Tribute to Bishop Dr Holmes Williams by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

16-PAGE SPECIAL SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015.

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NAME: Bishop Dr Orville Carlisle Holmes Williams, S.C.M, Senior Pastor, Founder of The People’s Cathedral 1963-2010) Senior Pastor Emeritus of The People’s Cathedral (2010-2014) DATE OF BIRTH: December 27, 1938 PARENTS: Berkeley and Ivy-Viola Williams SPOUSE: Pastor Rosie Williams CHILDREN: Peter, Paul, David FATHER-IN-LAW: Debbie, Kavita, Viña GRANDCHILDREN: Russell, Danielle, Gabrielle (Peter and Debbie); Whitney, Brianna, Micah (Paul and Kavita); Tanja and Skyler (David and Viña) SIBLINGS: Briggs, Sykes FOUNDER: Christ Is The Answer Radio Programme (1963), The People’s Cathedral Primary School (1987), Christ Is The Answer (CITA) Radio 90.1 FM. (2012) CO-FOUNDER: Heart of Haiti Foundation (1990) OFFICES HELD: Director of the Barbados District

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of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI) Superintendent of PAWI (1976-1980) (1992-1994) Member of PAWI’s general executive Chair of the board of directors of the Barbados extension of the West Indies School of Theology (WIST) Member of the Barbados Christian Council Chairman of the Barbados Christian Council (1987-1989) First chairman of the Cave Authority of Barbados (1970s) Recipient of the Silver Crown of Merit in recognition of his service to the Christian church in Barbados (1991) Recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Faith Theological Seminary, Tampa, Florida, for his work as a pastor and evangelist (1992) Recipient of an Honorary Degree by WIST (2008). DIED: December 19, 2014

BISHOP DR ORVILLE Carlisle Holmes Williams. (GP)

THIS 16-page Tribute to Bishop Dr Holmes Williams feature was compiled by: SENIOR WRITER: Cheryl Harewood LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Lyle Jones, Julia S. Haynes and Philip Garnes PICTURES: Rawle Culbard, Maurice Giles, Lennox Devonish, Williams family, Nation archives ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE: Debbie Brathwaite

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ARMED WITH THE CALL OF GOD upon his life to reach a lost and dying world, banker Holmes Williams left his job at the then Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in 1963 to enter the gospel ministry as a full-time preacher. Prior to making this decision, the birth of Evangel Temple at Bishop’s Court Hill, St Michael, in September, 1960 (later enlarged and renamed The People’s Cathedral in 1976) under the leadership of Williams, who by the THE PEOPLE’S time of his death on CATHEDRAL December 19, 2014, had circa 1965. (RC) acquired the title Bishop Dr Holmes O.C. Williams, SCM, was said to have heralded a significant period in the life of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies movement. With this new ministry came a revival which, to this day, has witnessed the spiritual transformation of ministry is well chronicled in the pages thousands of men, women and children in of the book Ablaze – The Pentecostal Barbados, throughout the Caribbean, and the Assemblies Of The West Indies world at large. 1910-2010, where author Reverend Thomas Those who never occupied a bench or Maginley penned some interesting and chair in The People’s Cathedral, during this vital information on the birth of The church’s 55 years of spreading the Gospel People’s Cathedral. message, would have perhaps attended some Maginley wrote: “Its origins have been of the church’s several mass crusades across Barbados and the Caribbean or tuned into the traced to September, 1960, when Field director Harry Eggleton started a small house meeting Christ Is The Answer radio programme, for white Barbadians at the residence of the which has been broadcasting on local radio parents of William Cuke, later Reverend stations for the past 50 years. William Cuke, who came to head the Then there are those who would have Abundant Life Assembly. received the impartation of spiritual food “In January, 1961, the venue was through the countless courses and literature changed to the home of Holmes and Rosie sent to their homes via the post, as part of The People’s Cathedral outreach programme. Williams. Holmes had given his life to Christ during a Billy Graham crusade in the island Others, during the past two years, would in 1957. have benefited from the Christ Is The “The Morris Cerullo crusade that Answer (CITA) radio ministry, which took place in Bridgetown in 1963 gave Williams founded in 2012. the Pentecostal Assemblies in Barbados The call and early impact of Williams’

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accommodating 800 people.” Maginley disclosed that in February, 1965, prior to the dedication, Williams’ voice was already being heard in households across the island (from 1963) during the 15-minute Christ Is The Answer and the five-minute Good News programme which followed some time later. Today, the online and digital services of the electronic age allow for worldwide coverage of both radio programmes and live services in the church. a massive boost and impacted Williams’ It was in 1976 that Evangel Temple was life in a remarkable way. further expanded to accommodate 2 000 “One evening, Cerullo confirmed the word that God had dropped into Williams’ people and renamed The People’s Cathedral. heart that he should become a pastor. Shortly Twenty-four years later, in 1990, additional buildings were erected on the same site to after, he resigned his job as assistant house a new primary school, The People’s accountant at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Cathedral Primary School, which was Commerce and became a full-time minister.” established in 1987. According to Maginley, Williams gained This educational institution has become experience in ministry rapidly, and saw positive known for the comparatively large number results through his evangelistic efforts. He of students who gain top grades in the rented premises in Tudor Street, Bridgetown, and called the assembly that he was pastoring annual 11-Plus Examinations for entry into secondary schools. the Evangelistic Centre. The People’s Cathedral is today headed “Williams’ quest for a larger and more by senior pastor Reverend André Symmonds, permanent building for the expanding deputy senior pastor Reverend Jewell congregation materialised in 1965 when the Callender and is still home to hundreds new building, Evangel Temple, was dedicated. of followers. This church at that time was capable of

THE PEOPLE’S CATHEDRAL CHURCH as it stands today. (MG)

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REVEREND ANDRÉ SYMMONDS, Senior Pastor. (MG)

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HAVING EMERGED from humble beginnings with about eight people in his living room, the assembly which Reverend Holmes Williams pioneered and pastored for the last 50-plus years has become the largest evangelical congregation in the English-speaking Caribbean with over 4 000 water-baptised members. Reverend Holmes will forever be remembered as the forerunner of daily Christian radio broadcasts in Barbados. Commencing some 50 years ago, he was the host of two daily radio programmes – the 15-minute Christ Is The Answer and the

five-minute Good News – both of which have effectively impacted millions of lives locally, regionally, and internationally. He was a specially gifted evangelist who conducted innumerable crusades in most of the English and French Caribbean islands as well as North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He saw tens of thousands of souls come to Christ and subsequently pioneered several assemblies across the Caribbean. He will long be remembered as the “Billy Graham of the Caribbean”. His visionary enterprise goes

beyond the boundaries of pioneering assemblies, as he was also the founder of The People’s Cathedral Primary School and in that capacity made a sterling contribution to Christian education and education on the whole in Barbados. Pastor was also the visionary and vanguard of CITA Radio 90.1FM (www.citaradio.com),West Indies School of Theology extension campus in Barbados, the Family Co-operative Credit Union, missionary outreaches to Haiti’s orphanages and primary schools, and the many other worldwide

missionary innovations which are simply beyond the scope of this tribute and article. Truly, an icon has gone! Pastor was also a fun-loving passionate go-getter. He fought a good fight and he finished his course. Facing eternity, may the Great Shepherd of the sheep, who has summoned this stalwart into glory, likewise prepare us and present us faultless before our heavenly Father – amen. – Reverend André Symmonds, Senior Pastor, The People’s Cathedral.

THE PASTORAL TEAM OF THE PEOPLE’S CATHEDRAL CHURCH.

REVEREND JEWELL CALLENDER, Assistant Senior Pastor. (MG)

REVEREND WILMA GILL. (MG)

REVEREND HEATHER ODLE. (MG)

REVEREND STEPHEN ALLEYNE. (MG)

REVEREND FITZ JOSEPH. (MG)

PASTOR TREVOR HAREWOOD. (MG)

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TO ME, [my father] was more than a father. He was also my pastor and my best friend. When I was a young child just learning to speak, he introduced himself to me as “best friend”. In time, this was shortened to “Best”. That name stuck with him and I subsequently introduced [my brother] Paul to Best when he started talking. Neither Paul nor I ever called him father or daddy to this day. He was always Best. When my son Russell (Russ) came along, the name “Bestie” was also added. Bestie truly became a best friend over the years. He provided discipline, counsel, and guidance when needed. We spent many moments talking on various subjects, including the church, its operation, sports, politics, business, just about everything under the sun. When I started to go out with Debbie, he approved of this girl. We were engaged in 1988. When he realised that October 1, fell on a Saturday that year, he pushed for us to choose that date for our wedding, as it was also his and mum’s wedding date. When Debbie was pregnant with Russell he was very excited about the birth of his first grandchild. We never had an ultrasound. However, he claimed that the baby was going to be a boy. On each occasion that Debbie visited his home, he would talk to her stomach and introduce himself as “Grandpa Bestie” to the baby. From the time Russ was born,

PETER WILLIAMS, Chief Executive Officer of The People’s Cathedral and eldest son of Bishop Dr Holmes Williams. (GP) they were inseparable. He truly loved to have his family around him and he always encouraged us to love each other and stay together. I said earlier that he was also a pastor to me. Anytime he thought I was straying in my church attendance, he would call me to make sure that my heart was still right with the Lord, remind me of my responsibilities, and encourage me not to forsake my church attendance.

If there is one thing I learned about Bestie from an early age, and which stuck with me over the years, was his passion for souls. If he was overseas and there was a crusade at the church, when he called, I noted on each occasion that his focus was never on how big the crowds were or the preaching. He always asked how many souls had come to Christ. Later in life, despite his mobility challenges, he still very much wanted to be involved in crusades. He conducted or was part of a few of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies and The People’s Cathedral crusades across the island. Around November, he called Pastor Edwin Bullen and told him he wanted him to look for some spots around Barbados since he wanted to start back some local crusades again by February. He was not going to allow his mobility challenges to stop him from doing what he had a passion for. At a recent luncheon with the Reverend Alastair Alexander of Trinidad, in early November, he told Alastair that his investment in the kingdom of God over the last 50 years or so was the most meaningful investment he had ever made and he had no regrets for having chosen

REMEBERING A TRUE GIANT OF THE FAITH REV. DR. HOLMES WILLIAMS (1938 - 2014) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

romans 8: 38-39

PASTOR HOLMES WILLIAMS (centre) preparing for a baptism ceremony in the early days. that path. He loved the sermons of Charles Spurgeon and about two weeks before he passed, in my readings I came across this quote from Spurgeon and immediately thought how it was so fitting for my father's ministry. I never thought that I would be using it so soon. He said, and I quote: "If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for." That comment so exemplified his passion for lost souls and how he conducted his altar calls that I had to note it. How many times have we seen him prolong an altar call because he sensed that someone's soul was in the balance and needed additional time to make a decision?

That should challenge not only each pastor but everyone who calls himself or herself a Christian. There is still a lot of work to be done. We must be serious about the tasks ahead and how we treat the condition of people’s souls. My father truly poured out himself over the last 50-plus years in ministry. I believe he still had more to offer but the Lord is sovereign and knows why he took him at this time. The challenge is now for us who remain to take up the challenge and example given to us and do serious damage to the kingdom of darkness. Goodbye my father, my pastor, my best friend, ’till we meet again on that glorious shore, may you bask in your eternal glory. Debbie and I shall truly miss our Sunday mornings after church cups of coffee with you. Until that day. Amen.

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Tribute by Paul Williams which, was read at his father, Bishop Dr Holmes Williams’ funeral service at The Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on December 29, 2014. I AM PAUL… the middle child of Holmes and Rosie’s three sons. On behalf of our entire family, I wish to sincerely thank each and every one of you for being here today, especially those who have flown in from all over the world to spend this sensitive time with us as we remember, honour, and celebrate the life of my precious father. The Lord gave us the gift of my father for almost 76 years. Orville Carlisle Holmes Williams was born on December 27, 1938, in the peaceful, quaint surroundings of Wilson Hill, St John. He was the third and last son of Berkeley and Ivy-Viola Williams. His two older brothers are Briggs and Sykes who reside in Canada and are with us here today. My father came from very humble beginnings and had a hard life growing up without a father whom he lost at a young age. His mother Ivy-Viola was whom he always credited as his true inspiration since she possessed an unwavering deep faith in the Lord, was an incredibly hard worker, yet still managed to be graceful and exude peace and love towards her sons. It is only natural then that my father would later be attracted to his bride Rosie, who possessed similar attributes to his mother. Like his brothers, my father received his secondary education at The Lodge School,

PASTOR HOLMES WILLIAMS started his church in the living room at his Belleville St Michael rental home in 1962. (FP) back then an all-boys school, which he was convinced was the best school of all time. He played cricket for his school and then went on to play for the Pickwick Cricket Club. My father was a sports enthusiast. . . playing golf with me, tennis with Dave and squash with Peter. By far, however, his passion was cricket, so much so that he was almost late for his own wedding when he decided to play in a cricket match on his wedding day. Try as they may, the fellas just could not get him out. Although he tried throwing the bat at every ball, it always worked to his advantage, not the

bowlers. He finally had to retire his innings in the 70’s and hurry off to wed his bride. Years later, he would support Peter and me in our matches at Harrison College and even play some games on the side with us to sharpen our skills. My father was blessed with many natural gifts and abilities. One of these gifts was his strong, powerful, distinctive voice that was best suited for radio. So, one of his first jobs was as a radio announcer with Rediffusion where he received proper voice coaching and training for a greater calling that the Lord was preparing him for. In following in the footsteps of his older brothers, he then moved on to a career in banking and quickly moved up the ladder as the youngest manager of any bank in Barbados. It was during that time of promotion and security that the Lord assigned him to a different, not so attractive job description. It was a calling that would require him, his young bride, and first baby to experience a life of sacrifice and dedicated service.Yet, he willingly obeyed and followed the Lord with purpose, diligence and passion right up to 10:50 on the morning of December 19, 2014. In the small living room of his rental home in Belleville, my father started his church in 1962. Within two years, Evangel Temple was built to accommodate a growing congregation and over the next few years, the name was changed to The People’s Cathedral which now houses 4 500 baptized members. My father was never satisfied with mediocrity, believing that his purpose was

PAUL WILLIAMS (FP) fuelled with the Lord’s vision to win souls. So, he went on with the help of a faithful body to expand Christ is The Answer radio broadcast into countless homes throughout the Caribbean region. Having a further passion for children and the dream of raising up young missionaries for Christ, he gave birth to The People’s Cathedral Primary School in 1987. Thousands of young children ages three to 11 including six of his eight grandchildren benefited from its sound Christian and academic teachings. His love for children expanded into the church’s support of orphanages in India along with two schools plus a large orphanage in Haiti. Brother John Smoorenburg, our missionary to Haiti and a trusted friend of my father, continues the great calling at the Heart for Haiti Foundation. Our primary school children also continue to support this great work in

• Continued on Page 12.

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Tribute written by Whitney Williams, third granddaughter of Bishop Dr Holmes Williams and Pastor Rosie Williams, on behalf of the couple’s grandchildren. THERE ARE MANY cherished memories that the eight of us grandchildren have of our “Bestie”.To us, he was our true hero . . . a pillar of brilliance and strength, full of humour, love, generosity, humility and a tremendous drive for excellence. When we see the multitude of lives Bestie has influenced, we are amazed at how he found the time to make each of us grandchildren feel so special and so loved. For in all of his busyness, Bestie was exceptionally thoughtful, never forgetting any of our eight birthdays or other special occasions regardless of where we were in the world. He would sometimes even call us before the sun came up, breaking into one of his comical accents, singing at the top of his lungs to the howling of the neighbourhood dogs in the background, sending us an embarrassing multitude of kisses over the phone while professing his love and pride in us. And, then . . . wait for it … the laying on of the “heavy prophetic blessing” upon our lives. You could only imagine what it was like in person … not a space on our face was left clear of his kisses. All encounters with him were just as affectionate and memorable. Bestie attached creatively funny nicknames to each one of us based on a rhyme or on our personalities. For example: Russell was Russ Russ, Danielle was Danie-Bells, Gabrielle was Gabs, Skyler was Skyler-Byler, Tanya was Tani, Micah was Zack short for Zachariah, a play on the prophets of the Bible. Brianna he nicknamed Ivy Viola because her tender nature reminded him so much of his own mother. He called me his Princess, along with some other not so cute pet names to mock my long legs … all done in love and jest, of course. Bestie is the one who gave me my name Whitney. According to his story, he did so while I was in my mother’s womb without my own parents even knowing what gender their first child was going to be. That just goes to show that he had a hotline to Heaven. We all loved to hear Bestie’s stories about his childhood and all of the mischievous pranks he and his older brothers, Briggsie and Sykesie-boy, and the boys from Wilson Hill would play on people. I think he particularly shared these stories with us granddaughters so that we would have patience with Russell and Micah and not grow weary. He would often tell my mummy, “Go easy on Mikey” after Micah had broken a couple of the windows with the slingshot and marbles that Bestie had bought for him . . . chanting that “boys will be boys”. Bestie should know from personal experience, since the grand-apple did not fall far from the grand-tree. Another one of our favourite stories was his love story with our grandmother Rosie. To reinforce the strength of their bond and to tease our grandmother, Bestie would often tell us a story in which, according to him, Granny Rosie would dress up in many different outfits just to visit him in his primary school in an attempt to get his attention. Mind you, in this story he was six years old, while she was merely three. On another account, he shared that some days he skipped a couple of classes at The Lodge School just so he could catch a glimpse of his budding Rose in her Codrington school uniform. Whether any of these stories were true or not, Holmes and Rosie Williams definitely shared a pure love based on commitment, respect and honour. We could all learn from them. Bestie found humour in just about

WHITNEY WILLIAMS

BISHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS and his wife Pastor Rosie. (FP) far outweighed his physical strength. It was around that time that though physically ridden with pain, he birthed CITA Radio with God’s help. I learned that God blessed Bestie with divine wisdom, insight, and a great deal of common sense. He also blessed him with a deep love for all kinds of people. You should note that Bestie was never impressed with so-called brilliant minds that didn’t have a relationship with Jesus. Bestie loved to see us excel. As a tradition, at the beginning of every academic year and sometimes every term, Brianna, Micah and I would ask Bestie and Granny to anoint us and pray for us for the upcoming school year. Bestie looked forward to this

anything and everything, even the most intense situations that would cause others to panic and crumble. His positive outlook was indeed one of his greatest strengths. He loved a good hearty joke which often ended up with him hitting the table to drum up his chorus for the finale. He was also a big prankster, disguising his voice on the phone to either sound like an old Barbadian market vendor or a sophisticated tourist. We remember him calling in live on CITA Radio disguising his distinctive voice just to prank three different radio announcers on live radio, all of whom were completely oblivious to the fact that they were speaking to their boss. He mastered a spot on French accent which he practised on me. The one accent he couldn’t perfect very well though was the Trini accent, so to improve his skills, he would frequently call to hear my mum’s Trini twang and see if he could mimic it by engaging her in their usual political talks and jokes sometimes ending in “allyuh have a blessed night eh”. Our grandfather had a phenomenal work ethic which was birthed in us from very young. Whatever we did, he maintained that we should do it unto the Lord and never ever grow weary of doing good, no matter what the naysayers had to say. For he reminded us that the enemy’s purpose was to distract and abort our blessings. I personally grew to appreciate the greatness of Bestie’s heart and purpose two years ago at the age of 13, when I was preparing to sit my first CXC in religious education and sought his help for my schoolbased assessment on a topic never before addressed: The Impact Of PAWI In Barbados. His wealth of knowledge and recollections of details of over 50 years ago were phenomenal. It was as though he was reading from an open textbook. I gained a lot more than a Grade 1 that year. I learned about the sacrifices he and my grandmother made for many years so that we could enjoy a comfortable church today. I saw a resilience and mental strength in Bestie that

(GP)

session as much as we did so that he could play a greater role in our lives as he gave us his pep talks. He had a very smart way of laying out his prayer … it always began in having us thank the Lord for things very few people would ever consider first thanking God for … and that was for our brain, without which we couldn’t retain anything (this was Bestie’s way of reminding us to be grateful for the things we took for granted). Our academic reports and conduct were to reflect nothing less than excellence. His favourite words of encouragement to us were “go for it”. He also instilled in us that “greater is he who lives within us than he who lives in this world.” It is this powerful scripture which has enabled me, a 15-year-old, to stand before you today. Bestie did not believe that we should make excuses… just make it happen! While we are each thankful and humbled that we carry the bloodline of a great man of God, we also recognise that this in itself does not make any of us great. Instead, it is in yielding of ourselves to Jesus Christ, the same way Bestie did for guidance and true purpose, that we could then hold any measure of greatness to our grandfather. We will miss him dearly but thanks to him for exposing us to the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the hope of being reunited with him for all eternity.

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BISHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS helping the less fortunate in Haiti (left). (RC)

BISHOP DR Holmes Williams breaking ground for building in Haiti (right). (RC)

BIDHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS sitting in front of a world map which represented his goals for going into all of the world. (RC)

BISHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS surrounded by may of the children whose lives he touched. (RC)

FAR AND WIDE! Perhaps these words best describe the outreach ministry of The People’s Cathedral since its establishment in 1963, under the watch of Bishop Dr Holmes Williams. Here, we take a brief look at how his life impacted many and list some of the ministries and outreach programmes which he used as evangelistic tools to win many to Christ and to help the less fortunate: Orphanages: The People’s Cathedral has supported Foundation Heart For Haiti, a children’s village in Port-au-Prince since it was founded in 1983. That project houses over 100 children who have been orphaned or abandoned and 60 elderly abandoned peole. Two orphanages in India are also supported by this ministry: The Vickyma Mercy Home in Chennai and New Day Children’s Home in Kongapalem. The People's Cathedral School: The People’s Cathedral School opened its doors in 1987 and currently has a student body of 318. The school has distinguished itself by the comparatively large number of students who gain top grades in the annual 11-Plus Common Entrance Examinations. In one examination, it placed second in English and third in Mathematics out of 82 Government and private schools. The school also produced the top boy in 2004, the top girl in 2009, and the top student in the 2013 examinations. West Indies School of Theology Barbados: In 2001, The People's Cathedral facilitated the first satellite campus of the West Indies School of theology outside of Trinidad and Tobago. The school offers a three-year diploma course but will offer degree programmes in the future. Since its opening, 144 students have graduated with diplomas in Theology and many are involved in ministry across the island. Community Outreach Ventures:

The People’s Cathedral provides food for thousands of people each year and distributes groceries on a monthly basis to scores of needy people. Williams and his wife Pastor Rosie have also hosted the annual Wisdom Saints Christmas Luncheon, which catered to over 700 senior citizens, comprising congregants, their senior friends and families, and members of neigbouring communities. In addition, the Dorcas Shop, which was started back in the 1980s, distributes donated apparel to the needy. Visitations to children’s homes, the hospital and shut-ins also form part of the church’s ministry. The People’s Cathedral also partners with close to 70 ministries each year to provide hot

meals and hundreds of food packages to senior citizens and the under-privileged. Radio broadcasts: The church hosts two daily radio programmes: a 15-minute Christ Is The Answer broadcast which began in 1963, and a five-minute Good News programme which commenced later that same year. These programmes can be heard on regional radio stations and reach thousands of people throughout the Caribbean. They are jointly aired over 7 600 times to listeners from Belize to Trinidad. Singing Tree and living crosses: The Singing Tree, an evangelistic tool,

commenced in 1985 and is one of the most looked forward to Christmas events in Barbados. Each year it attracts thousands of people to a very edifying spiritual experience. In 2009, the vivid experience of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ was dramatised through the Living Crosses, which attracts just as many people. Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames, another dramatised programme, is also known for winning many to Christ. CITA Radio 90.1 FM In 2012, Williams spearheaded the launch of the first ever full gospel radio station in Barbados. In a single month, listeners from 90 countries tuned into the Christ Is The Answer (CITA) radio station online.

w.h.bdist@caribsurf.com

THE PEOPLE’S CATHEDRAL assists orphanages in Haiti and India.

(RC)

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8. SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. JANUARY 25, 2015

BISHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS helping the less fortunate in Haiti (left). (RC)

BISHOP DR Holmes Williams breaking ground for building in Haiti (right). (RC)

BIDHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS sitting in front of a world map which represented his goals for going into all of the world. (RC)

BISHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS surrounded by may of the children whose lives he touched. (RC)

w.h.bdist@caribsurf.com

THE PEOPLE’S CATHEDRAL assists orphanages in Haiti and India.

(RC)

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IT IS WITH PROFOUND sadness that I learned of the “home-going” of Reverend Dr Holmes Williams at 10:50 the morning of December 19 after being hospitalised for some days. He would have been 76 years old on December 27. In a sense, an era has ended within our denomination, where he served and ministered for more than 50 years. Holmes was an incredibly gifted minister of the gospel. His ministry took him around the world and he touched the lives of millions through his preaching, radio programme, books and, in more recent years, through the Internet. I give God thanks for the multiplied thousands that came to Christ through Holmes’ ministry and for the advancement of the kingdom of God through his efforts under the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through his vision and dedication, Holmes took a small group meeting in someone’s home and built a congregation of over 4 000. To that, he added a credit union, a primary school and more recently a radio station. His vision was for much more. We honour him for this and thank God for His gracious anointing in using Holmes in so many ways. The whole of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies stretched across the Lesser Antilles and beyond joins in expressing our condolences to Holmes’ wife Rosie, his sons Peter, Paul and David, their families, and the members of The People’s Cathedral. As Holmes rejoices in the presence of Jesus, we are confident he will rise in glory at the sound of the trumpet when our Lord Jesus returns.

PAT P. GLASGOW, EdD, General Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies. THE PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES of the West Indies (PAWI) is richer for the impact, influence, and contribution of this stalwart of the faith. He served in many capacities, namely pastor of The People’s Cathedral, assistant district superintendent and district superintendent of the Barbados District of PAWI, member of the general executive of PAWI, and member of the board of directors of the West Indies School of Theology (WIST). He was largely responsible for the establishment of the WIST Barbados campus which saw scores of believers receiving their diplomas in Bible and theology. When I think of Holmes Williams, I am reminded of his passion for the souls of men. This led to a very strong evangelical thrust from The People’s

Cathedral over the years. His passion went beyond the borders of Barbados and spread throughout the Caribbean and the world. As a child, I would hear Holmes Williams preach the gospel on his regular radio programme. I was impressed with his clarity of the message of Jesus Christ which he shared, and his illustrations and applications were always quite interesting. He made the acceptance of the gospel message an urgent cry to his audience. I am also reminded of his generous heart. Occasionally, I had the opportunity of observing him hear about or see a need [that needed to be met]. He would become an anxious participant in supporting projects that would expand the work of God. Well done Holmes.

REVEREND GERRY SEALE, Presiding Bishop of the Barbados District of the Pentecostal Association of the West Indies (PAWI). (LD)

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TRINITY OUTREACH MINISTRIES I

The End of an Era A Tribute to Bishop Dr. Holmes Williams We give God thanks for the life of Dr. Holmes Williams. His contribution to the advancement of the kingdom of God in Barbados, the Caribbean and further afield PROFESSOR PEDRO WELCH, Seventh-Day Adventist. (FP) AS A SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST, I was aware of the difference between some of the theological positions taken by Pastor Holmes Williams and those of my church. However, I believe that I echo the sentiments of many of my fellow believers who could identify with him as a fellow Christian who did much to change the missionary landscape in Barbados. Certainly, that early morning radio programme with its signature tune provided inspiration for many of us as we prepared to set off for work. I have no doubt that his legacy as a warrior for Christ will continue to dent the kingdom of the arch-enemy.

REVEREND EDWIN BULLEN. (FP) I FIRST HEARD of Reverend Holmes Williams as a youngster running around in the Pinelands area. In 1976, I joined The People’s Cathedral and became involved in open-air meetings soon after. Little did I know that Pastor Williams was watching my life. In 1980, I was privileged to be chosen, along with three other young men, to be evangelists for the church. Pastor Williams told us he was placing upon us a special anointing for evangelism in the islands. We laboured in crusades throughout St Lucia, St Vincent, and in Barbados. He was a jovial and down-to-earth individual who sat and ate with us after crusades and walked humbly before us. He shared with us how to plan crusades and how to go about choosing the location. He was the kind of person who wanted everything in top working order for ministry. We prayed together, played beach cricket together, and made fun with each other. There are so many things I can share about this great soldier, strong

spiritual father, encourager, co-worker, and good friend. October 31, 2014, will be forever etched in my mind. Pastor sent a message for me to call him. He said to me: “Ed, I really wanted to be in the services that you shared in The People’s Cathedral during the past week but I listened to them on live streaming and they were a real blessing to me.” What he said next was interesting. He stated emphatically:“Ed, please don’t let the crusades die. Speak to André. Let them get the chariot back in working order and get the crusades going.” I told him I would. His last words to me were, “Go, Good Ed.” I thank God for allowing Reverend Holmes Williams to give his life to ministry so many people, including myself, could carry on this great task of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is an edited version of a tribute by Reverend Edwin Bullen, Senior Pastor, Christ Is The Answer Family Church.

has been significant. We give God thanks for the many souls saved. May God comfort his wife and family members in their time of bereavement. 246-429-6095

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I FIRST MET [Reverend] Holmes Williams in 1974, following my conversion at the residence of Sir Kyffin Simpson. I discovered they attended services at a place called The People’s Cathedral on Bishop’s Court Hill. I never knew there was a church there at the time but on arriving, I was both impressed and moved by the excitement and passion of the congregants and the fiery and charismatic presentation by this young preacher. It was not until 1976 that I officially became a member and also became more acquainted with the pastor. It was during a Friday night service, having been given the opportunity to sing, that Pastor

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Williams identified what was to become in the following years my gift of ministry in music and singing. From that time on, I was to be influenced in ministry by a man filled with a passion for souls and a desire to present his best for the Lord. He settled for nothing less as he believed God deserved the best. He possessed an eye for detail and even wanted to be sure that microphone cables were wrapped correctly and all

platform items properly aligned. The following years would lead to an increasing closeness between the Williams’ family and me, as I was embraced as if I were a son to them. Having accompanied him on scores of crusades across the Caribbean and around the world, I can truly say that Holmes’ passion was to see men and women, young and old, come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He

taught us that ministry was the highest calling in life and that we could achieve anything, as “God and you are unbeatable.” I am grateful for the crossing of our paths, the high levels of discipline I have benefited from under his guidance and the spiritual mantle I have received through his impartation. He will be greatly missed and his legacy REVEREND FERDINAND will continue for years to come. NICHOLLS, House of Freedom. (FP)

• From Page 6. Haiti. Between 1997 and 2000, my father insisted that The People’s Cathedral church partner with Terry Law ministries to print and distribute Holy Bibles throughout Russia and China. The Bibles reached four million Russians and nine million Chinese. Our little Barbadian church was reaching the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. After this priceless investment, my father continued to partner with Terry Law to print colourful Bibles in Arabic, disguised as school supplies to Iraqi children. This was known as the Iraq Back-Pack Ministries. His support of local and regional ministries, churches, and missionaries still continues in the islands of Cuba, St Vincent, Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname. His vision to host annual soulwinning presentations to packed out audiences, including the Singing Trees, Singing Crosses, Heaven Gates and Hells Flames, and numerous crusades continue to reach the lost. To further aid people who would not usually qualify for a loan, my dad birthed the Family Co-op Credit Union at The People’s Cathedral to assist its members with a more secure future. Just two years ago, his desire to see a Christian radio station run by ministers of the gospel was birthed through CITA Radio 90.1 FM. Up to a few weeks before going into the hospital, my dad was making further plans to continue spreading the gospel. No doubt my dad’s purpose was fuelled by promising visions which he was able to realise through his spirit of excellence. His meticulous nature was evident in maintaining punctuality. In over 14 000 church services and other special events, including crusades, he never once started any of them late. The high standard of structure and order that he implemented at the church is still evident today and it is often spoken about by many visitors and guest speakers alike. My dad expected the same level of excellence from everyone around him especially when it came to doing the Lord’s work. Even though my father was a stern and focused leader who took his work seriously, he was a practical joker among his friends always looking for a comical side to things. He kept the company of great friends who shared this balanced outlook in life. Many of my dad’s closest dearest friends are here lending us their support today. Relationships were very important to him. He was always reaching out to people to develop the potential some didn’t even know they had in them. . . in order to build their confidence and stretch them into fulfilling their purpose. My father was particularly grateful, however, (and so are we as a family) for the faithful men and women who stood by his side to the end. On December 19, 2014, my father pierced that thin veil that separates this life from eternity. The Lord saw that my dad’s work here was complete. We may have lost our founding leader but not our foundation nor our leadership potential. We may have lost the visionary but not the vision. We may have lost our mentor but we have not lost the mandate. The Lord taketh away . . . . Blessed be the name of the Lord.

As we celebrate and honour the life of

Bishop Dr. Holmes Williams, we remain steadfast in his enduring message that

Christ is the Answer.

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I ALWAYS REFERRED to Reverend Holmes as “My Dear Boss”. He was also a friend, “brother”, counsellor and confidant. I began work at The People’s Cathedral on February 1, 1977, as secretary to Pastor Williams. During the years, I took on various positions. Pastor Williams loved the Lord. In the early days before we had a technical team, he would arrive at the church at least an hour before the service started, to enter his sanctuary and check to make sure the sound was at the right level. All microphone cables had to fall in the same position, not some to the right and some to the left. Everything had to be done correctly because you were doing it for the Lord and the Lord deserved the very best. The pastors’ chairs and altar rails also had to be well positioned. Nothing mediocre was accepted. He was also an example of commitment and dedication. He worked long hours during the night and sometimes into early morning preparing messages for Christ Is The Answer and Good News radio broadcasts. At times when I was arriving for work around 8:30 a.m., he would be leaving to go home. Would you believe that after having worked those long hours he would be back in the office by mid-morning, ready for work again? He loved radio and in just under three years, was able to see this vision fulfilled when Christ Is The Answer (CITA) Radio became a reality. He was a stickler for time and was always early. If the church service was to start at six o’clock, six o’clock it started. Those due to minister were expected to be on time and in place. Our pastor’s exemplary example to God’s

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SISTER PHYLLIS EDGHILL, former secretary of Bishop Dr Holmes Williams. (Picture by Lennox Devonish.)

work inspired many to follow in his footsteps. He made sure his congregation was well fed spiritually and encouraged us to read the Word of God. He often told his congregation: “Read God’s Word for yourself. If I say something that is not in the Word, reject it” Pastor was humble. He never liked publicity or being in the limelight. He loved open-air crusades. I do not know if there is a playing field in Barbados on which he has not conducted a crusade. He travelled throughout the Caribbean, South America and as far afield as England, the United States, Africa and India, conducting crusades. He also loved souls and thousands were snatched from Satan’s grip for Christ, through these crusades. He was committed to “reaching the lost at any cost”. Once, on one of his many overseas crusades, he was told he would not be allowed to preach. He simply told those gathered: “Let us pray.” He preached a sermon in that prayer then gave an altar call.

Many accepted Christ as Saviour. Our beloved pastor was planning to return to open-air crusades from February. With God’s help, we will not let his vision die. Hallelujah! He encouraged our church family to support local and overseas missions with our prayers and finances and was responsible for starting an orphanage, school, and a home for seniors in Haiti. He also exposed his congregation to international ministers such as Terry Law, Sherlock Bally, Rudy Krulick, Marie Miller, the late Don Gossett and Grant Jeffrey to name a few. Our beloved pastor loved people. He was an encourager and had a big heart. He could

easily forgive anyone. He was loved by his staff, his congregation, and the many lives he touched. The word “never” was not in his vocabulary. He always felt there was a solution to every problem. He was a jovial person who enjoyed a good laugh and had a good sense of humour. He loved a cold coke. I can see him now. He would close his eyes and lick his lips after every sip. Sometimes I would enter his office or visit his home and we would talk for hours about spiritual matters, politics, world affairs, music, the school, radio, crusades or sports. He loved sports. I thank God for the wonderful privilege of having worked so closely with him for 37 years. I shall always be thankful to God for allowing our paths to cross. He truly was a visionary; one who did not allow anyone to hinder him from pursuing the work God called him to do. He has left a legacy. With God’s help, we will not let it die. Truly, he has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness. Thank you Pastor Rosie for allowing him to fulfil the vision God had called him to do and for being at his side for 54 years. – SISTER PHYLLIS EDGHILL, The People’s Cathedral.

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Reflections from BISHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS ON... . . . his call to the ministry: “I looked into those faces drenched with rain [at the Morris Cerullo crusade in 1963]. Mine was mingled with tears, and I asked God: “Where would these people go?” The response was immediate and direct. God spoke to me clearly in my spirit and said: “Give them somewhere to go.” . . . the birth of The People’s Cathedral: “One night as Rosie and I were having devotions, God spoke to me audibly concerning a spot of land with five landmarks. We prayed and asked for direction. The next morning we drove through The Pine and just kept driving around.When we got to the spot where the church now stands, Rosie saw the five landmarks. . . . the persecution he faced when he left banking to go into full-time ministry: “The church could only afford to pay me $100 a month. “My rent alone was $100 a month, but Rosie insisted that I pay tithes. “For years, I lived hearing, ‘He left the bank for money.’ It was not easy. That is why I never really wanted my children [Peter, Paul and David] to be part of the ministry. I did not want them to endure what I did. ... his stepping down as senior pastor of The People’s Cathedral in January 2010: I stepped down because I never wanted to die in office and leave the church in chaos. I’ve always sought to groom persons to take over. I’ve been mentoring and working closely with André (senior pastor Reverend Andre Symmonds) and for the first time I felt this is the man. They (Reverend Symmonds and Assistant Senior Pastor Jewell Callender) both have what it takes to take the church forward.”

BISHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS (second from right) blessing the new showrooms at Simpson Motors. With him (from left) are Sir Wesley Hall, company chaplain, Trevor Wood and Sir Kyffin Simpson. (FP)

JESSY DIXON (right) relaxing with Bishop Dr Holmes Williams. (FP)

AT LEFT: Bishop Dr Holmes Williams and Pastor André Symmonds. (FP)

“THE BEST WAY to describe Holmes is to say what was said about John the Baptist: “There was a man sent from God. There will never be another Holmes Williams. He left a legacy that cannot be ignored nor erased.” – Reverend Wayne and Carol Webster, Canada.

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by Whitney Williams, granddaughter That we got caught in this earthly fuss! We cannot say we love you, Bestie And not be happy for you now For you’ve entered into our Father’s eternal presence Before the King of Kings you bow! We cannot say we love you And not wonder what it is like To be welcomed home by the angels And the souls you’ve won to Christ! “Well done, good and faithful servant” Echoes the Holy voice Rest now my obedient son For in you I can rejoice! We cannot say we love you And let our grief overwhelm us As this would disappoint you

We cannot say we love you And not be grateful for your life So Thank you Lord Jesus For our Bestie and his wife (couldn’t leave you out Granny) Bestie, we cannot say we love you And not heed your solemn call To earnestly follow Jesus So in life we won’t permanently fall! Finally, we cannot say we love you, Bestie and not wonder how you must lonnnng To shout from the heavenly portals “Heaven is real guys, come to Jesus where you belong!” WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH BESTIE! WE WIN!

GENERAL BISHOP of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, Dr Pat Glasgow (left), presenting Bishop Holmes Williams with his doctorate in divinity. (FP) BISHOP DR HOLMES WILLIAMS loved a game of golf. Here, he watches Reverend Dr Carol Phillips practising her swing at the first tee of the Sandy Lane Golf Course. (FP)

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