The Tribune

A NEW book published by the local Anglican Diocese presents an historical account of the Anglican Church in the two island nations it presents. "The Profile of the Anglican Churches in the Diocese of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands" provides an overview of each of the 96 congregations and all serving clergy as the diocese celebrates its 150 anniversary . Bishop Laish Boyd Sr in the forward, refers to the book as historic and monumental, as it gives a snapshot of the diocese in its sesquicentennial year. He says that he trusts homes, families, children, adults, schools, libraries and the wider community wiil make use of this book in the future. The 122 page easy read begins with the history of the Anglican Church in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, followed by pertinent information on each parish and congregation. The information is presented within the context of the four archdeaconries that comprise the diocese and each section is introduced by an archdeaconry map. The idea of the commemorative book was the brainchild of committee chairperson, Tex Turnquest. The booklet was designed to provide pertinent information about each congregation at this point in the church's history. "A lot of effort went into ensuring that the book reflects each congregation in its present physical state, its current clergy membership, mission statement, serving catechist, worship information and contact information. Additionally, each parish's emblem is also included," said Turnquest. Turnquest said that he and his committee, Harriet Pratt and Robert Bartlett, owe a great degree of gratitude to Bishop Gilbert Thompson, who was a "tremendous resource person", during the production. He also thanked the four archdeacons for providing information on their archdeaconries. Turnquest hopes that Anglicans will embrace the book and include it in their libraries as a resource book. "There is still a lot more work to be done with regards to documenting our history, but at least this is a start," he said. The ten-month project included travel to many family islands. Tumquest thanked the priests in the various parishes for their assistance in the project. The Northern Archdeaconry, led by Archdeacon Harry Bain, includes the islands of Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Bimini. The East Central Archdeaconry, led by Archdeacon Kingsley Knowles, includes east New Providence, Eleuthera, Cat Island, and San Salvador. The Southern Archdeaconry, led by Archdeacon Keith Carthwright, includes the islands of Exuma, Rum Cay, Long Island, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Acklins, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Inagua, and the Turks & Caicos Islands. The West Central Archdeaconry, led by Archdeacon I. Ranfurly Brown, includes Western New Providence, Andros and the Berry Islands. Copies of the book are available in soft and hard copies at the Anglican Diocese Office, Sands Road.