The Tribune

ITS location at the busy juncture which feeds traffic to East Bay Street and the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge gives St Matthew’s Anglican Church its name and makes it one the most visited churches in New Providence.

This past Sunday was no different, as it was the eve of the Feast Day of Holy Cross and the church pews were filled to capacity. Rev Canon Crosley Walkine upon his arrival four years ago started calling the historic edifice “The Ark in the Pond”.

At last Sunday’s Sunrise Eucharist service, which begins at 7.15am, droves of 12th grade students accompanied by their teacher, Terrance Jordan, who sings in the Sunrise Choir, attended the church’s morning mass.

Canon Walkine took his text from the gospel appointed for that particular service which comes from Mark, chapter 8 vs 27 to 38.

In this portion of scripture Jesus asks his disciples in a lengthy discourse, “Who do people say that I am?”, and some of his disciples answer affirmatively. Jesus then poses another question, “Who do You say that I am?” Peter answers vehemently and proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah.

Jesus sternly warns them to tell no one. He continues and says if anyone wants to become his follower, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Him.

Rev Walkine in his pontification of the Holy Scriptures posited that Jesus’ mission was to prepare his disciples for his departure and fundamentally carry them to a realm where they were able to stand on their own two legs without the assistance of Jesus being physically there by their sides.

Moreover, he admonished the congregation that bearing the cross is their Christian duty and it should never seem cumbersome of painstaking because Jesus paid the ultimate price for sin when he died on the cross on Golgotha’s Hill.

Rev Canon said a Christian’s walk should match their talk and they should confidently and courageously speak up and be agents for Christ on their daily Christian walk in this perverse generation.

Highlights of the service also included a Toastmasters Club 1600 presentation where members along with their dynamic president, Carlos Palacious, worshipped with a cadre of notable and distinguished Toastmasters.