Anglican Canon Massiah dies at 79

The Reverend Canon F. Errington Massiah, one of Barbados’ most respected Anglican clerics, died on Monday morning following a brief hospitalisation, aged 79.

The senior clergyman, whose ministry has spanned just over 45 years, was known for his candid and plain-spoken approach to pastoral and public life, colourful public speaking, and fearlessness in addressing social ills.

Canon Massiah’s death drew an immediate and warm tribute from the Bishop of Barbados, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell, who described it as an occasion of “deep sadness” for the Anglican Diocese.

“It is with deep sadness that we note the passing of The Rev’d Canon Errington Massiah, one of our retired Anglican clerics who served the Church faithfully and devotedly for over 35 years in active ministry,” Bishop Maxwell said.

Canon Massiah was ordained to the diaconate in August 1980 and to the priesthood in July 1981. He began his ordained ministry serving his curacy in the churches of St Leonard, St John the Baptist, and St Cyprian. He was appointed Priest-in-Charge of All Souls in January 1984.

His longest and most defining appointment was as Rector of St Joseph Parish Church, one of the island’s oldest ecclesiastical sites, a post he held since 1984 for more than 25 years.

He served as Rector of St Joseph’s and St Aidan’s at Bathsheba until his retirement in August 2016.

Two years before his retirement, he was honoured with the title of Honorary Canon, conferred by Archbishop John Holder. Bishop Maxwell described the award as “a fitting tribute to a life poured out in ministry to both Church and society”.

Beyond the parish, Canon Massiah was a familiar and forthright voice in public life. He wrote a long-running column, “Outside the Pulpit“, in the Weekend Nation, which offered social commentary and church news. He also served as Chaplain to the Senate of Barbados during the 2013–2018 parliamentary session, and as a supervisor of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations.

Canon Massiah is survived by his widow, Denise, and daughters, Kean and Andrea.

Bishop Maxwell also expressed sympathy to the congregations Canon Massiah served, “especially the people of the Cure of St Joseph with St Aidan, among whom he served for many years”.

The Bishop closed his tribute with the traditional Anglican commendation: “May our departed brother rest in peace, and rise in glory.”

In her tribute, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Barbados has lost “a devoted son of the soil…. A faithful priest, a steady shepherd, and a man whose ministry touched both Church and country.”

Mottley said for decades, “he served with conviction, care and consistency, and many Barbadians came to know him through his long service at St Joseph Parish Church, where he led with quiet strength and deep faith. His life was one of duty, pastoral grace and deep commitment to the people he was called to serve.

“Canon Massiah also gave service beyond the walls of the Church. His role in the life of Parliament, including as Chaplain of the Senate, reflected a ministry that understood the importance of conscience, moral guidance and national responsibility. At a time when this country needs strong religious voices, steady spiritual leadership and men and women who can help call us back to faith, decency and deeper values, his passing will be felt even more keenly.”

(BT)