Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be throne, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [Colossians 1:15-18]
Some years ago, when I was teaching at the Charles W. Saunders Baptist School, I came across a cardboard box of papers that was headed to the garbage. Noticing a large envelope, I thought to rescue it and look inside. Easily I recognized that there were four photographs of prominent Baptist leaders who had since gone on to their eternal reward.
Photograph one: There he was smiling -- that face so pious and humble. Even if you were not familiar him with him could read sterling qualities of a chosen man of God. The Reverend Dr. Timothy E.W. (T.E.W.) Donaldson was the superintendent of the St. John's Baptist Church (some 70-plus of them), and the pastor of the St. John's Particular Church of Baptists. He was not tall in stature, but a giant in spiritual values. He was the consummate under-shepherd of the sheep.
I remembered as a child his words from Holy Scripture as he began service reminding all who had come to worship that "The Lord is in his holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before him." That face, that smile seemed to say, "I have fought a good fight. I have kept the faith. I have finished my course. Today the St. John's Church continues to recognize who indeed is the real head of the church.
Photograph two almost placed you in the middle of the many scenes and stories of missionary journeys to the Family Islands on wind-powered vessels. The Rev. Talmadge Sands, whose very fair complexion at the time, made us feel proud that when among other ecclesiastical luminaires of the day, all of us were really one. He was the superintendent of the Zion Group of Churches and held responsibility of some 70-plus churches and pastor of Zion Baptist Church. He loved to recall stories of his many visits and souls that were saved by the grace of God. The Zion Baptist Church still stands downtown Nassau calling sinners from decadence to excellence in Jesus Christ.
Photograph three was the face of one who knew what it was to be in the valley of socially maladjusted bones that had been bleached by the fierce rays of oppression, ostracism, rejection and denial. His voice was resonant so that the surrounding yearning hills could hear the clarion call of freedom. He had come from obscurity to open sea and was prepared academically and spiritually to lead a people from out of darkness to bright light. His name was Rev. Dr. Harcourt (H.W.) Brown, pastor of the Historic Bethel Baptist Church the mother of Baptists Churches in The Bahamas and a historical being in bringing about Majority Rule to a people long denied. Today Bethel's pastor still meets at the same meeting place with the same message of healing for soul, mind and body.
Photograph four was like that of a compass that is set on its course and no adverse weather would cause it to change. Confident of who was really the captain of his ship and who knew where the rocks, shoals, reefs and danger areas were, his was to keep the ship steady when visibility was nil. He had come from George Town, Exuma, to the capital to join his family already here. One night he answered to the call to go into The Ministry. He was a pioneer, spiritual luminaire, orator, educator, liberator and pastor, of Mission Baptist Church
. Forty years ago when The Commonwealth of The Bahamas became an independent nation, as president of the Christian Council, through the Word of God he declared that we are a chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation, peculiar people. Pastor of Mission Baptist Church, the name Reuben Edward (R.E.) Cooper, Sr. lives on in the hearts and minds of a people long after the end of his earthly sojourn, and the church continues to be in the heart of the nation with the nation in its heart.
Indeed as I looked at those photographs and view the church then and now, I think of all the tumult and war that is going on in churches. I also think of the many souls that have been saved through the preaching of the Word and the singing of psalms, spiritual songs and hymns. I think of the saints of old, who even if they came before the throne rough-dry, nevertheless came with pure hearts, minds and just consciences.
Quick to forgive and ready to confess, they had no hidden agenda. There was no time for squabble and name calling of who was saved and who was not. There was no thought of being better, more educated or the like than the other. Everyone was brother or sister so and so. Giving was a part of living and all praises went to him from whom all blessings come.
We as Christians must be known not by our flowery speeches, fiery sermons or noble deeds, but by our love for each. It matters not if one is poor, down and out, inside or outside, dark brown or white, a member of the church in the wildwood or the national cathedral, he or she is still our brother and our sister. The text today speaks words loud and clear as to our behavior as children of the most-high God and the Body of Christ.
Not until we be bonded together in no other name but the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, humble ourselves and pray, become humble and turn from our wicked ways, can the Church with one accord harmoniously and chorally respond amen, amen and amen.
o E-mail rubyanndarling@yahoo.com, write to P.O. Box 19725 SS Nassau, Bahamas with your prayer requests, concerns and comments. God's Blessings.
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