The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS TODAY, I wish to deviate a bit from the norm on the page of the sporting arena to put some attention on the religion forum. My focus of attention has to do with the passing of Rev Dr David Samuel Johnson, my beloved pastor at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Fox Hill. Here's a man who is truly worthy of praise. At age 74, you could say that he lived a full life, as promised by God in surpassing three score and ten. He was a preacher, teacher and lecturer who went about in his calm, cool and collective manner doing the will of the Lord in a way that he knows best. For the past 34 years, he served as the senior pastor at Macedonia where he afforded me the opportunity to serve diligently in various aspects of the work. Additionally, he gave me permission to work outside of the fellowship in the capacity as the director of sports for the Youth Convention of the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention. In that role, our executive team was able to show our appreciation to Rev Johnson for his longevity and dedication to our organisation by naming our basketball tournament in his honour. When approached to inform him of our gesture, his first comments in a modest manner was "Why me? There are so many other people out there that you could honour." In fact, it was that type of decorum that we decided to make him our recipient. Our 15-and-under basketball team went on to win the title for the fourth consecutive year to commemorate the occasion. Rev Johnson, unknown to many, had a sporting background. During his younger days, he was one of the Bahamas' most accomplished distance runners. However, his achievements were overshadowed by the fact that the focus of attention, even back then, was always on the sprinters, thanks in part to the glaring performance of one Thomas Augustus Robinson. Even when the BSC hosted its annual Family Fun Run/Walk Race to kick off its sporting calendar, Rev Johnson religiously showed up and participated. In fact, he walked away with the pastor's trophy, just about every year that he competed. It was a remarkable achievement for a man of God, who tried to pride himself on living a healthy lifestyle, even in his old age. He was certainly a prime example to emulate. I know my life has been enriched by the relationship that me, my wife, Joan, our children, as well as my mother Berdie, developed over the years that we spent in fellowship. On behalf of my family and the executives of the BSC, I wish to extend deepest condolences to his loving wife Selina, children - Charlie, Daphne, Dave Jr and Aleta - as well as the rest of his family. May his soul rest in peace. RELIGIOUS HONOUR FOR KNOWLES On the same day as the passing of my pastor, I had the opportunity to attend a service at Mission Baptist Church where Sir Durward 'Sea Wolf' Knowles was presented with his Doctor of Humane Letters honourary degree. Ask him and the legendary sailor would tell you that in his 94 years on earth, he never envisioned having a "Dr" tagged in the front of his name from a religion forum. He felt that he was so out of place when the Atlantic College bestowed the title on him that he was actually lost for words. Doesn't sound like the 'witty' and 'colourful' speaker. Knowles can now rest comfortably after receiving recognition for his contribution in all facets of life. He came from the sea where he got started and finished on the pulpit. He's had a remarkable journey that makes for an excellent story that we can follow for years to come.