Century of service: Ofelia Nicholls honoured in Bank Hall

Members of the Church of God at Bank Hall and well-wishers celebrated centenarian Ofelia Nicholls on Sunday with a special birthday dinner at the Savannah Hotel.

Nicholls, whose birthday was last Wednesday, was actively involved in planning the event, personally selecting her favourite songs and requesting cymbal accompaniment for the occasion.

Pastor John Carrington highlighted her deep connection with the church, noting that it is synonymous with Sister Nicholls and that you could not speak of one without mentioning the other. Praising her generosity and compassion, he said: “Her example has been one of godly leadership and godly exemplar. She has given us a legacy upon which we can build, someone that we can be proud of.”

He continued: “There are many persons who strive to be like Sister Nicholls but not all of them would achieve it.”

Deaconess Sherry-Ann Mayers praised Nicholls’s significant contributions to the church and her continued involvement. “Even now, every project that the WCG (Women’s Church Group) has undertaken this year Sister Nicholls was leading out front,” she said.

Reminiscing, Mayers added: “When I was responsible for the youth, Sister Nicholls would always be willing to assist. As a faithful member of the church, she played an important part in our lives and in the lives of the entire church family.”

She continued: “A lot of people have passed through Bank Hall under Sister Nicholls’ leadership and guidance, and we want to give thanks to you for all you have done over the years for Bank Hall—not only the church but for us in our personal lives. You have certainly led us, guided us, and shown us how to live a Christian life the right way.”

Deaconess Beverly Giles-Broomes also paid tribute on behalf of the women of the church, describing Nicholls as “a lady of all trades and a master of them all.” Giles-Broomes recalled being immediately embraced by Nicholls and being taken under her wing.

“One important point that I want to say is that she was the backbone at times of the church, not only with the ladies. As the men joined, she also encouraged them.”

Members of the Cuban-Barbadian community also celebrated the centenarian, as she is its oldest surviving member. Yolanda Nelson, who lived in the same neighbourhood as Nicholls in Cuba but met her after moving to Barbados, described her as a mother figure. “She has been kind, faithful, always encouraging, always there for us,” Nelson said.

Acknowledging a sharp memory that surpassed her own, Nelson added: “May God continue to grant you that wisdom that you have, Ofelia, so that we can enjoy you for more time.”

Israelle Carrington paid tribute in song, singing The Longer I Serve Him.

The guest of honour joined host Sandra Griffith-Carrington in a duet of Until Then before being overcome with emotion. She expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love: “I just can’t find words to express the goodness of God to me. God has been good and is still good to me.”

She concluded with a vow: “But until then, with joy in my heart, I’m going to carry on,” quoting lyrics from the song she had sung.

(STT)