The Tribune

REV Dr E John and Lucine Newton have reached a major milestone in their lives; the couple are celebrating 60 years of marriage.

The Newtons hail from the quaint settlements of Red Bay and Lowe Sound in Andros. They met as children and went on to marry at the tender ages of 16 and 18, respectively. They are the proud parents of 12 children, three of whom predeceased them. They were married at a time when things were difficult economically and one had to work hard to make a living.

Despite this, they not only raised their family but went on to adopt five children while assisting many more families in their immediate and the wider community of Andros.

As a young couple, Rev Dr Newton earned a living from fishing and sponging, while his wife stayed at home, as was customary in those days, to care of the family. He went on to become the captain of the Madam Elizabeth at the age of 20. The boat was owned by his father-in-law, the late Rev Edgar L Rolle.

At that time, it was the only mail boat to service the entire island of Andros. Later, they ventured into their own business. They became the first owners of a furniture store in Andros. The Newtons also managed the store for eight years, and throughout that period Dr Newton developed his marketing and sales skills. This was followed by an invitation to join the American Life Insurance Company as a life underwriter.

With the approval and support of his wife, he entered the insurance world. Mrs Newton, the entrepreneur, managed the furniture store and ventured into other businesses, including a dress store, liquefied petroleum gas and tyre business. Dr Newton stayed in life insurance for 15 years where he maintained the life member designate of the MDRT for five consecutive terms.

Throughout all this, the couple never lost their focus – the love for their God. They were very active members of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Lowe Sound, Andros, where Dr Newton served as a deacon for 26 years while ‘Mother’ Newton, as she is affectionately called, was an active member of the missionary board, the prayer band and a senior member of the choir.

Later they were called to pastor the New Mount Freedom Baptist Church which Dr Newton has served for the last 35 years in Lowe Sound. It is one of the fastest growing churches in the Bahamas.

In spite of their busy church schedule, they found time for themselves. The Newtons enjoyed travelling, experiencing different cultures and people. They have travelled extensively and have visited countries in four of the five continents of the world.

Although they had no formal education, they inspired their children to love the Lord, be respectful and productive members of society. Seven of the children went on to achieve excellence in their education while two became self-made entrepreneurs.

They are the proud grandparents of 31 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

As they celebrate their 60th year of marriage, Rev Dr E John Newton and ‘Mother’ Newton can truly say. “to God be the glory! Great things He has done!”

Happy 60th anniversary comes from their children: Dennis Newton, Marina McKie, Deacon Elrona Lewis, Rosetta Booth, Anginette Munroe, Craig Newton, Rev. Sharnette Kemp, Nelson Newton and Barbara Nixon; their grand- and great-grandchildren, Minister Almetha Culmer, Darrell Rolle, Pastor Rudell Marshall; the Mount Freedom Baptist Church family, the community of Andros, friends and family throughout the Bahamas, including the Prime Minster Perry Gladstone Christie, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. Member of Parliament for North Andros and the Berry Island, and Dr Perry Gomez.