St. Paul AME Church Celebrates Emancipation Day

Members of St. Paul AME Church celebrated a special Lay Day under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton. The day consisted of the celebration of Emancipation Day in Bermuda; coupled with the honouring of past heroes of the popular Cricket game.

A church spokesperson said, “Each year, the Island Nation of Bermuda celebrates the contributions of their ancestors by pitting the East (St. George’s) against the West (Somerset) in a highly anticipated game of Cricket.

“The service was very high spirited, and exciting as we gave praise to Almighty God for freeing such a unique people on August 1, 1834. Our pastor, the Rev. Dr. Lanel Guyton preached from the depths of his heart, a soul stirring sermon that will be remembered for the ages.

“His sermon topic: “Divine Emancipation,” reflected on the greatness of God, and how he used ordinary vessels such as us, to help liberate generations of persons of African descent from the transgressions of bondage. The sermon concluded with the lining of “Amazing Grace” one of the church’s favorite hymn. After the sermon we were convinced, when God freed us from sin, it was a direct result of his “Divine Emancipation.”

“Members, visitors, and those who listened by way of live radio enjoyed renditions by our renowned St. Paul Senior Choir, under the direction of Organist, Cecil G. Smith (Wilberforce graduate). They sung the selections: “I’ve been Buked,” and “Ride the Chariot,” both traditional Negro Spirituals.

“We were also privilege to have as a guest soloist Mr. Jarrett O’Neal, a 2010 graduate of Morehouse College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music with an emphasis in vocal performance. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Inc.

“He delighted the congregation with his rendition of “Total Praise,” accompanied by Mr. Raymond George, Assistant Minister of Music at St. Paul. At the conclusion of Mr. O’Neal’s singing, the congregation stood to their feet giving God all the praise and glory for what he had done!

“Mr. Wally Manders in his correspondence to the church said, “I was delighted in receiving an invitation honouring an umpires of the Cricket game (Major Randall Butler). I was personally inspired, and touched by the energy; and divine spirit of the entire service.”

“Those who were honoured were Major Randall L. B. Butler, former distinguished umpire; Mr. Dennis Wainwright, MBE, legend of Bermuda Cricket; and Mr. Reginald “Reggie” Tucker, legend and contributor to the game of Cricket in Bermuda.

“We were delighted to have in our presence for this festive occasion The Hon. Paula A. Cox JP, MP, Premier of Bermuda, her husband Mr. Germaine Nkeleu, their son Stephane; Mr. Robert K. Horton, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Government Estates and Information Services; Mr. K. Neil Paynter, Jr. President St. George’s Cricket Club; Mr. Alfred Maybury, President Somerset Cricket Club; Ms. Charlotte Simons, Secretary Somerset Cricket Club; Mr. Morris “Wally” Manders, President Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association; Mr. Roger Dill, BCUA/ Officiating Umpire for the 111th Annual Cup Match Classic.

“Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, our pastor; Sis. Tanzania G. Guyton, our First Lady; Sis. Lynell Furbert, President of the St. Paul Lay Organization; and Bro. Marc Telemaque committee chair of the Emancipation Day Celebration.

“The Bermuda Conference of AME Churches is under the esteemed leadership of our Episcopal Leaders, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, and the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, Supervisor of Missions. Rev. Betty L. Furbert Woolridge is the Presiding Elder of Bermuda. To God Be the Glory!”

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