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Many Bahamians traveled many miles to attend the 44th Long Island Regatta, but little did the average man know the past weekend would also turn out to be the homegoing service of celebration for Anglican Lay Reader William Curthburt "Kaiser" Wilson.
The giant of a man who was extremely short in stature was laid to rest on Saturday, June 4 in the close knit community of Glinton's, Long Island in the churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene where he served for more than 50 years.
Father Chester Burton, rector of St. Peter's Parish, north Long Island, assembled a cadre of altar servers and choir members at the Glinton's Primary School auditorium where the body of Wilson was laid out for public viewing before the funeral procession began its somber march to St. Mary Magdalene a mile away for the service at the church where Wilson once rendered yeoman service to the Anglican community.
Priests from a cross-section of The Bahamas attended the service to celebrate the legacy of Wilson's life. In attendance were Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, who has responsibility for the southern islands; Fr. Stephen Grant, who serves as rector of St. Jude's, Grand Bahama; Fr. Jonathan Archer, rector of St. Paul's, south Long Island and Fr. Burton, rector of St. Peter's Anglican Parish and St. Christopher's in the settlement of Port Nelson, Rum Cay and Catechist Godfrey Styles, who traveled from Exuma to attend the homegoing service and bring condolences on behalf of his rector, Fr. Mario Conliffe.
Many people gave glowing tributes and condolences on behalf of Wilson. Larry Albury (the present lay reader who received the baton from Wilson), Kyle Wilson (the deceased's grandson), and Peter Graham, who employed Wilson for many years after his retirement. They all spoke of Wilson's dependability and love of the Anglican Church.
Archdeacon Cartwright in his sermon extended condolences from Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd who is currently in London, England attending the bishops' meetings, and all other priests who served previously in the parish of St. Peter's in north Long Island. Cartwright also gave condolences on behalf of Catechist Theodore "Ted' Bain from St. Christopher's in Rum Cay, as Wilson in his day, had carried many priests over to Rum Cay, through that treacherous body of water that lies between Long Island and Rum Cay.
The earthly remains of Wilson was buried in the church's graveyard as he had finished his course on earth and now finds "rest and refreshment" with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 90. He was one of those men, who the church will always be indebted to as he gave stellar service to the church he loved so dearly, and many remember him well for riding his bicycle to visit sick members in the north end community.
Wilson's achievements were recorded in his obituary. He never lost the love of his beloved island although he worked on mailboats for a considerable number of years. He captained many mailboats during his lifetime such as "The Kitty," "The Bahama Carroll," "The Angeline" and "The Amanda G." After Wilson's stint as captain of various motor vessels on the tranquil waters, he returned to the island of his birth and married Eva Adderley. The union produced eight children one of whom predeceased both of them but they remained married for a period of 62 years.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
