The Tribune

By Vanessa C Smith

WHEN asked who Rev Dr Irvin Clarke is, one must say that he is a faithful, committed and strong servant of God full of grace and integrity.

Dr Clarke has made a decision to walk down a new path in life. After faithfully serving as pastor of Ebenezer Union Baptist Church in Exuma for 45 years, Dr Clarke is now officially retired.

In his own words: “I’m retiring from pastoring but not from preaching.”

Pastor Elect Stephen Smith along with the officers and members have planned a slew of events in appreciation and honour for a faithful pastor, leader and friend.

The events commenced on September 7 and included special gift-giving services by the Women’s Department, the Youth Department, the Ushers’ Department, the Exuma Christian Council and the Farmer’s Hill and Old Place Association through to October 12 when the official retirement service was held under the theme “A Faithful Walk”, derived from Hebrews 11:1-6.

Hundreds of family members, friends and well-wishers crowded the church on the hill to say thank you to the man of the hour.

Prime Minister Perry Christie visited Exuma just to salute and honour Dr Clarke.

In his address, the Prime Minister praised Dr Clarke as a hero of Exuma and gave his blessing – once the residents of Stuart Manor consent – to name the island’s school after Dr Clarke.

Accompanying Mr Christie on this auspicious occasion was Sir Baltron Bethel, policy advisor to the Prime Minister.

Also in attendance was Rev Dr Wilton McKenzie, Superintendent of the Bahamas Baptist Union Of Churches and Pastor of South Beach Union Baptist Church, who delivered the sermon.

Other guests included Rev Dr William Thompson, president of the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention; Rev Cedric Farquharson, president of the New Providence District Convention; Rev Heuter Rolle, Pastor of Salem Union Baptist Church; Rev Dr Ivan Butler, Pastor of Kemp Road Ministries; Rev Franklyn McKenzie, president of the Exuma Christian Council; Anthony Moss, Member of Parliament for Exuma and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government; George Smith, former Member of Parliament, and many more.

Dr Clarke and his family hosted more than 300 persons to dinner at Exuma Point in Rolleville as a gesture of appreciation for all the love and support. A luncheon was also held at Sandals Emerald Bay for all the pastors to chat one-on-one with Dr Clarke and Prime Minister Christie.

Dr Clarke said he is thankful to God for granting him strength, wisdom, knowledge and understanding over the past 45 years and is determined to continue serving his master and saviour. He encourages his successor to not measure the work with the salary.

“Do your work as if you are being given what you deserve – just preach the word, be faithful, be consistent, be honest, be truthful, be fair, be wise and use one yard stick for the entire congregation,” he said.

Dr Clarke is married to Marion Clarke. The couple is blessed with seven children – Solomon, Samuel, Bruce, Brenda, Lynden and Irvin Jr and Sharlene Carey. They have 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.