The Tribune

THE Anglican Church Men in the Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands held their 42nd ACM conference last month on the island of Providenciales.

This event was historic, as it was held for the first time outside the Bahamas.

The ACM made a decision some time ago to host most of its conferences outside New Providence, which have contributed to local economies, thereby providing sustenance.

“An important part of our fellowship allows the strength of the conference to inspire brothers in local communities to labour more intently to the honour of God,” ACM said.

The host parish for the 42nd ACM conference was Saint Monica, under the rectorship of the Rev Bernard B Been. The chairman was Brother Anthony Garland, the regional vice president, with Brother Kenneth O’Brien, Council’s Conference chairman, and Brother Kenyatta Rigby, branch president as the co-chairmen.

The conference’s theme was “Behold the Man”. The text is from Titus 2:1-2, 6-8 (RSV) and the theme song was “Make me a Blessing”.

The official opening including a solemn evensong, address and benediction of the blessed sacrament in commemoration of the Feast of St Joseph of Nazareth.

James E Palacious, Archdeacon of Administration, delivered the opening address, where he elaborated on conference’s theme and scripture.

Midday masses were led by Father Been, rector of St Monica Parish, and Father Stephen E R Davies, rector of Parish of All Saints, New Providence.

On Saturday, May 30, Bishop Laish Boyd, Sr, conducted the general election at the parish of St Monica.

Officers elected for 2015/2017 were: Dwight Gibson, president; Trevor Bethel, vice president; Kenric Major, secretary; Reina Predelus, assistant secretary; Erold Thompson, treasurer; Ken O’Brien, assistant treasurer, and Theophilis Glinton, chaplain.

Immediately after the general election, the Men and Boys Encounter took place where the young boys from the Clement Howell High School and the Turks and Caicos Institute of Professional Studies of Providenciales were led by Brother Theophilis Glinton and Brother Stephen Bellot.

After a brief tour of Providenciales, the ACM then gathered at the Long Bay Beach for a picnic. Here they enjoyed games of dominoes and good conversation on the shared history of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas history.

The 42nd ACM conference came to a close with a service on Sunday, May 31.

The celebrant and preacher was Bishop Boyd. Also present at these historic closing services were a number of government officials including the Turks and Caicos Premier Dr Rufus Ewing and Deputy Premier Akierra Missick.