National Thanksgiving Service held Sunday

A multi-denominational National Thanksgiving Service was held Sunday at the Garfield Sobers Complex in recognition of both 56 years of Independence and the first anniversary of becoming a republic.

Under the  theme, By Grace Through Faith: Perseverance, Resilience, Strength, several religions were able to make their unique contribution.

The ceremony which was conducted by the Venerable Eric E Lynch Archdeacon of Barbados was attended by Dame Sandra Mason, the President of Barbados; Prime Minister Mia Mottley and a host of other dignitaries.

Prior to the official start of the ceremony attendees enjoyed musical selections by the Barbados Police Service Band. In the spirit of pomp and pageantry the presentation of the national flag of Barbados was conducted by members of the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders.

Both primary and secondary school students were among those gathered for the service.

The service, which emphasizes inclusivity, featured an invocation by Oloye Agba Esusegun Olaifa, Priest and Chief Elder of The Orisha. A reading was done from the Holy Qur’an by Imam Aakil Bhula, representative of the Barbados Muslim Association. Margaret Bovell- Lewis of the Baha’i Faith offered a prayer for life and health.

Both governmental  and non-governmental agencies participated. Prayers were also offered by  Amariah Brathwaite of the Girls Guide Association of Barbados, Pamelia Brereton, President of the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association and Adona Griffith, Programme Office of the Barbados YouthADANCE Corp.

The bible readings were done by Dr Karen Best, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and the Third Sector and Rev Martin Taylor, International Commissioner of the Barbados Boy Scouts Association.

Barbados Dance Theatre Company junior corp presented a lithurgical piece.

 The presentation included a liturgical  piece by the Junior Corps of the Barbados Dance Theatre. The dance to How Great Thou Art was choreographed by Winston Brathwaite. The  musical medley by the  band of the Barbados Police Service was invigorating and had the feel of  a traditional Pentecostal song service as some members of the ensemble led the gathering in song.

Members of the assembled choirs lustily sang  their rendition of the Roger Gittens arranged the Anthem: O for a Thousand Tongues.

The sermon, which was delivered by Rev Cicely Athill- Horsford, Chair of the Barbados Christian Council echoed sentiments of the theme. She emphasised that even at the lowest points the grace of God will bring us through. She  noted, “Many of us have lost faith in the god that sustains this nation, the god that has been here and the god that I serve.”

Athill-Horsford acknowledged, “But for this grace through faith, we have persevered.” She confirmed, “There is hope for all of us.” She continued to issue a challenge for the nation to renew our faith in God.

Dr. Karen Best, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector.

Patriotism was evident as members of the assembly joined Shalonda Griffith, student at Irving Wilson School, reciting the National Pledge. Loud voices echoed  through the auditorium as attendees proudly sang the National Anthem as beautiful scenes from across the island were on prominent display on the screen on the main stage. (STT)