Vincentians in New York on Sunday began their 44th anniversary of political independence from Great Britain with an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (SMUMC) at the corner of Beverly Road and Ocean Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn. The country attained its independence on Oct. 27, 1979.

Several members of the Vincentian clergy officiated in the near three-hour-long service that was organized by the Brooklyn-based Vincentian umbrella group, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, Inc. (COSAGO), in conjunction with the Manhattan-based Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United States.

The service was punctuated with lofty singing, preaching, praying and reading of the scriptures.

The Rev. Ronald Baily, pastor of Abundant Life Ministries in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, served as liturgist, with Apostle the Rev. Dr. Lemuel Samuel, pastor of Chebar Evangelical Assembly, Inc., on Park Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, bringing the Word.

The Rev. Derwin Grant, pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Crown Heights, prayed for the government and people of the United States; Pastor Louis Straker, Jr., of Reflections Church in East Flatbush, prayed for the youth and young adults; Bishop Robert Yearwood, of Elim Spiritual Baptist, prayed for Vincentian organizations; and Pastor Dorage Stephens, of Victory Seventh Day Adventist Church, prayed for the “Faithfully Departed.”

Male members of the Chancel Choir of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Photo by Nelson A. King

“We thank you, dear Father, so you have brought us through many obstacles,” Pastor Stephens prayed. “We’re thankful, dear Father, that you have given us strength.

“Lord, we pray that the Holy Spirit of God will be developed on this land,” he added. “Lord, you are the one who will fight for us. Bring us back together.”

In his message, “The meaning of Independence Day,” Apostle Samuel, used, as his text, Exodus 12:26: “And it shall come to pass when your children shall say unto you, what mean ye by this service”.

He preached that Moses had “the monumental task: to represent God to the people (spiritual leader); to represent the people before God (political leader); to suppress personal interest for national good (servant leader); and to bear and share the message (sentinel).

Erlene Williams-King addresses congregation on behalf of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Photo by Nelson A. King

“Moses challenged the people to take what is called ‘a retrospective look,’” he said. “After 430 years in slavery, look back at the time, when there were plenty of happiness. They were also challenged to look back at the difficulties they experienced.

“Can we look back to Chatoyer (Vincentian national hero) to fight for justice and peace? Dr. Samuel asked. “For us to understand Independence Day, there must be a retrospective look.”

But he added that Moses had challenged the people to do “an introspection look into themselves.

“The question is asked of us: Can you do an introspection for the sacrifices others have made?” Apostle Samuel asked. “Do we love our nation as we often say? Do we really love our nation? Loving our nation means we must put our nation above self.

“We, as Vincentians, are called to do an introspection,” he continued. “Moses challenged the people to do and take a prospective look; it means to look to the future. Where is St. Vincent and the Grenadines heading? Where is the moral fabric in our society? Where are our values?

“We must look at the chorus (in the Vincentian national anthem): ‘What ere the future brings, our faith will see us through…’” Apostle Samuel said. “As Vincentians and as Christians, we can only have that great reunion when God comes. It is my prayer that we’ll continue to believe God for greater things for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Erlene Williams-King, a member of SMUMC’s Chancel Choir and COSAGO, brought greetings on behalf of the church before rendering operatically “He has the Whole World in His Hands.”

“Forty-four years of independence are a wonderful thing; it’s a great celebration,” she said.

Williams-King’s daughter, Abena Amory, a musical artiste, had earlier led the national anthem of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. SMUMC’s Chancel Choir also augmented the service in song.

Amb. I. Rhonda King, Permanent Representative of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, addresses church service.
Photo by Nelson A. King

Amb. I. Rhonda King, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Permanent Representative to the United Nations, gave a take a snapshot of the tools Vincentians have at their disposal to position themselves in the international community,

Crispin Friday, the newly-elected president of COSAGO and chair of the Church Service Committee, told congregants that “without God, we will not be here.

“I want to invite you to pay attention to the issues that affect St. Vincent and the Grenadines and play a vital role to the infrastructure of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he said.

“We’re a small nation floating on the international stage,” he added. “So, with our assistance, we will help to alleviate the situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Friday’s predecessor, Laverne McDowald-Thompson, currently serving as vice president, said that Vincentians, on their 44th independence anniversary, “come together in thankful hands through the grace and love of Jesus Christ.”