. Peggy was the leading sister in ministry. This she did in the most self-effacing, versatile fashion,which, along with her inimitable sense of humour, endeared her to youth and adult. She founded branches of the Upward and Onward Society for girls, and the Moravian Women’s Fellowship at Carisbrook. In her gentle, unassuming style she was able to persuade Beeaufort’s sophisticated women of the Jamaican Federation of Women to switch from that organization and establish a branch of the Moravian Women’s Fellowship there.
This competent, dedicated minister’s spouse served as chorister, Sunday School teacher, writer of Sunday School curriculum for Kindergarten, Primary and Junior grades; artistic interior decorator of the sanctuaries, including the Moravian insignia at Harbour View; a mentor for Youth Fellowship; and proficient coach for elocution, drama and music for the Moravian Youth Rally competitions. She hosted children in the mission houses, and a woman now tells of how Sis. Peggy taught her to use knife and fork – a once highly respected skill in the dining finesse of Jamaica.
Although Sis. Peggy worked as a teacher from nine to four, she and the women of Bethany founded a Prayer Morning session where she spent from 8:00 to 8:45 then left for school, confident of capable sisters to continue.
The narrative of Bethany’s Women’s Fellowship helped to change the Annual Provincial Fellowship Day from worship and a mini Denbigh Show Competition to just monetary contributions. Why? Everyone knew that Bethany, led by Sis. Peggy, would always be awarded the trophy for all-round excellence. Because of her exceptional connection with the Bethany women, she had to promise them to work with them even when she relocated to Mizpah.
While she served in Manchester she became more involved in the provincial administration of the auxiliaries of the church; and soon became a President of the Moravian Women’s Fellowship. Later in Harbour View she represented the Moravian Women’s Fellowship on the Council for Voluntary Social (CVSS); and worked with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).
One of her innovations at Harbour View was a manse family performing arts exposé that created an awareness of what manse life entailed – even to the point of the young people imitating their parents in their bringing-up approaches. And what a transformer that was! The congregants became sharply and amusingly aware that their pastor and family were earthly creatures too. We can hear such remarks as, “Mi neva know sey so much talent and joke back-a manse wall!” Relationships became closer.
Her children, especially Grace and Angel grew into the same involvement and became her capable assistants in ministry. Now, on their own, their mother’s zest for service in the church continues in broader enhanced ways.
As a widow, Sis. Peggy’s manse ministry continued through her many gifts. She published poetry, songs and selected soul-soothing Bible verses to comfort the elderly in their seasons of life. Sis Peggy was also a model, holy telephone gossiper with people who were ill, confined to home, or experienced spiritual lapses.
Sacred ministry was a part of her DNA; so even recently she trained four boys in her community to sing at a social event, the songs she wrote.
This saintly poetry of the parsonage intimately intertwined wifehood, motherhood, ministry, and social work and has bequeathed to the service of the world three eminent educators, a dedicated accountant and an international composer and musician – well-trained and sent to serve elsewhere with the Master Gardener.
Now Sis. Peggy prays with Jesus for those who will bring to reality her dreams of further publication and the founding of a Sunday School in her neighbourhood.
She also continues to pray for the manse wives to grow in committed service as the ministry passes through its post-independence, contemporary and future phases.
Mine is the happy sorrow of celebrating the beautiful life of Sis. Peggy – a model woman of God, clothed with dignity and strength, a poem of graciousness; a template for pastoral virtues.
July 2016
TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE
OF
Derek Peart
FROM
Lowel Morgan
Friend, Attorney & Confidant
Saturday. December 7, 2019
Mona Baptist church
Emboldened to Execute, Courageous to Expire
Having been impressed with his brilliance and wisdom, I followed his career with interest as he blazed the corporate ranks from Citizens Bank to, Island Victoria Bank, Exim Bank, and finally the Executive Director for the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission. Although we were both busy professionals we never lost touch of each other over the years.
That was Derek’s stance in life, but it was Derek’s handling of the fact of death that heightened my esteem of the man.
Derek seemed to have partnered with John Donne, the preeminent English lyricist and Anglican cleric who faced death with a daring Christian approach. I could almost hear Derek challenging death when the pronouncement of his last stage cancer was made by his doctor overseas. Derek must have looked Death straight in the eye, as he would a Board member or colleague, and declared:
“Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
…
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
Derek reaffirmed for me that I do not and cannot fight against the inevitable. Everyone has to die. Death itself/himself shall die, as John Donne contends.
When Derek heard the undeniable result of a test in 2018, this larger-than-life executive was not overcome by a groundswell of helplessness. Instead he pragmatically applied his management strategies to his own personal affairs. Right to his last breath.
Derek affirmed my legal knowledge and personal philosophy about avoiding add-on stress to my family at the time of my demise. He gave priority to his Last Will and Testament. He stepped into my office with the assurance of a man who had just received a clean bill of health from his doctor, and requested that I counsel him through the process of the Document.
It was somewhat unnerving for me but Derek’s attitude of corporate correctness soon put me at ease. It was he who specifically dictated the terms of his Will and was ready to explain, rephrase, and defend his terms of the distribution of his estate until he was satisfied with the completed Document. He ensured that I had the names and contact numbers of his significant others.
Another attribute of Derek’s that enlarged my own values and attitudes was his dominant and enduring family values. I could not miss that estimable quality in the loving, fatherly way he spoke of his adopted daughter, Tricia Hinds. He always lauded her for her helpfulness to him. Not many men often refer to a daughter as “a tower of strength.”
Derek was so ready to board “FLIGHT FINAL” that he seemed to have held firm to Jim Eliot’s word: “When the time comes to die, make sure that all you have to do is die!” He earthly business was concluded to the nth degree.
(Turn to the urn)
My brother, I shall miss your learned, organized, civil presence and I shall treasure the many things you taught me via the incidental mode.
Kristina Morris declares, “People die every day and the world goes on as if nothing happened.” But not so with you, Derek Peart. You were a person whom people loved and valued. So everyone has stopped and taken notice. Derek, you were a good human being and a consummate professional. The world will continue to grieve and light candles to continue your well-defined trail in the growth and development of Jamaica.
According to R.W. Raymond, “Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” (Rossiter Worthington Raymond)
So until the horizon expands into eternity, rest well, good soldier!
Bio of a Friend Commissioned
By natoy allen [email protected]
Written by Lucinda “Lucindagrace” Peart
Thu, Mar 28, 2019 at 5:42 PM
Thorly James was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica to Samuel and Cleopatra James.
It was his mother, his first teacher, who began to show Thorly the way of the Lord in his formative years at the Darliston Seventh-day Adventist Basic School.
Thorly opened his heart to Jesus and was baptized at the tender age of eight years. He grew with a heart for service the more he heard and understood God’s call. Thus, Thorly served as Deacon and Pathfinder Director at the Darliston Seventh-day Day Adventist Church in Westmoreland, Jamaica.
Thorly remained a conduit for the Lord even as he relocated to Brooklyn, New York. He has served the Mamre SDA church as a Deacon, an Usher, Personal Ministries Director, Head Deacon, Men’s Ministry Leader, Elder and AYM Leader.
Thorly also currently serves as the Chaplain for the Brooklyn South Staten Island Youth Federation.
Thorly is formally educated as an Engineer and works in aerospace. He enjoys the cathartic feeling of playing golf, working out, getting creative in the kitchen.
Thorly has developed a deep appreciation for people and bringing them into a love relationship with God. He knows that “The day of the Lord is at hand” and only “the pure in heart…will see God.” And with this in mind he lives and he serves.
as developed a deep appreciation for people and bringing them into a love relationship with God. He knows that “The day of the Lord is at hand” and only “the pure in heart…will see God.” And with this in mind he lives and he serves.
EULOGY
FOR
Mr. Audley Hewitt
(Audley means “Old Friend”)
December 27, 1956 – October 24, 2019
cranked up the lives
shifted up the gears
AN EXTRAORDINARY
Auto Mechanic engineer
In 1956, the manufacturers in Sweden were assembling the Volvo Amazon and the Volvo 1900; the makers in the United States of America (USA) were constructing the BMW 507; and Ford was crafting the Continental Mark 11.
It was at very that time in Jamaica, that Oscar and Atrene Hewitt were busily helping the Master Creator God to assemble the tiny, intricate parts of a baby who screamed his entrance into the world, December 27, with the brand name. “Audley Hewitt.”
And what a post-Christmas celebration it was in the deep rural district of Top Hill, Westmoreland, Jamaica!
Cheers to the only prince that would have been among eight (8) princesses!
Faithful to the Christian faith, Audley’s parents grew up him and his eight siblings in the fear and admonition of the Lord with the help and guidance of the Revival Catholic Church, Westmoreland.
Like most boys, Audley had exciting childhood days. Growing up in Westmoreland, he attended St. Paul’s Primary School, and transitioned to Little London High School.
Strangely, although so far away for the building of cars around the world, the boy grew with nothing on his mind but motor vehicles. He was virtually learning from those far off car inventors from he was in his mother’s womb.
This rage for mastering the engine took him on a journey to Automotive Training College, Kingston, Jamaica.
His dreams had come true and launched him into the always-oily, and soiled-overcoat career of Motor Mechanical Engineering.
Audley’s hands were always coated with grease; they were superbly skilled in the knowledge and practice of the operations of every complex part of motor vehicle engines. Consequently, he would brag to those who might have looked down on him: “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. Which is why Engineers sometimes smell really bad.”
This career was what Audley thoroughly enjoyed!
This was the life for him!
However, the call from Westmoreland to Kingston was the beginning of a long journey away from the “Home Sweet Home” kerosene oil lamp lights of Top Hill, to ever-brighter lights and bigger cities.
Certainly, Audley must have decided like Ayn Rand, a Russian-American writer and philosopher, that “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”
Consequently, in Kingston, Jamaica, he worked professionally as an Auto Mechanic for thirty-five (35) years at Barrett’s Volvo Company. To have worked at that premier Volvo specialist garage tells the world that Audley was the crème de la crème of his craft.
Indeed, he found out what he liked doing best, and got someone to pay him for it. (Adapted from Katharine Whitehorn)
After his extended sojourn at Barrett’s, Audley responded to the call from his loving sisters, and migrated to the USA to join them. Unable to escape the love of his life, and having made his name as a famous auto mechanical engineer, he worked as an Auto Mechanic for Onsite Development Contractors, Charlotte, Charlotte NC. Indeed, Audley believed in the maxim that declares, “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” (Chris Grosser)
What a man!
In spite of his love for things mechanic, Audley was also quietly human. He had many friends and was a kind, loving, caring and compassionate parent, especially to Javardo Hewitt, his youngest child and eventually his best friend, perhaps because he was the last to fly from the nest. Audley carried into adulthood his admirable childhood characteristics of generosity – giving and sharing whatever he had, even if it was a candy that he was eating. Is it any wonder that his name means “old friend”? Without knowing the origin of “Audley”, and its meaning, his parents named him well! And he unconsciously demonstrated the meaning of his name. These distinctive traits must have been instilled in him by his home and village culture, having belonged to a solid family structure of eleven (11), within a close-knit community.
Audley lived a rich life. However, just shy of his sixty-third (63rd) birthday, the clarion call came from his Creator on October 24, 2019. He was surrounded by his endearing family. at the Atrium Hospital, formerly CMC Hospital, Charlotte NC.
Audley answered the call bravely, closed his eyes and drew his final whispering breath.
Left to treasure many wonderful memories of Audley are his eight (8) sisters:
Lurline Hewitt, (Florida)
Daffodil Hewitt(Myers) (Charlotte, NC)
Grace Hewitt, (London England)
Pricilla Hewitt (Robinson) (Charlotte, NC)
Aneita Hewitt (Wilson (Charlotte, NC.)
Jenice Hewitt (Jamaica)
Lencent Hewitt (Brown) (Jamaica) and
Erica Hewitt (Florida)
In his second generation he is missed by doting granddaughter: Tianna Major; hero-worshipping grandson: Teveraux Major; one aunt, an uncle; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.
Audley, Old Friend, Father, Brother, Uncle Cousin and Friend, we shall live in the light of memories of you. We shall remember with sweet assurance that
Those we love don’t go away;
They walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard but always near
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
So we say Farewell, Audley!
In Christian faith, we hope to burst the tombs together with you at the sound of the trumpet. and enjoy walking on air as Jesus escorts us into Glory.
“And so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)
HALELUJAH!!!
The Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
Moravian Women’s Fellowship
Tribute to the Life of Sister Adelaide Sharpe –
“Miss Sharpe”
Fairfield Moravian Church
January 19, 2004
Written and presented by Lucinda Peart (MWF Executive Member)
The Moravian Daily Texts never fails to have the appropriate word for the occasion! Today’s Doctrinal text says:
Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 1 Peter4:10
And the hymn verse that follows reads:
Let us each for others care
Each other’s burden bear,
To your church a pattern give,
Showing how believers live.
Sister Adelaide was the quintessence of how Christians in general, and we as Moravian women’s Fellowship sisters, in particular, should live. She modeled the Organization’s motto: “With goodwill doing service as unto the Lord.”
(Ephesians 6:7)
I had a dream that I was wandering about in heaven when Miss Sharpe arrived there during worship service at the Fairfield Moravian Church on New Year’s Sunday, 2004.
I paused when I saw her and eavesdropped from behind and angel’s wing. I now share with you the conversation I overheard between Miss Sharpe and St. Peter.
Peter: Hi Adelaide! You have made a dramatic entry, leaving your congregation in shock
Adelaide (Shyly and with a little chuckle): I really didn’t want to disturb the service, you know, but that’s the way the Lod planned it, So here I am.
Peter (Embracing her): you are a woman of my style; that’s how I liked excitement when I was on earth. It was a beautiful way to make your transition into glory.
Adelaide: Well, you know, I am just so overjoyed to be here. I want to see Jesus, so may I move on?
Peter: No, my friend, not before you tell me what’s your claim to fame since the blood of Jesus cleansed you.
Adelaide: Hmmmm! Really can’t think of fame.
Peter: What about your service in giving music to the Fairfield congregation for so many years?
Adelaide: Music, St. Peter? I just tried my best. I was not a Lloyd Hall nor a noel Dexter, so that’s nothing to mention.
Peter: So you think. From where I sit up here your music was most melodious, and enriched the worship services and other functions tremendously.
Adelaide: Peter, you must be joking!
Peter: Not at all! You gave of your best, especially behind the scenes. Do you know how many Church Board meetings you influenced with your suggestions for church development to your best friend and cousin? Do you know how many children you gave life as a teacher who nurtured brain and belly? Do you know how many young people you showed the Lord as you taught Sunday School? Do you know how you encouraged the hearts of your ministers as you travelled about four (4) miles on Sundays to serve the church, and then on Monday again for prayer meeting? Do you know how many fundraising projects benefited from your backstage direction and monetary contributions? You were not only a wonderful member of the Fairfield Moravian church but of the universal Christian Church. You must have been a member of the Moravian Women’s Fellowship; your life truly modeled the motto of that Organization.
Adelaide: Brother Peter, please don’t flatter me! You make me blush! I was just doing my best in my little corner. I didn’t realize that Heaven as really taking note.
Peter: O yes. Whatever little we do at our best, behind the curtains or on stage for others, we do for Jesus, and it ie precious in his sight. He honours us for it.
Adelaide: Thank you, Jesus!!! Thank you, Peter!!! Listen, can I go back to Jamaica for a little while and share this fantastic experience with my Women’s Fellowship sisters? I am sure they would all begin to do much more that you said I did.
Peter: O, no, my sister. They will hear and be reminded about the need for doing their best in service to the Lord on the day they celebrate your life at what the folk on earth call “funeral service”. Here is your crown. Look at the stars!! Let me put it on your bid head. There you go! Now you are ready to see Jesu in person.
Adelaide: I can’t wait!! (Runs off)
Peter (Calling out to her): Remember to cast your crown at the feet of Jesus!!
But I don’t think she heard Peter’s last words; she had dashed off so fast. There was neither weight nor arthritis to slow her down!
When I woke up, I was inspired to work harder in my own service to the Lord.
May we all follow Miss Sharpe’s great example.
Sister Adelaide Sharpe, organist of Fairfield Moravian Church, embodied the essence of this “Musician’s Prayer”?