The Rev. Vincent Brown, a Bahamian native and pastor elect for Miami’s St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, was the guest speaker at the Historic St. Agnes’ Episcopal Church in Overtown last Sunday morning. And while his words both challenged and inspired everyone that attended, many members of the church say they had mixed emotions. That’s because their longtime rector and pastor of 33 years, the Rev. Canon Richard L. Marquess-Barry, will be retiring at the end of this year. Since his arrival, Barry has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his congregation and the Overtown community. And while he and the church have already chosen his replacement, the Rev. Father Denrick E. Rolle, it’s impossible to replace a man like Barry.
During his remarks, Barry said, “Fear (love) the Lord; seek His will for your lives and strive to be obedient and faithful in your living and worship and I assure you that He will be with you on the journey.”
Harold Meadows spearheaded the Men’s Day committee; Lemuel R. Moncur served as the co-chairman. Also in attendance was the The Most Reverend George Walter Sands, Bishop of the African Orthodox Church. According to Barry, Sands is one of his many “sons” in the ministry. Following the service, which also included some of the traditional songs of the church and the baptism of State Senator Oscar Braynon II’s second-born son, members and friends retired to the church fellowship hall for dinner.
By D. Kevin McNeir
kmcneir@miamitimesonline.com
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