Reverend Father Delano Archer
Reverend Father Delano Archer

 

Reverend Father Orman Wright

Reverend Father Wright

 

RT. Reverend Michael H. Eldon C.M.G., M.A.
R.T. Reverend Michael H. Eldon C.M.G., M.A.
Asst. Bishop of Nassau and The Bahamas Including The Turks and Caicos Islands

Highlights of The Anglican Church of The Epiphany

The year 1989 was a year of many firsts for Epiphany Anglican Church. On the 2nd Sunday of Pentecost, 28 May, Bishop Eldon, our former Diocesan Bishop, made his first official visit and celebrated the Holy Eucharist in the presence of eighty (80) persons. Fifty (50) of these persons received holy Communion. Sunday School classes began the same day when, at the beginning of Communion, thirty (30) young people exited to the back of the gardens of number 13, Nassau East, to be instructed in Christian Education under the edifices of three (3) coconut palm huts. Mr. Roger Pyfrom, now deceased, was selected as Epiphany's first Priest Warden and Mr. E. J. Bowe the first People's Warden. On 7 July, Mr. Pyfrom, Father Archer and seven (7) parishioners formed the church's first council whose mandate was to manage Epiphany's affairs. Mr. William Armbrister, Sexton Emeritus, volunteered his services and continues to serve as Epiphany's Sexton. Mr. Carl Spencer and Ms. Elaine Toote were Epiphany's first Synod representatives. Epiphany celebrated its first sacrament of baptism on 24 September, when Ashleigh Kathryn Burrows was baptised. From 12 to 15 December, Father Harry Ward conducted the first advent mission and renewal services. Since then at every advent, successful missions have been conducted by Fathers Samuel Sturrup, Cornell Moss, Patrick Johnson, Harry Ward, Norman Lightbourne, Basil Tynes, Kingsley Knowles, Santosh Marray and Hugh Chapman.

The Sacrament of Confirmation was administered for the first time by Bishop Michael Eldon to six (6) adults in the presence of two hundred and sixty-four (264) persons on 7 January, 1990, the Feast of the Epiphany. Confirmation has since been administered on the last Thursday in July of each year. On 28 January, 1990, Father Delano Archer performed the sacrament of Holy Matrimony between Steven Adderley and Demetria Varvassor. This was the first marriage performed in this Church. On the first Sunday in Lent, 4 March, 1990 incense was used for the first time. Another first occurred on 15 April, 1990, Easter Sunday, when Father Archer celebration the benediction at Epiphany using a monstrance borrowed from St. Gregory's Anglican Church.

The Church continued in the "gardens", an affectionate term used by many who worshipped with the church family from its inception until 1991. Construction started on the building of the present parish hall on Thursday 13 December, 1990. On Sunday 16 January, 1991, the Feast of the Epiphany, ground breaking ceremonies took place with Bishop Eldon doing the honours. At this event some five hundred and seventy (570) persons gathered under three (3) tents. On 26 June, 1991 the congregation took possession of the hall which was proudly constructed by Carl Treco Construction Company. Gratitude is extended to Mr. Carl Treco, who completed the building beyond expectations and the architect, Mr. Dewitt Hanna. The congregation of three hundred and five (305) persons assembled for the blessing of the hall, confirmation of twenty-one (21) members and celebration of the Eucharist.

Epiphany continued to grow with emphasis on the youth: from the formation of the Christian Youth Movement in 1990, through the Sunday School, the various Anglican youth groups and the huge number of acolytes who were attracted to the Church. Under the capable leadership of Mr. Joey Ford, Scouts and Cubs flourished. Girl Guides led by Ms. Julia Burnside and the Brownies led by Mrs. Agatha Archer were also established. Through the Christian Youth Movement, the ministry to youth continues to grow and be effective.

The parish has been blessed with dedicated persons who contribute much to its music ministry. Mr. Dwayne Strachan, Mrs. Leathe Francis, Mr. Harrison Cooper, Mr. Dawson Conliffe, Mr. Michael Thompson, Anica & Adina Bowe, Mrs. Leslie Ellis Tynes, Bernice Bowe and Alex Thompson have contributed much to what continues to be an ongoing ministry in the parish.

In April, 1992 Epiphany held its first Discovery and has since held successful, yearly Discovery Weekends. In October of that year, the ordained ministry received the assistance of Father Ormand Wright.

In August 1994, Construction on the east wing of the Parish hall was started as a self help project headed by the men. Under the leadership of its president Mr. Cecil Curling, the men were able to provide proper space for the Sunday School and other youth activities. On Thursday, 26 June, 1997, Bishop Gomez, on his official visit as Diocesan Bishop, blessed the hall.

Growth in membership was evident by the increase in members from twelve (12) in 1989 to the present number of just under five hundred (500), including children. Outreach programmes include ministering to the Elizabeth Estates Children's Home for the Diocese, providing food and clothing for the needy and providing music classes and library facilities for the children.

April 10, 1999 marked ten years for the parish of The Epiphany. A great debt of gratitude is owed to Mr. E. J. Bowe, Priest Warden, Mr. Bertram Knowles, People's Warden and the members of succession of our vestry for their guidance of the Parish thus far. To Mrs. Miriam Knowles, Treasurer and members of the Finance Committee, special commendations are afforded for their astuteness in organizing and managing the Church's finances.